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GCC Economy Thrives on 35 Million Foreign Workers

3/10/2026

38 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Gulf Cooperation Council has 62 million people, and more than half are foreign workers.
The GCC hosts about 35 million foreign workers, primarily from South Asia.
In the United Arab Emirates, foreigners constitute about 88% of the population, with Indians and Pakistanis the largest groups.
Qatar has about 2.87 million foreign workers.
These workers play a crucial role in the region's economy and infrastructure.

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Story summary

The Gulf Cooperation Council has 62 million people, and more than half are foreign workers.
The GCC hosts about 35 million foreign workers, primarily from South Asia.
In the United Arab Emirates, foreigners constitute about 88% of the population, with Indians and Pakistanis the largest groups.
Qatar has about 2.87 million foreign workers.
These workers play a crucial role in the region's economy and infrastructure.