Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have achieved 100 percent coverage of basic health services for adolescents and young people, significantly higher than the global average of 68 percent, according to data from the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-STAT).
The figures show that the number of people aged between 10 and 24 across GCC countries reached approximately 12.8 million in 2025, representing around 20 percent of the region’s total population.
GCC countries also recorded 100 percent compliance with basic national regulations related to adolescent and youth health, compared with a global rate of 84 percent.
The results highlight regional efforts to strengthen healthcare for younger populations through broader access to essential health services and national regulatory frameworks designed to protect young people and improve standards of care.
The initiatives also reflect a growing focus on preventive healthcare, early intervention and health awareness as GCC states seek to address the evolving physical and mental health needs of adolescents and young adults.
GCC countries observe Gulf Adolescent and Youth Health Day on September 30 each year, providing a regional platform to highlight the importance of investing in young people’s health.
The annual initiative promotes preventive care, greater health awareness and the development of healthcare services tailored to the needs of adolescents and youth across the Gulf region.
