Al-Badawi: Integration of Gulf Capabilities and Diversification of Supply Routes Strengthen Gulf States' Ability to Cope with Crises

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, affirmed on Sunday that enhancing connectivity between the transport and logistics networks of GCC member states constitutes a fundamental pillar for safeguarding the region’s economic security and ensuring the continuity of trade flows and the movement of goods. He noted that the integration of GCC capabilities and the diversification of supply routes strengthen the member states’ capacity to confront crises and maintain market stability.

This statement came during Al-Budaiwi’s address at the 30th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Transport and Communications Committee, held in the Bahraini capital of Manama. The meeting was chaired by Bahrain’s Minister of Communications and Transport, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and attended by members of the committee, including Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works, Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan.

Al-Budaiwi clarified that the rapid transformations occurring in the region and worldwide, accompanied by disruptions in maritime routes and rising shipping and insurance costs, have underscored the strategic importance of the transport and logistics sector in supporting market stability and ensuring the continuity of trade and vital services. He emphasized the necessity of enhancing GCC coordination to improve responsiveness to these changes.

He also expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Sultanate of Oman for their cooperation, facilitation, and coordinating efforts during the period of Iranian aggression. These efforts contributed to providing alternative routes for the movement of goods and commodities, ensuring the continuity of supply chains to other GCC member states. He affirmed that these initiatives reflected the depth of GCC solidarity and translated regional integration into practical measures supporting economic security and shared interests.

He pointed out that investments by GCC member states in developing land, air, and sea transport sectors, as well as infrastructure and logistics facilities, have contributed to enhancing the efficiency of the transport system and supporting economic activity. He noted that the transport and storage sector in GCC countries achieved real growth of 5.7 percent in 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing non-oil economic activities.

The Secretary-General stressed that the priorities for the coming phase include strengthening integration between transport and logistics systems, diversifying transport and supply routes, and raising readiness levels and joint coordination to confront crises. These measures aim to enhance supply chain resilience and ensure the continuous flow of goods and products.

In this context, he referred to the directives issued by the GCC Heads of State, may God protect and support them, during the 19th Consultative Meeting of the Supreme Council held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, to prepare a study aimed at enhancing logistical integration among GCC member states. He explained that the current meeting reviews the progress made in preparing this study.

He affirmed that the GCC railway project, targeted for completion by the end of 2030, represents one of the strategic projects supporting GCC integration. It will play a key role in facilitating the movement of passengers and cargo, linking land transport networks with ports and logistics centers, and enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the GCC transport system.

The Secretary-General concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of continuing joint efforts to develop the transport and communications sector, expressing his appreciation to committee members for their efforts in serving GCC member states and their peoples, and for advancing the process of GCC cooperation and integration.