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Read on Retirement: GCC

A moment of opportunity

As GCC economies continue to prioritize economic diversification and workforce competitiveness, retirement systems are becoming increasingly important policy infrastructure. We surveyed 1,000 working individuals across KSA and the UAE to better understand attitudes toward financial wellbeing, retirement readiness and long-term savings behavior.
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The GCC's workforce is motivated to save. The right infrastructure turns intent into impact.

Our findings reveal a workforce that feels broadly confident about its financial position today, but materially less certain about the future. While the motivation to save exists across the region, many workers continue to operate without the structures, guidance and workplace frameworks needed to translate that intent into long-term retirement security.

At a time when retirement reform is rising higher on the policy agenda across the GCC, the findings point to a significant opportunity for policymakers, employers and financial institutions to strengthen retirement outcomes while supporting broader economic transformation goals.

Key findings

78%
feel positive about their financial wellbeing today
48%
feel prepared for retirement
92%
would save more with better incentives
89%
find a Defined Contribution scheme appealing
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Challenges in achieving financial wellbeing

1. Confident about today. Uncertain about tomorrow.

78% of Workers across KSA and UAE feel positive about their financial present but much less secure about their financial futures. Cost pressures continue to dominate financial decision-making, limiting the ability of many households to prioritize long-term investing even where the motivation exists.

• 69% worry unexpected expenses would be difficult or impossible to meet

• 68% can afford only a basic lifestyle and little more

• 59% do not feel able to plan for the future due to current financial pressures

• 58% worry they will outlive their savings

2. Preparing for retirement is a challenge.

While three-quarters of respondents claim to have begun preparing for retirement, fewer than 3 in 10 are contributing capital to pensions or dedicated retirement vehicles. Many continue to rely on fragmented savings arrangements that may provide flexibility, but do not necessarily support sustainable long-term retirement income.
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3. Addressing the empowerment gap.

Few confidently understand their retirement savings options, even those closest to retirement. Respondents have trusted sources of information whom they need to explain what their target pot should be, how to get there and how long it will last when they do.

36%
do not know where to get good, unbiased information
32%
do not know how much to save each month
26%
do not know what options are available
22%
find available information confusing or unhelpful
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Read on Retirement: GCC, BlackRock, June 2026

4. Robust frameworks drive better outcomes.

Only 6% expect to rely on an employer-provided workplace savings scheme for retirement income. Yet almost 9 in 10 find a defined contribution workplace retirement savings plan appealing. Providing access to workplace savings schemes can be hugely on confidence levels. Expats with access to a workplace scheme are 43% more likely to feel prepared.


• UAE Nationals: 40% very appealing, 53% quite appealing,7% other

• UAE Expats: 41%very appealing, 50% quite appealing, 9% other

Download Read on Retirement – GCC

June 2026
Our latest research explores the structural barriers, opportunities and trends shaping retirement preparedness across the GCC. The report examines how governments, employers and financial institutions can help strengthen long-term financial resilience while supporting broader economic transformation agendas.
Download the report Download the report
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BlackRock Middle East

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Our Middle East team works with institutional investors, wealth managers and policymakers across the GCC. To find out more about BlackRock's research or retirement solutions, please complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.

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  • Workers are financially positive today but less prepared for retirement.

  • They create structure, support consistent saving, and improve confidence.

  • Workers want clarity on retirement pots, investment growth, and income sustainability.

  • The findings suggest the GCC retirement market is ready for further reform. Governments, employers and financial institutions all have an opportunity to improve retirement outcomes through stronger workplace savings frameworks, clearer guidance and more accessible long-term investment solutions.