DUBAI – Gulf economic integration has become a major driver of investment, strengthening the region’s global economic position through diversification, financial resilience and investment in future-focused sectors, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said.
Speaking at the 15th AIM Congress in Dubai, Albudaiwi said shifting supply chains, emerging technologies and geopolitical developments are reshaping investment decisions and increasing the importance of economic resilience, institutional efficiency and strategic clarity.
GCC economies have maintained market and infrastructure stability while advancing development plans and strategic projects despite regional challenges, he said.
Albudaiwi attributed the progress to joint Gulf action since the establishment of the GCC in 1981, including the Free Trade Area, Customs Union and GCC Common Market, as well as cooperation in energy, transport and infrastructure and closer economic policy coordination.
The six GCC economies collectively rank among the world’s 10 largest, with combined gross domestic product of about $2.4 trillion, sovereign wealth fund assets exceeding $5 trillion and commercial bank assets of about $3.9 trillion in 2025, according to Albudaiwi.
National development strategies have also increased private-sector participation, strengthened regulatory frameworks and expanded investment opportunities in artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, renewable energy, industry, logistics, tourism, financial services and the knowledge economy.
The GCC’s inward foreign direct investment stock reached about $792.7 billion in 2025, including approximately $171.4 billion in intra-GCC investment, or nearly 22% of the total.
“These indicators reflect an advanced degree of economic cohesion, demonstrating that Gulf integration has itself become a powerful catalyst for investment,” Albudaiwi said.
He added that Gulf capital is increasingly supporting cross-border projects, business networks and supply chains as member states strengthen their links with global markets.
Albudaiwi said the GCC remains committed to international economic openness and long-term investment partnerships, urging global investors to view the member states as strategic partners in promoting sustainable development and shared prosperity.
