Bahrain Hosts 46th GCC Summit to Strengthen Gulf Cooperation

The forty-sixth GCC Summit will be held this Wednesday in Manama, Bahrain, bringing together the leaders of all Gulf Cooperation Council member states. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will lead the delegation of Oman at this important meeting, emphasizing the country’s commitment to Gulf integration, peace, and shared prosperity.

The summit will review political, economic, and security cooperation achieved by GCC countries. Leaders will discuss regional and international developments and their impact on Gulf stability. They will also explore strategies to strengthen economic integration, energy security, trade, investment, and collective responses to global challenges.

Jassem Mohammed Al Budaiwi, GCC Secretary-General, highlighted the importance of reinforcing Gulf cooperation at all levels. He expressed hope that the Bahrain Summit will result in resolutions and recommendations that strengthen the Council’s regional and international influence. The summit agenda reflects the member states’ commitment to unity, development, and citizens’ welfare.

The previous GCC summit in Kuwait in December 2024 focused on economic and environmental initiatives. These included boosting clean energy, increasing investments in technology and green projects, enhancing food security, and supporting economic integration. Joint projects in strategic transportation, electrical interconnection, and artificial intelligence were also highlighted.

Economic growth in the GCC remained resilient in 2024. Non-oil sectors expanded by 4.4 percent, contributing to an overall GDP growth of 1.9 percent. FDI inflows totaled around US 523.4 billion in 2023, showing strong international confidence. Intra-Gulf investments rose from US 88.2 billion in 2015 to US 130.3 billion in 2023, representing 20 percent of regional investment stock.

Public revenues for GCC states reached US 670.2 billion in 2024, with expenditures at US 659.3 billion. Non-oil revenues increased due to VAT and digital financial management. Financial markets showed positive performance, with market capitalization rising to US 4.2 trillion.

Oman remains committed to supporting GCC initiatives, including the electrical grid interconnection, renewable energy projects, and the Gulf Railway, which will link all six member states. Oman also promotes trade, connectivity, and cooperation in cybersecurity, technology, and investment as part of its strategic vision.

The summit will also discuss the unified Gulf tourist visa, which will allow travellers to access all member states with a single visa, boosting tourism and economic activity. GCC countries aim to maintain coordinated positions on global issues, ensure regional security, and promote sustainable development.

Preparatory meetings of GCC foreign ministers were held in Manama, where Kuwait formally handed over the Ministerial Council presidency to Bahrain. The summit reflects four decades of joint Gulf action, aiming to strengthen unity, cooperation, and prosperity across the region.