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US-Israel Conflict Puts GCC Migrant Workers at Risk

3/11/2026

32 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

More than half of the GCC's 62 million people are foreign workers from South Asia.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates host millions of these workers across multiple sectors.
The US-Israel conflict has heightened dangers for migrants in GCC countries.
Murib Zaman, a Pakistani driver in the UAE, was killed by debris from an intercepted Iranian missile.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1981, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) unites Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to enhance economic and political collaboration. By 2023, over 31 million foreign workers, mainly from South Asia, significantly bolster the economies of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Recent conflicts, including the US-Israel tensions, have heightened risks for these migrants, emphasizing their ongoing vulnerabilities.

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Story summary

More than half of the GCC's 62 million people are foreign workers from South Asia.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates host millions of these workers across multiple sectors.
The US-Israel conflict has heightened dangers for migrants in GCC countries.
Murib Zaman, a Pakistani driver in the UAE, was killed by debris from an intercepted Iranian missile.

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