The Challenges of the GCC Young Population
Young people make up one-third to one-half of the population of the GCC countries, presenting GCC governments with an opportunity to propel their nations forward.
A recent survey conducted by Booz & Company showed that despite solid economic growth, technological improvements, and increased expenditure on education, GCC countries’ socioeconomic systems have not yet evolved sufficiently to meet the basic aspirations of their youth, who are seeking both social recognition and economic empowerment. As a matter of fact, young people make up one-third to one-half of the population of the GCC countries, presenting GCC governments with an opportunity to propel their nations forward.
When asked “What is your major priority/ambition in life?”, about 45% gave top ranking to completing their education, 17% said that finding a job was their first priority and 10% noted their top priority was to get married and start a family.
Booz & Company conducted a survey of 415 young nationals aged 15 to 24 in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, focusing on the areas most relevant to young people today: education, employment, gender gap, leisure activities and community engagement. According to Booz & Company, the region needs a new paradigm that puts the region’s youth at the forefront of national policies, and involves young people themselves in building their future.
Education was a major focus of the Booz & Company survey. When asked “What is your major priority/ambition in life?”, about 45% gave top ranking to completing their education, 17% said that finding a job was their first priority and 10% noted their top priority was to get married and start a family.
However, when it comes to the quality of their education, the primary beneficiaries of the GCC’s efforts are not happy. When asked, “To what extent do you think the education system of your country has prepared you/is preparing you to find a job?”, about 19% said to a large extent, 50% answered to some extent, 20% said to a lesser extent and 11% considered that the educational system in their country did not prepare them at all in finding a job. The results were similar when Booz & Company asked, “To what extent do you think the education system in your country has prepared you/is preparing you to succeed in your chosen career?”: 22% responded to a large extent, 49% to some extent, 18% to a lesser extent and 10% not at all.
On the other hand, the Middle East currently has among the highest unemployment rates in the world for people between the ages of 15 and 24. According to the International Labor Organization, the 2009 youth unemployment rate of 24.9% was nearly double the global rate of 12.8%. Unemployment looms as a huge worry for young people, with 87% of Booz & Company’s survey respondents describing it as a major problem.
The article above has been published as a part of Bank Audi`s MENA Weekly Monitor of Week 39 (2011). It can be accessed via Internet at the following web address: http://www.banqueaudi.com
Picture Credit: Booz & Company