By Ame Tam, Gulf Correspondent
Riyadh – In the Gulf, leaders aren’t just talking about economic unity — they’re acting on it. as global markets face a period of uncertainty marked by shifting trade flows, fluctuating energy prices, and rising geopolitical tensions.
In recent months, ministers and senior officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other member states have convened a series of high-level meetings aimed at aligning economic strategies. The agenda has ranged from coordinating energy diversification policies to boosting digital transformation and expanding logistics networks.
“While the energy sector remains our backbone, we cannot rely solely on oil revenues in the coming decades,” said Dr. Amal Al-Harbi, an economic adviser to the GCC Secretariat, in a recent panel discussion in Dubai. “Our shared vision focuses on innovation, green energy, and regional integration to safeguard economic stability.”
According to the International Monetary Fund’s latest regional outlook, non-oil GDP growth in the GCC is projected to reach 4.5% in 2025, fueled by investments in technology, tourism, and renewable energy. Analysts say this collaborative approach is helping the region weather global headwinds better than many emerging markets.
Beyond policy alignment, tangible projects are already taking shape. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have announced joint ventures in hydrogen production, while Qatar and Oman are working on cross-border transport corridors to enhance trade efficiency. These initiatives, experts believe, will position the Gulf as a key player in both East–West trade and the global energy transition.
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Market observers caution, however, that sustaining momentum will require continuous investment in human capital. “We must invest not just in infrastructure, but in our people—our entrepreneurs, engineers, and innovators,” said Khalid Al-Mutairi, a Riyadh-based venture capital executive. “Only then can we secure long-term resilience in a fast-changing global economy.”
As the world navigates a new economic reality, the Gulf’s mix of strategic foresight and bold investment is fast becoming a model for other regions balancing tradition with modernization.
