GCC workforce sees major shifts in public, private sectors

Data from the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Gulf States (GCC-Stat) show significant progress in the Gulf Common Market, highlighting major workforce developments in the public and private sectors of GCC countries."

"The number of GCC citizens employed in the private sector has increased, while employment in the public sector has decreased.

In 2018, 4,000 citizens from other GCC countries were employed in the UAE's public sector, a 164.1% increase from 2007. In the private sector, the number of GCC citizens working in the UAE reached 9,000 in 2021.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia saw 13 citizens from other GCC countries working in the public sector, an 8.3% increase compared to 2007. Additionally, 8,800 GCC citizens were employed in Saudi Arabia's private sector, a 658.7% rise from 2007.

In 2023, Oman's public sector saw 59 citizens from other GCC countries, a 47.5% increase compared to 2007. However, 39 citizens from other GCC countries worked in Oman's private sector, a 24.3% decrease from 2007.

The GCC continues to prioritize labor mobility among member states and the promotion of Gulf citizenship, a focus evident in decisions made by the Supreme Council since 2000. To improve workforce integration within the region, several ministerial committees have been established.