The 46th GCC Summit comes amidst rapid geopolitical and economic shifts, making the gathering ‘one of the most strategically significant in recent years’, GCC Chambers Union chairman Faisal Al Rawas said.
He stressed that the summit’s timing heightens its impact, as Gulf states navigate a complex global landscape while strengthening collective mechanisms aimed at safeguarding security, stability and economic momentum.
“The 46th session of the GCC Supreme Council is convening at a time when regional and international variables are accelerating,” he said yesterday.
“This increases the importance of the summit and its role in reinforcing joint action that protects stability and expands opportunities for integration.”
Mr Al Rawas praised the unwavering support of His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for GCC economic co-operation, which has ‘bolstered the sustainability of joint Gulf economic work and advanced the trajectory of integration’.
Over the years, he noted, successive GCC summits have laid a robust foundation for economic co-ordination, successfully moving from co-operation to genuine integration through landmark initiatives such as the GCC Common Market, the Customs Union, streamlined movement of goods and capital, and ongoing development of air, land and maritime connectivity.
He singled out the Gulf Railway Project as a transformative step, alongside other major development programmes that have strengthened GCC ties.
“A unified Gulf economy is now a central pillar of the GCC’s vision for integration,” he said. “Harmonising investment climates, enhancing value chains, and co-ordinating industrial and trade policies have become essential tools for improving competitiveness, attracting quality investments and creating a stable business environment.”
Mr Al Rawas highlighted sustained growth in intra-GCC trade in recent years, driven by improved customs efficiency, a more advanced logistics infrastructure, and strengthened unified economic regulations. These developments, he said, reflect the increasing resilience and maturity of economic linkages within the bloc.
“The GCC Summit in Bahrain represents a crucial opportunity to build on past achievements, advance the joint economic system, and reinforce the path towards economic diversification,” he said.
He also emphasised the vital role of Gulf private sector in this next stage, describing them as the “engines of growth” for future strategies.
“The results of the Bahrain Summit will undoubtedly strengthen shared GCC interests, meet the aspirations of our peoples, and support stability and growth across the region,” he said.
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