Muscat: The 2024 edition revealed a population increase from 56.6 million in 2022 to 57.6 million in 2023, with males comprising 62.4% and females 37.6% of the population. The population density stood at 23.9 people per square kilometer, across the 2.4 million square kilometers of the region.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Jassim Mohammed Al-Badawi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, emphasized the critical role of statistics in driving development.

Ms. Intisar bint Abdullah Mubarak Al Wahaibi, Director General of the GCC Statistical Center, highlighted the innovative approach of integrating geospatial information systems, enabling deeper data analysis and accessibility.

The Atlas reported a significant rise in the workforce, with 33.1 million workers in 2023, up from 30.3 million in 2022. Additionally, 45 million people of working age (15 years and older) were recorded. In education, 8.9 million school-age students and 712,400 early childhood students were documented for 2021/2022.

Health statistics revealed 843 government hospitals, representing 58.4% of all hospitals in 2022, with a total of 122,100 hospital beds. The ratio of doctors and nurses per 10,000 people stood at 29.6 and 61.2, respectively.

The GCC region showcased advancements in water management, with 214.1 billion cubic liters of rainfall and significant growth in desalination. Foreign trade hit $1.48 trillion in 2023, with oil exports comprising 63.8% of total Gulf exports.

The region’s GDP reached $2.11 trillion in 2023, although growth slowed by 3.5%. Tourism flourished, with 68.1 million visitors and 696,600 hotel rooms across 10,900 establishments.

The GCC saw 94.9 million mobile subscriptions in 2023, reflecting its growing connectivity and technological adaptation.