GCC Region

Some key facts about the markets we cover

Countries: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain

  • Population: Over 58 million combined (as of 2024)
  • Urbanization: Highly urbanized (over 85% of the population lives in urban areas)
  • Gender Distribution: Varies by country, but the region generally has a higher male population due to the large expat workforce, with approximately 60% male and 40% female.
  • Age Distribution: The population is generally young, with 60% under the age of 35. However, expats tend to skew toward working-age adults (25-45 years).
  • Expats vs Locals: Expats form a significant portion of the population, particularly in the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, where they make up over 70% of the total population. In Saudi Arabia and Oman, locals are the majority, but expats still make up a large part of the workforce.
  • Literacy Rates: High, with an average literacy rate of over 95%. Education is prioritized, especially in urban areas.
  • Languages: Arabic (official), English widely spoken; Hindi, Urdu, Filipino in expat communities.
  • Key Sectors: Telecom, Financial Services, E-commerce, Retail, Hospitality
  • Digital Penetration: High smartphone penetration (UAE and Saudi Arabia with over 95%); fast adoption of mobile banking and digital payment platforms
  • Consumer Behavior: High consumer spending, particularly on luxury goods, telecom services, and digital platforms. Increasing demand for online shopping, mobile banking, and digital content consumption.

Cultural Nuances: Strong emphasis on personalized services and luxury experiences; high brand loyalty but growing price sensitivity due to economic diversification and VAT implementation.