Gulf youth lead global averages in programming and digital skills

Young people across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are reporting higher levels of key digital skills than the global average, particularly in programming, privacy management and information verification, according to new data from the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-STAT).

The data, published in a weekly bulletin marking International Youth Day, shows that 31.8% of GCC youth possess programming skills, compared with a global average of 6%. The regional rate is more than five times the worldwide level.

GCC youth also recorded higher rates across other digital capabilities included in the data. Privacy settings skills were reported by 75.9% of young people in the GCC, compared with 34% globally, while 61.6% reported information-verification skills, against a global average of 24%.

Social networking was among the most widely reported capabilities, with 95.2% of GCC youth possessing these skills, compared with 68% globally. The data also showed that 100% of GCC youth had file-copying skills, compared with a global average of 54%.

The findings come as GCC countries continue to invest in education, digital capabilities and workforce development as their economies undergo wider technological transformation. Government spending on education in some GCC countries reached around 17% in 2024, compared with a global average of 12.6%, according to the bulletin.

Digital and information and communication technology skills are becoming increasingly relevant to employment, entrepreneurship and innovation, while capabilities such as privacy management and information verification are also important as individuals navigate an increasingly digital economy.

The indicators are linked to broader efforts to prepare younger generations for changing labor-market requirements and support the development of skills relevant to employment and entrepreneurship. They also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including targets aimed at increasing the number of young people and adults with skills needed for decent work and entrepreneurship by 2030.

The GCC-STAT figures point to a significant digital skills advantage among young people in the region across the five areas measured, as Gulf countries continue to develop their human capital alongside investments in digital infrastructure and technology.