Women now make up 42% of new hires, marking a historic shift toward gender-balanced workforce growth in the GCC
The Gulf region is projected to create nearly 7 million new jobs by 2025, reflecting the region’s accelerating economic diversification and inclusive workforce policies. According to the GCC-Stat Labour Statistics 2024 report, total employment in GCC countries grew from 28 million in 2020 to 34.9 million in 2024, a 24.8% surge in just four years. The annual employment growth rate hit 5.7% in 2024, one of the highest globally, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Female workforce in GCC grows 11.6%, driving inclusive job expansion.
This robust expansion comes as Gulf governments pursue reforms to boost private sector participation and local employment. Saudi Arabia linked its Saudization targets to wage levels, encouraging private companies to hire nationals. The UAE expanded its Emiratisation programme, Nafis, to include SMEs, while Bahrain rolled out flexible work permits and wage support through Tamkeen. Qatar achieved 50% localization in energy sector roles, and Oman integrated its Job Security Fund with social protection systems to strengthen worker welfare.
Women are playing an increasingly central role in this transformation. Between 2020 and 2024, female employment in the GCC grew by 11.6%, rising from 2.8 million to 3.1 million, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Within the Gulf national workforce, female nationals increased by 3.4%, from 2.2 million in 2023 to 2.3 million in 2024. Women now account for 42% of new hires and 33% of the workforce at leading firms, though only 28% hold senior leadership roles.
Gulf governments intensify gender inclusion efforts amid demographic challenges
The gender gap remains influenced by demographics, as women make up just 36.2% of the UAE’s population and 37.2% across the GCC, largely due to male-dominated migrant labor in construction and logistics. Yet, regional leaders are doubling down on female inclusion in emerging sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and finance, aligning with national visions for diversified, knowledge-based economies.
Future of work in the Gulf: inclusive growth and economic transformation
As Gulf nations embrace artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, and green energy, they are investing heavily in education, training, and entrepreneurship to prepare a skilled, gender-balanced workforce. The integration of women into economic leadership is increasingly viewed as vital to long-term prosperity and social cohesion.
Looking ahead, the addition of 7 million new jobs by 2025 — alongside record female participation — signals a transformative leap toward a sustainable and inclusive Gulf economy. This milestone not only represents quantitative growth but also underscores qualitative progress in equality, innovation, and resilience across the region’s labor markets.
