Country: Arab region, Kingdom of Bahrain, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, State of Kuwait, Lebanese Republic, Sultanate of Oman, State of Palestine, State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Yemen
Publication Type: Policy briefs
Cluster: Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development
Focus Area: Gender equality, Inclusive development
Initiatives: Reducing inequalities, Women’s economic empowerment
SDGs: Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Keywords: Arab countries, Bahrain, Economic conditions, Egypt, Family income, Family welfare, Gender equality, Gulf states, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Labour market, Lebanon, Middle east, Migrant workers, Oman, Poverty mitigation, Qatar, Remittances, Risk assessment, Saudi arabia, State of palestine, United arab emirates, War, Women migrant workers, Yemen
A Shock that Travels: Remittances Under Pressure in the Arab Region
September 2026
The resumption of hostilities in the Middle East in July 2026 has had economic repercussions across the Arab region, including in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, through disruptions to trade, energy, logistics and investment. These disruptions could have implications for the estimated 28 million foreign workers in GCC countries, including risks of job losses, lower earnings, legal insecurity and repatriation.
The present joint policy brief by UN-Women and ESCWA examines how the effects of an economic slowdown in GCC countries can be transmitted through remittance flows to households in countries of origin. It identifies the GCC economies, sectors and Arab migrant groups most exposed, and assesses the reliance of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Yemen on remittances from the GCC. The brief also reviews early data on increased transfers at the onset of the crisis and considers the factors that may explain this trend. Particular attention is given to the experiences of women as migrant domestic and care workers, as recipients and managers of remittances, and as shock absorbers within their households. The brief concludes with practical measures for GCC countries, countries of origin and regional partners aimed at protecting migrant workers, sustaining remittance flows and safeguarding progress towards gender equality.
Related content
Gender equality, Inclusive development
The resumption of hostilities in the Middle East in July 2026 has had economic repercussions across the Arab region, including in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, through disruptions to trade, energy, logistics and investment. These disruptions could have implications for the estimated 28 million foreign workers in GCC countries, including risks of job losses, lower earnings, legal insecurity and repatriation.
The present joint policy brief by UN-Women and ESCWA examines how the effects of an economic slowdown in GCC countries can be transmitted through remittance flows to households in countries of origin. It identifies the GCC economies, sectors and Arab migrant groups most exposed, and assesses the reliance of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Yemen on remittances from the GCC. The brief also reviews early data on increased transfers at the onset of the crisis and considers the factors that may explain this trend. Particular attention is given to the experiences of women as migrant domestic and care workers, as recipients and managers of remittances, and as shock absorbers within their households. The brief concludes with practical measures for GCC countries, countries of origin and regional partners aimed at protecting migrant workers, sustaining remittance flows and safeguarding progress towards gender equality.
