The Gulf Cooperation Council Region – A Labour Market Analysis

Expatriates make up a high proportion of the total population in the GCC countries4 and have even outnumbered nationals in many of these countries, accounting for an average of 70 per cent of the employed population in the region,5 and about 95 per cent of private sector workers in Qatar and the UAE.6 During the pandemic, a large number of the expatriate workforce bore the brunt of the economic do. [...] The Chief of State is the Emir, who is responsible for appointing the Prime Minister from within the ranks of the ruling Al-Sabah family.61 The executive powers of the State are vested in the Cabinet Council of Ministers which is selected by the Prime Minister. [...] The legislative, executive, and judicial powers lie in the hands of the Sultan, who acts as Head of State and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.85 He is assisted by the Council of Ministers, who aid in formulating State policies and also overlook its implementation in the country. [...] Qatar is bordered by Saudi Arabia on the south and shares its maritime borders with countries like Bahrain, Iran and the UAE.121 Doha, the largest city and the capital is also commercial centre comprising of about half of the country’s population.122 As an absolute monarchy, the Emir acts as the head of the state, head of the executive as well as the head of the legislative. [...] The ruling King has the title of the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques" and is the Head of the State.