Gulf Countries Become World’s Largest Source of Outward Worker Remittances

GCC countries recorded approximately $161 billion in outward worker remittances during 2025, the highest total recorded globally.

The figure represents a 13.6% increase from 2024, with remittances accounting for approximately 6.6% of combined GCC GDP.

The increase reflects continued demand for expatriate workers as GCC economies expand infrastructure, services, industry and non-oil sectors. The combined GCC population reached approximately 63.3 million.

Why it matters: The record highlights the scale of the GCC’s expatriate workforce and the economic impact of continued investment, construction and non-oil-sector expansion.

Source : Arab News.