|  | | 10/7/2026 9:45 AM |  شوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي | 10/7/2026 | Secretary General | | 10 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the 15th Consultative Meeting between Their Excellencies the Ministers of Commerce and Heads of the Federations of GCC Chambers represents a strategic dialogue platform bringing together policymakers and decision-makers on one side and private sector representatives on the other.
His Excellency affirmed that the meeting constitutes the highest level of engagement between government officials and the private sector, aimed at cementing joint cooperation, stimulating economic growth across GCC member states, and addressing regional and global economic challenges facing the Gulf private sector.
His Excellency’s remarks were delivered during the 15th Consultative Meeting between Their Excellencies the Ministers of Commerce and Heads of the Federations of GCC Chambers, held today, Wednesday (October 7, 2026), in the Bahraini capital, Manama, chaired by His Excellency Mr Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session. The meeting was attended by Their Excellencies the Ministers of Commerce and Heads of Chambers across GCC member states.
During his address, His Excellency the Secretary General highlighted the vital and prominent role played by the private sector in achieving the national objectives of GCC member states and advancing joint Gulf cooperation. He noted that the consultative meeting convenes to shed light on the challenges facing the Gulf private sector and overcome them through appropriate solutions, in line with the wise directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states, who remain committed to supporting this sector and empowering it to play an active role in achieving economic integration among member states.
Concluding his address, His Excellency expressed his aspiration that the 15th Consultative Meeting will focus efforts on the agenda items to generate initiatives that support private sector growth across GCC member states, serving as a powerful economic engine that contributes to economic stability and development, as well as bolsters the Council's global standing as a leading financial, investment, and economic hub.
| | | HE GCCSG: 15th Consultative Meeting Between Ministers of Commerce and Heads of GCC Chambers Aims to Enhance Joint Cooperation and Stimulate Economic Growth Across GCC States | 2026 | | | | 10/7/2026 10:44 AM | شوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي | 10/7/2026 | Secretary General | | 10 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an active and pivotal role in achieving the national visions of GCC member states and advancing the journey of joint Gulf action.
His Excellency’s remarks came during his address at the 6th Consultative Meeting between Their Excellencies the Ministers of Commerce and Industry of the GCC and Gulf Entrepreneurs, held today, Tuesday (October 6, 2026), in the Bahraini capital, Manama, chaired by His Excellency Mr Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session, and in the presence of Their Excellencies the Ministers of Commerce and Industry of the GCC member states alongside Gulf entrepreneurs.
During his address, His Excellency the Secretary General stated that the 6th Consultative Meeting serves to identify the challenges and obstacles confronting this sector, actively work to overcome them, and devise appropriate solutions, guided by the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states to prioritise SMEs and empower them to play an effective role in achieving economic integration among member states, while sustaining efforts to foster an enabling and integrative environment for their growth.
In the same vein, His Excellency pointed out that the consultative meeting reaffirms the importance of public-private partnerships, particularly with SMEs, and underscores the commitment to establishing a dialogue platform between policymakers, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs. This engagement aims to support and accelerate economic growth across GCC states while addressing the regional and international economic challenges confronting the Gulf private sector.
| | | HE GCCSG: SMEs Play an Active and Pivotal Role in Achieving GCC National Visions and Advancing Joint Gulf Action | 2026 | | | | 10/6/2026 11:11 AM | شوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي | 10/6/2026 | Secretary General | | 10 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), condemned in the strongest terms the two flagrant attacks carried out by the terrorist Houthi militia targeting facilities at King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan and Najran International Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
His Excellency affirmed that targeting airports and civilian infrastructure constitutes a dangerous escalation, a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, and a direct threat to civilian safety and civil aviation.
"The Houthi militia’s persistent targeting of civilian and vital installations across the Kingdom reflects an unacceptable aggressive posture and blatant disregard for the rules of international law and international humanitarian law," His Excellency stressed.
He underscored the imperative for the international community to assume its responsibilities and adopt a decisive stance against these attacks, hold the perpetrators accountable, and halt these systematic terrorist practices that jeopardise regional security, stability, and international air navigation.
Concluding his statement, His Excellency the Secretary General reiterated that GCC member states stand united alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, fully supporting all measures and procedures it undertakes to safeguard its security, stability, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents.
His Excellency conveyed his sincere wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in these two attacks, praying to Allah the Almighty to protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its Leadership, and its brotherly people from all harm, and to preserve its enduring security and stability.
| | | HE GCCSG Condemns in the Strongest Terms Terrorist Houthi Attacks Targeting Jazan and Najran Airports in Saudi Arabia | 2026 | | | | 10/6/2026 2:44 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 10/6/2026 | Secretary General | | 10 | Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), attended the opening of the First “Made in the GCC 2026” Forum and Exhibition, held under the theme “Toward a More Integrated, Competitive, and Future-Ready Gulf Industrial Economy” on Tuesday (October 6, 2026), at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir, jointly organised by the GCC General Secretariat and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
At the outset of his address, HE the Secretary General extended his sincere thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, for his generous royal patronage, and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for gracing this GCC event with his presence, which reflects the profound attention accorded to joint Gulf industrial action. His Excellency also expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, for the warm hospitality and exceptional organisation.
“Made in the GCC 2026 embodies a shared vision agreed upon by the Leaders of the GCC states that industry is a foundational pillar for diversifying the Gulf economy, and that the strength of our economies is measured not only by the resources we possess, but by what we produce and export,” His Excellency said.
He added that the forum carries a clear message that Gulf products should be the first choice for consumers and investors, both within member states and across global markets.
“This vision did not emerge in a vacuum; joint Gulf industrial action has been built over the years upon a solid foundation of policies and resolutions, unifying standards and specifications, facilitating the movement of industrial goods and materials, protecting Gulf products, promoting fair competition, and supporting supply chain integration. As a result, GCC states today host more than 22,000 factories employing over 1.7 million workers, with manufacturing contributing 13% to the GCC’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” HE the Secretary General explained.
In the same context, His Excellency pointed out that the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee plays a pivotal role at the heart of this journey in advancing Gulf industrial integration. He stressed that the Committee’s efforts have yielded significant milestones, most notably unifying key industrial legislation, adopting the GCC Industrial Strategy 2022–2030, empowering national products, and extending collective protection to Gulf industries.
On the industrial investment front, HE the Secretary General noted that GCC states launched an ambitious project aimed at identifying 20 joint Gulf industrial investment opportunities, having completed five opportunities in its first phase, approved by the Industrial Cooperation Committee, to serve as a foundation for subsequent ventures.
Elaborating further, HE the Secretary General said: “International indicators reaffirm the distinguished global standing achieved by GCC states in the industrial sector. According to the 2025 Competitive Industrial Performance index issued by UNIDO, which assesses manufacturing production and export capacity, technological deepening and upgrading, and global impact, the United Arab Emirates ranked 32nd globally, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 34th, the State of Qatar 48th, the State of Kuwait 53rd, the Sultanate of Oman 58th, and the Kingdom of Bahrain 63rd.”
He indicated that GCC states occupy six of the top seven positions in the Arab world, with two member states surpassing the global index average. “These figures inspire pride in what has been accomplished and motivate joint efforts toward even greater milestones. When our industrial capabilities integrate and policies unify, member states achieve what no country could accomplish alone, advancing progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure,” His Excellency affirmed.
Moreover, His Excellency indicated that over its duration, the forum will feature sessions bringing together Their Highnesses and Excellencies the ministers, private sector leaders, and experts to focus on several key pillars—foremost among them: Gulf policies for global market access, industrial integration and achieving self-sufficiency, enhancing supply chain resilience, financing mechanisms and industrial partnerships, smart factories and open industrial innovation, qualifying and employing Gulf talent, and industrial infrastructure and economic zones.
His Excellency also expressed his aspiration that “Made in the GCC 2026” will yield clear messages, actionable recommendations, and genuine partnerships among manufacturers, investors, financing institutions, and knowledge entities, bolstering the competitiveness of Gulf industry and cementing the status of “Made in the GCC” as a hallmark of pride.
  
| | | Under the Patronage of HM the King of Bahrain.. HE the GCCSG Attends the Inuaguration of the First “Made in the GCC 2026” Forum and Exhibition, Affirming it Embodies GCC Leaders’ Vision of Industry as a Key Pillar of Economic Diversification | 2026 | | | | 10/6/2026 5:30 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 10/6/2026 | Secretary General | | 10 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underlined that the industrial sector in GCC member states constitutes a fundamental pillar in the journey of economic development and Gulf integration, given its pivotal role in diversifying the productive base, enhancing value added, and elevating the competitiveness of GCC economies.
His Excellency’s remarks came during his address at the 57th Meeting of the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee, held today, Tuesday (October 6, 2026), in the Bahraini capital, Manama, chaired by His Excellency Mr Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session, and in the presence of Their Excellencies the Ministers of Industry of the GCC member states.
At the outset of his address, His Excellency the Secretary General expressed his highest thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the 57th Meeting of the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee, and for the facilities and support Bahrain continues to extend to ensure the success of GCC endeavours. He also praised the steadfast support and attention accorded to joint GCC action by His Majesty alongside Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states across all fields.
"The 57th meeting of the Committee witnessed the launch of the Gulf Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its digital platform, keeping pace with global industrial shifts, driving the transition toward advanced industries and emerging technologies, as well as supporting digital transformation across Gulf manufacturing facilities. Additionally, five joint Gulf industrial investment opportunities in priority industrial sectors have been prepared, with promotional workshops already underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman in coordination with the Federation of GCC Chambers, which have met with positive engagement from investors," His Excellency stated.
He pointed out in his speech that joint Gulf industrial action has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years through the coordination of industrial policies and strategies, the development of regulatory and legislative frameworks, and the incentivisation of industrial investments, contributing to building a more integrated and competitive Gulf industrial base capable of navigating global economic and technological transformations.
In the same vein, His Excellency added that the forthcoming period presents accelerating challenges and shifts, foremost among them the impact of ongoing developments on supply chains, rapid technological advancements, and heightened global competition. This necessitates continued coordination and integration among GCC member states, bolstering supply chain resilience, and advancing Gulf industrial capabilities to enhance the global standing and competitiveness of the GCC industrial sector, His Excellency concluded.
  
| | | HE GCCSG: The Industrial Sector in GCC States Constitutes a Key Pillar in Economic Development and Gulf Integration, Given Its Pivotal Role in Diversifying the Productive Base, Bolstering Added Value, and Elevating the Competitiveness of GCC Economies | 2026 | | | | 10/6/2026 7:49 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 10/6/2026 | Secretary General | | 10 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underscored that commercial cooperation represents a key driver of Gulf economic integration and a vital instrument for strengthening the interconnectedness of GCC economies, expanding private sector opportunities, and elevating competitiveness, culminating in the realisation of the desired Gulf economic unity.
His Excellency’s remarks came during his address at the 71st Meeting of the GCC Commercial Cooperation Committee, held today, Tuesday (October 6, 2026), in the Bahraini capital, Manama, chaired by His Excellency Mr Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session, and in the presence of Their Excellencies the Ministers of Commerce of the GCC member states.
At the outset of his address, His Excellency the Secretary General expressed his highest thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the 71st Meeting of the GCC Commercial Cooperation Committee, and for the facilities and support Bahrain continues to extend to ensure the success of GCC endeavours. He also praised the steadfast support and attention accorded to joint GCC action by His Majesty alongside Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states across all fields.
His Excellency highlighted that GCC member states are continuing their efforts to consolidate the achievements of joint Gulf economic action.
"The GCC states are progressing with the development of the GCC Common Market and cementing commercial integration, reinforcing the Council’s standing as a leading global economic and commercial hub. Concurrently, member states are actively keeping pace with global economic shifts and challenges, accelerating initiatives and projects that spur growth, enhance competitiveness, and unlock broader horizons for trade and investment," His Excellency underlined.
In the same vein, His Excellency stated that these efforts—bolstered by the support and guidance of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states—have culminated in establishing a robust economic foundation and growing intra-GCC trade, as reflected across key Gulf economic and trade indicators. He explained that these metrics demonstrate the resilience and growing integration of GCC economies, alongside the promising opportunities the Gulf market offers to further advance trade, investment, and the private sector's role.
 
| | | HE GCCSG: Commercial Cooperation Constitutes a Key Driver of Gulf Economic Integration and a Vital Instrument for Bolstering the Interconnectedness of GCC Economies | 2026 | | | | 10/5/2026 2:57 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 10/5/2026 | Secretary General | | 10 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underlined that the electricity and water sectors represent a strategic priority and a cornerstone of joint GCC action, given their pivotal role in advancing resource sustainability, securing the needs of member states, and enhancing readiness to address future developments and challenges.
His Excellency's remarks came during the 31st meeting of the GCC Electricity and Water Cooperation Committee, held on Monday (October 5, 2026) in the Bahraini capital, Manama, chaired by His Excellency Mr Yaser bin Ebrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session, with the participation of Their Excellencies the members of the Committee.
At the outset of his speech, His Excellency the Secretary General extended the highest expressions of thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the meeting, and for its steadfast support to ensure the success of GCC initiatives. He also commended the support and attention devoted to joint GCC action by Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states.
His Excellency stated that the outcomes of the 19th Consultative Meeting of the Supreme Council, held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, affirmed the importance of enhancing the readiness and capacity of GCC states to face crises and challenges. These directives included studying the feasibility of establishing water interconnection projects among member states and continuing to expand and bolster the GCC electricity grid. His Excellency stressed the necessity of translating these directives into practical initiatives that advance joint Gulf action toward broader horizons of integration and preparedness.
Moreover, His Excellency explained that the current phase requires accelerating progress across priority tracks, foremost among them preparing for the growing demand for electricity and water. He noted that total electricity generation across the GCC states reached approximately 876,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2025, an increase of 9.6% over the previous year, while desalinated water production reached around 8.5 billion cubic metres, marking a growth rate of 10.8%.
His Excellency the Secretary General also highlighted the importance of upgrading the efficiency of electricity and water systems by advancing production, transmission, and distribution facilities, alongside expanding the deployment of modern technologies and smart solutions to curb grid losses, boost operational efficiency, and maximise the utilisation of available resources.
Regarding the GCC electricity interconnection, His Excellency stressed the importance of accelerating its expansion projects and maximising its economic returns. He pointed out that financial savings achieved through the GCC electricity interconnection exceeded USD 952 million in 2025 alone, bringing cumulative savings since the project’s inception to more than USD 5.2 billion—underscoring its strategic significance in bolstering energy security, elevating grid efficiency, and expanding intra-GCC power trading.
In the water sector, His Excellency the Secretary General underlined that supply security and emergency preparedness remain paramount priorities for member states. He emphasised the importance of continuing to assess multilateral water interconnection projects alongside existing bilateral connections, contributing to a resilient unified Gulf framework capable of navigating exceptional circumstances and ensuring the optimal utilisation of available water resources.
  
| | | HE GCCSG: Developing Electricity and Water Systems and Bolstering GCC Interconnection Represent a Strategic Priority to Support Resource Security and Sustainability | 2026 | | | | 10/5/2026 5:03 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 10/5/2026 | Secretary General | | 10 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underlined that energy security now extends beyond production capacity to encompass ensuring the flow and uninterrupted continuity of supplies under all circumstances. He emphasised that GCC states are actively working to diversify energy export outlets and guarantee supply chain continuity, bolstering the resilience of the GCC energy system and its readiness to address rapid global shifts.
His Excellency's remarks were delivered during the 37th Meeting of the GCC Petroleum Cooperation Committee, held on Monday (October 5, 2026) in the Bahraini capital, Manama, chaired by His Excellency Dr Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session, with the participation of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the members of the Committee.
At the outset of his address, His Excellency the Secretary General extended the highest expressions of thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the meeting, and for the steadfast support and attention accorded to joint GCC action by His Majesty alongside Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states. He also conveyed his appreciation to His Excellency the Minister of Oil and Environment of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the excellent organisation and preparation for the meeting.
"Indicators for 2025 reflect the preeminent standing of GCC states across global energy markets, with crude oil reserves estimated at over 518 billion barrels and natural gas reserves exceeding 44 trillion cubic metres, while crude oil production surpassed 16 million barrels per day (bpd) and marketed natural gas production reached approximately 461 billion cubic metres," His Excellency highlighted. He underscored that these metrics embody the strength and scale of Gulf resources and the efficiency of their management, alongside the pivotal responsibility GCC states bear in sustaining global energy security and market stability.
Moreover, His Excellency pointed out that disruptions across several energy transit routes and maritime corridors reaffirm the necessity of elevating GCC coordination to guarantee supply reliability. This proceeds alongside maintaining a balanced, realistic approach to the energy transition that preserves supply security and market stability while driving sustainability and investment in advanced technologies.
Concluding his address, His Excellency the Secretary General emphasised the importance of monitoring international legislation and cross-border regulatory measures, examining their repercussions on the energy sector and GCC exports, and unifying Gulf perspectives and positions to safeguard the member states' strategic interests and global competitiveness.
 
| | | HE GCCSG: GCC States Are Working to Diversify Energy Export Outlets and Ensure Supply Chain Continuity, Bolstering the Resilience of the GCC Energy System and Its Readiness to Address Rapid Developments | 2026 | | | | 10/5/2026 7:53 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 10/5/2026 | Secretary General | | 10 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held a telephone call with Her Excellency Dr Afrah Abdulaziz Al Zouba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Republic of Yemen. During the call, they reviewed the latest developments across the Republic of Yemen amidst prevailing regional conditions and rapid shifts.
His Excellency the Secretary General underlined the GCC's steadfast and unwavering stance in support of the Republic of Yemen, backing all measures aimed at protecting its security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He also underscored the GCC's commitment to supporting efforts that advance security, peace, and stability, fulfilling the aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people for a future anchored in safety, dignified living, development, and prosperity.
His Excellency reiterated that the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen constitute a foundational pillar for the security and stability of the GCC member states and the wider region, emphasising the Council's enduring commitment to standing alongside Yemen and its brotherly people, and supporting all endeavours toward comprehensive peace and sustainable development.
| | | HE GCCSG Holds Telephone Call with Yemeni Foreign Minister, Reaffirming the GCC's Firm Stance Supporting Yemen's Unity, Security, and Stability | 2026 | | | | 10/4/2026 2:30 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 10/4/2026 | Secretary General | | 10 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the convening of the 46th Educational Conference under the theme “Innovative Visions for a Sustainable Educational Future in Kuwait” reflects the attention the GCC states attach to developing the educational process.
This came during HE the Secretary General’s participation in the Conference, held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, and in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Sayed Jalal Al Tabtabaei, Minister of Education of the State of Kuwait, on Sunday (October 4, 2026), in Kuwait City, with the participation of many specialists, academics and educators.
At the outset of his speech, HE the Secretary General extended the highest expressions of appreciation and gratitude to His Highness Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, for his generous patronage of this conference, and for the continued support and great care extended by His Highness, and by Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states, to the journey of joint GCC action.
He stressed that this comes in fulfilment of the aspirations of the citizens of the GCC states for further cooperation, integration and prosperity, praying to Allah Almighty to continue blessing the GCC states with security, safety and prosperity.
During his speech, His Excellency stated that the idea of establishing the GCC emerged to achieve coordination, integration and interconnection among the GCC states across all fields, leading to their unity through strengthening ties and enhancing cooperation among their peoples in various areas, and through establishing similar systems across different fields, most notably the educational and cultural sectors.
Commenting further, His Excellency said: “The journey of joint educational action in fact preceded the establishment of the GCC in 1981, through the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, which was founded in 1975 under the supervision of the ministers of education at the time. This, in itself, is clear evidence that education stands at the forefront of the priorities of the GCC states, especially as it represents the nucleus of joint GCC action and our tool for progress and development across various fields.”
HE the Secretary General indicated that education is one of the most important pillars of building human capital, and a key driver of comprehensive progress and the achievement of sustainable development goals. He noted that the honourable indicators witnessed today in public education across the GCC states reflect the scale of care, attention and continuous strategic investment in future generations.
“Among the most prominent of these indicators during the 2024–2025 academic year are more than 11 million male and female students enrolled in public education across the GCC states, representing around 17.4% of the total population of the GCC states, with more than 45,000 schools and educational institutions serving students across the various stages of public education; and more than 960,000 male and female teachers supervising students’ education and developing their knowledge, skills and capabilities,” he explained.
In the same context, HE the Secretary General underlined that one of the clearest examples of the concept of “Gulf citizenship” and GCC integration is the number of students who are citizens of GCC states studying in public schools in other member states, mentioning that this number exceeded 41,000 male and female students during the 2025–2026 academic year, representing a practical translation of the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states, to facilitate education and open its doors to the people of the GCC states across the region.
Elaborating further, His Excellency said: “As an extension of this journey, joint GCC action in education continues to move towards more ambitious and future-oriented horizons. Their Excellencies the Ministers of Education in the GCC states have approved the Strategic Plan for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education, while the approval to prepare the Strategic Plan for Joint Action in Education for 2027–2032 further affirms the continued development of the system of cooperation and educational integration among the GCC states, in line with development needs and future labour market requirements.”
HE the Secretary General concluded his speech by stressing the importance of monitoring and following up on the developments witnessed by the world across numerous fields, such as AI, innovation, digital transformation, modern technologies and space technology.
He highlighted that this requires those concerned with education to view education and curricula through different perspectives and approaches from those traditionally adopted, in order to keep pace with these developments and ensure that students are prepared to deal with these advances and modern technologies.
His Excellency expressed his hope that the work and discussions of this conference would contribute to formulating quality recommendations and outcomes that can be translated into practical and tangible steps, supporting the development of education in the GCC states and reflecting positively on the present and future of our sons and daughters.
  
| | | HE GCCSG: The 46th Educational Conference, Held Under the Theme “Innovative Visions for a Sustainable Educational Future in Kuwait”, Reflects the Attention the GCC States Attach to Developing the Educational Process | 2026 |
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