GCC remittances soar to record $161 billion in 2025, up 13.6%

In 2025, expatriates from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries sent a record $161 billion in remittances, marking a significant 13.6% increase from the previous year, 2024, as reported by the GCC Statistical Center in their comprehensive study titled "Remittances from GCC countries abroad, 2025." The report reveals that the GCC collectively holds the highest value of outward remittances globally, an increase of around $19 billion compared to 2024.

This upward trend signifies the second consecutive year of growth in remittances, following a decline in 2023. The total amount of remittances reached an all-time high in 2025. The ratio of remittances to the GCC's GDP rose to approximately 6.6% in 2025, up from 6% in 2024, 5.7% in 2023, and 5.6% in 2022. The report also highlights that the GCC countries sent higher amounts of remittances than several major economies, including the United States ($107 billion), Switzerland ($43 billion), Germany ($27 billion), and France ($21 billion).

These inflows are attributed to the continued influx of expatriate workers and the expansion of economic activities related to infrastructure projects, services, industry, and non-oil sectors.