GCC Women Propel Growth in Key Sectors

Apr 23, 2026

65 min

Apr 23, 2026 00:31

GCC statistics highlight women’s key role in health, education, tourism

## Rising Female Workforce

The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) has highlighted the significant role women play in the development of GCC nations. A report released by the centre underscores the increasing participation of women in the workforce, particularly in health, education, and tourism sectors.

## Population and Employment Growth

Between 2019 and 2024, the female population in GCC countries grew by 15.8%, reaching approximately 22.9 million. Women aged 15-39 years make up 60.3% of this population, while those of working age (15-64 years) account for 69.5%. Employment among women rose from 5.7 million in 2020 to 7.3 million in 2025, with national women making up 40.5% of employed nationals.

## Labour Market Participation

Female labour force participation increased to 39.3% in 2025, while unemployment among women decreased by 26.1% from 2020 to 2025. The share of women employed in the government sector rose to 34.8%, and in the private sector to 5.3%.

## Sector Contributions

Women are pivotal in health and education, comprising 73.76% of nursing staff and 63.8% of general education teachers. In higher education, they represent 41.2% of the workforce. In tourism, women accounted for 13.2% of the workforce in 2024, with a 9.5% annual growth in female employment from 2019 to 2024.

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