Dynamics of socio-demographic changes in GCC countries

Population change is dramatic in many parts of the world mainly because of economic reason on the one hand and the society changes rapidly as a result of sustainable human development and technology improvement on the other. The success of a country is largely embedded with clear targeted visions and long term policy actions. Although the dynamics of population and socio-economic linkages are evident for developed countries, however, it is a bit mist for some oil rich wealthy countries particularly in the Middle-East. Yet little is known about the socio-demographic changes of Middle-Eastern countries and its human resources. Therefore, the paper aims to examine the level and trends of population in six GCC countries (Saudi, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait) and its continuous growth of human resources and development. The paper uses available secondary sources of data from various reliable sources and attempts to make a comparative study among all six neighboring nations. The mechanisms of population change are reviewed in the paper and it is revealed that fertility is falling dramatically in all GCC countries and so does the life expectancy. They are the main determinants of future population changes and ageing in GCC countries. The paper indicates how the GCC countries can utilize its large bulge of youth and older population for nation building purposes by investing in people for capacity building. Finally, the paper briefly lays out some policy implications.