Leaders
Meet in Manama for 46th GCC Summit, Charting a Future of Enhanced
Integration, Prosperity

Muscat, 1 Dec
2025 (ONA) — The convening of the forty-sixth Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit,
to be held this Wednesday in the Bahraini capital of Manama, embodies the
collective aspirations of the member states’ citizens for deeper cooperation,
comprehensive integration, and strengthened bonds across all levels. His
Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will lead the delegation of the Sultanate of
Oman participating in this pivotal gathering, alongside Their Majesties and
Highnesses the esteemed leaders of the GCC member states.

The summit
deliberations are anticipated to encompass a thorough review of the joint Gulf
cooperative journey across all political, economic, and security domains. This
review will be guided by the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses the
Council’s leaders. The agenda will also facilitate a strategic exchange of
perspectives on current international and regional developments and their
implications for regional security and stability. Furthermore, discussions will
focus on the concerted endeavours of the GCC member states to propel
initiatives aimed at establishing comprehensive peace in the region and forging
unified stances in response to evolving regional dynamics.

Jassem Mohammed
Al Budaiwi, GCC Secretary-General, underscored the imperative to reinforce the
various pillars of Gulf, regional, and international collaboration. He
expressed his profound hope that the Bahrain Summit will yield constructive
resolutions and recommendations, thereby contributing a new cornerstone to the
illustrious edifice of the Council’s blessed march. He affirmed that the
substantive breadth and depth of these agenda items vividly reflect the
Council’s considerable regional and international stature. They also cement the
reality that the achievements secured by the member states on the path to Gulf
integration—a paramount objective of Their Majesties and Highnesses the
Council’s leaders—are advancing resolutely in the correct direction, fully
aligned with the Gulf peoples’ aspirations and ambitions for greater unity and
shared prosperity.

The
forty-fifth Gulf Summit, hosted by the State of Kuwait in December 2024,
achieved consensus on several key fronts. These included expanding the adoption
of clean energy, boosting the investments of Gulf sovereign wealth funds in
technology sectors and the green transition, and reaffirming support for the
trajectory of economic integration and the advancement of joint action in the
fields of energy, food security, and climate. The summit also saw the adoption
of unified positions regarding emerging issues, the endorsement of several
joint economic initiatives, and the approval of an executive plan for the GCC
states’ economic vision initiatives. This plan includes linkages to strategic
transportation projects, electrical interconnection grids, and artificial
intelligence, while reiterating a commitment to financial stability and the
development of harmonized policies to attract foreign investment.

The GCC economies demonstrated balanced and
resilient performance throughout 2024. The aggregate real Gross Domestic
Product growth rate reached approximately 1.9 percent, primarily propelled by
robust growth in non-oil sectors, which expanded by 4.4 percent. Economic
projections indicate a gradual acceleration in real growth across the GCC,
forecast to reach 2.8 percent in 2025, 3.7 percent in 2026, and ascend to 4.3
percent by 2027. This positive trajectory is underpinned by expanding
investments in pivotal sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, manufacturing
industries, and advanced technology.

Data from the GCC
Statistical Centre revealed that foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to the
member states amounted to approximately US 523.4 billion in the year 2023. This
substantial figure serves as a resounding affirmation of the escalating
confidence of the international community in the Gulf’s business and investment
landscape.

The detailed
statistics further illustrate that FDI flows into the GCC states constituted
roughly 5 percent of total global flows during 2023. Concurrently, the volume
of intra-Gulf investments has demonstrated significant growth, ascending from US
88.2 billion in 2015 to US 130.3 billion in 2023—a sum equivalent to 20 percent
of the total foreign investment stock within the region.

The external
merchandise trade of the GCC bloc registered a modest growth of 1.1 percent
throughout 2024. This resilience is noteworthy given the backdrop of declining
average oil prices, which fell from US 82.5 per barrel in 2023 to US 80.5 per
barrel in 2024.

Non-oil
exports from the member states achieved a marked and commendable increase, a
clear testament to the tangible progress being made in diversifying the
economic and export base. Re-export activities also enjoyed sustained growth,
bolstered by the region’s advanced and sophisticated logistical hubs.

Aggregate
public revenues for the GCC nations reached approximately US 670.2 billion in
2024, representing an annual increase of 2 percent. Public expenditure was
recorded at US 659.3 billion. This fiscal performance underscores the prudent
commitment of Gulf governments to advancing public financial discipline and
strategically channelling expenditure towards vital national development,
infrastructure enhancement, and social welfare programs.

The data also
highlighted a growing contribution of non-oil revenues to the total public
income. This positive trend is attributed to the implementation of indirect
taxation frameworks, such as value-added tax (VAT) and selective taxes, coupled
with enhanced fiscal collection efficiency achieved through digital
transformation in public financial management.

Gulf financial
markets showcased robust and positive performance indicators in 2024. The
aggregate market capitalization of the region’s exchanges ascended to
approximately US 4.2 trillion. This strong showing persisted despite a climate
of global market uncertainty, largely driven by monetary policy tightening in
the United States. The performance was underpinned by improved corporate
profitability, moderated inflation levels, and the steady influx of
institutional investment into key economic sectors.

The GCC
summits stand as the paramount forum for crafting cooperative policies and
strategic frameworks among the member states across the critical domains of
security, economy, defense, and sustainable development. These gatherings
embody the enduring spirit of solidarity and integration that has been the
foundation of the Cooperation Council for over four decades.

In a special
interview with Oman News Agency (ONA), Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashel Al Maskari, Head
of the Department for the Gulf Cooperation Council and Regional Neighborhood,
affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman, under the sagacious leadership of His
Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, reiterates its unwavering commitment to
bolstering the march of the Gulf Cooperation Council and strengthening the
frameworks for collective action among its sisterly nations. He emphasized that
the Council’s cohesion and the unity of perspectives on shared regional
concerns constitute indispensable pillars for safeguarding security and
stability and propelling comprehensive development trajectories across the
member states.

This
principled Omani stance, he noted, is consistently manifested through active
and constructive participation in all GCC summits, ministerial meetings, and
specialized committees. This engagement springs from the Sultanate of Oman’s
profound conviction in the imperative of deepening integration across all
political, economic, social, and developmental spheres—a commitment that
amplifies the Council’s collective capacity to navigate regional challenges and
forge a more prosperous future for its peoples.

He further indicated that Oman Vision 2040 is
strategically aligned with the overarching visions of fellow GCC states, all of
which prioritize citizen welfare and quality of life at the heart of their
joint endeavours. The Sultanate of Oman places particular emphasis on
collaborative projects in trade, services, connectivity, and infrastructure,
recognizing these as fundamental components of the Gulf economic integration
journey. It is anticipated that these pivotal subjects will command prioritized
attention in the deliberations of the leadership and specialized ministerial
committees, thereby fulfilling the objectives of the common Gulf market and
reinforcing all concerted efforts to advance economic and investment
cooperation.

The forthcoming summit is anticipated
to concentrate decisively on advancing the agenda of economic integration and
fortifying shared developmental frameworks, alongside the coordination of
political positions regarding regional and international developments. The
Sultanate of Oman approaches these pivotal matters from a foundational
principle dedicated to consolidating the unity and solidity of the Gulf front.
It underscores the paramount importance of adopting dialogue, diplomacy, and
mediation rooted in positive neutrality as the principal methodology for
addressing regional issues and securing enduring peace and stability. The
Sultanate of Oman further posits that sustainable economic cooperation
necessitates the cultivation of broader strategic partnerships and a more
profound diversification of income sources.

Sheikh Al Maskari clarified that the
Sultanate of Oman stands firmly in support of all endeavours aimed at deepening
economic integration among the Council’s member states. Oman accords supreme
priority to the development, expansion, and enhancement of the GCC electrical
grid interconnection project. This commitment is paralleled by robust support
for cooperative ventures in both conventional and renewable energy sectors,
including green hydrogen initiatives, all of which serve to strengthen energy
supply security and market stability.

On the commercial front, the Sultanate
of Oman endorses any measure that contributes to amplifying the volume of
intra-Gulf trade and investment, reducing customs tariffs, and improving the
overall business climate. This support is strategically aligned with a focus on
empowering the private sector and bolstering non-oil economic sectors, in full
consonance with the strategic directives of Oman Vision 2040. Within the
Council’s institutional framework, Oman works diligently to extend bridges of
cooperation with parallel economic blocs and influential global economic
actors.

The Sultanate of Oman monitors regional
developments through a principled approach that advocates for de-escalation and
champions dialogue as the indispensable pathway for resolving regional
disputes. It maintains a firm conviction that its steadfast policy of
moderation, positive neutrality, and mediation actively contributes to the
enhancement of regional security and stability. Oman perceives that the complex
challenges encircling the region mandate exceptionally close coordination among
Council members to safeguard their collective interests, ensure the security of
vital maritime passages, and uphold the tenets of international law. It is
noteworthy that the unified positions of the Gulf Cooperation Council in
regional and international fora represent a significant strategic asset. These
positions amplify collective Arab action on the global stage and make a
substantive contribution to the achievement of both regional and international
security and stability.

The Council states are actively
deliberating the initiative for a unified Gulf tourist visa, often referred to
as the “Gulf Schengen.” This visa is slated for implementation
following the fulfilment of requisite technical and legal prerequisites. Once
operational, it will permit travellers streamlined access to all member states
with a single visa, a development poised to significantly stimulate tourism and
economic circulation within the GCC bloc.

Addressing the critical importance of a
unified Gulf stance in the face of global challenges and conflicts, Sheikh Al
Maskari affirmed that coordination and consultation among Council members are
both continuous and deeply institutionalized. The Sultanate of Oman holds the
view that harmonizing Gulf positions has evolved from a strategic preference
into an imperative necessity. This is particularly true in light of
multifaceted global political and economic challenges, encompassing
geopolitical crises, volatility in energy markets, and transformative shifts
within the international order. There is no doubt that concerted coordination
and consultation aimed at presenting a united front significantly augments the
Council’s collective bargaining power. It enables the alignment of economic,
fiscal, and monetary policies, safeguards member states’ interests in
engagements with international powers, and plays a crucial role in protecting
energy security and ensuring market stability.

He elaborated that the upcoming phase
presents a tangible opportunity to substantially deepen cooperation across a
spectrum of critical areas, including trade, energy, investment, advanced
technologies, and future-oriented industries. The comprehensive national
modernization visions pursued by the Council states—among them Oman Vision
2040—are actively creating a more attractive and conducive environment for
joint investments. These visions prioritize the development of key sectors such
as tourism, logistics, and technology-driven industries, with the overarching
goal of reducing hydrocarbon dependence through systematic income source
diversification.

Regarding strategic partnerships and
cybersecurity, he stated that the competent Omani government bodies lend their
full support to the ongoing steps designed to enhance collective cybersecurity
capabilities among GCC states. This vital cooperation is centered on
harmonizing policies, developing national and regional capacities, facilitating
the timely exchange of threat intelligence, and ultimately constructing a
cohesive and resilient Gulf cybersecurity architecture capable of effectively
countering evolving threats.

He highlighted that the GCC electrical
interconnection grid is now fully operational and has already yielded
considerable economic and technical benefits. The Sultanate of Oman is
committed to its further development and the expansion of its capacities.
Concerning the landmark Gulf Railway project, implementation is advancing with
determined and steady progress. This transformative initiative represents a
qualitative leap forward in the Gulf integration journey, promising to
significantly enhance the fluidity of goods trade and the ease of cross-border
movement for citizens.

In conclusion, Sheikh Al Maskari,
stated that the Council states are expected to concentrate their collective
efforts on reaffirming Gulf unity, protecting regional security and stability,
endorsing diplomatic solutions and peaceful conflict resolution, respecting
state sovereignty, coordinating on energy security and global market stability,
fostering balanced regional and international partnerships, and invigorating
constructive dialogue with neighboring states. The imperative for coordination
and cooperation across all domains commands attention at the highest levels,
ensuring a unified and influential GCC position in international forums.

Dr. Youssef Abdulkarim Al Boujairi,
Director General of Legal Affairs and Human Rights of Bahrain, remarked that
the Kingdom of Bahrain has the honour of hosting the forty-sixth session of the
GCC Supreme Council. This occasion follows nearly four decades of sustained
joint Gulf action, a journey that has attained remarkable levels of solidarity
and tangible achievement across the Council’s diverse cycles.

He added, “We look to this year’s
Bahrain Summit to fulfill a portion of the lofty aspirations of Their Majesties
and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states, and to correspondingly meet the
hopes of the Gulf peoples for greater progress, welfare, and prosperity. We are
presented with an extensive agenda encompassing social, economic, cultural, and
investment files. This is in addition to examining several axes of the
strategic relations that bind the Council states to nations across the globe,
alongside the promising future trajectories these relations entail.”

He indicated that the economic
dimension remains a cornerstone for reinforcing Gulf interconnectedness and
social cohesion, and for facilitating the seamless movement of people and
goods—factors indispensable to the region’s continued prosperity.

He pointed out that among the most
salient items on the summit’s agenda is the pivotal agreement for the Gulf
Railway project, which will physically link all six member states. This
monumental undertaking stands today as a crucial milestone in materializing the
vision of the Council’s leaders and the aspirations of its citizens. This
long-held vision is now on the cusp of realization, with the agreement
anticipated for formal signing during the proceedings of the forty-sixth
summit.

He noted that the file pertaining to
connectivity in civil aviation is of particular significance. The civil
aviation authorities within the GCC have achieved substantial strides in
enhancing air connectivity, thereby cementing the region’s status as a vital
global aviation hub. The establishment of the GCC Civil Aviation Organization
marks a significant institutional advancement within the framework of joint
Gulf action.

He clarified that the summit will also
deliberate on numerous initiatives designed to strengthen linkages and foster
greater communication and solidarity among member states. While certain
challenges may arise in pursuit of these ambitious goals, the concrete
accomplishments attained thus far offer resounding proof that the collective
Gulf vision continues to advance steadily, day by day.

It is noted that a preparatory meeting
of the GCC Foreign Ministers convened in Manama. During this meeting, the State
of Kuwait formally transferred the presidency of the Ministerial Council to the
Kingdom of Bahrain.

— Ends/Khalid