GCC Secretary-General: Gulf Integration Drives Investment, Our Economy Among World’s Top 10
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, affirmed that the GCC member states have become an integrated economic and investment system based on a substantial financial and economic foundation that has enhanced their capacity for growth and attraction of investments, given their economic stability, established institutions, and clear development visions.
Al-Budaiwi stated in a speech during the opening of the 15th edition of the AIM Investment Summit 2026, which launched in Dubai on Monday morning, that the Gulf economy has entered the ranks of the world’s top ten economies, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.4 trillion. He noted that Gulf sovereign wealth funds hold assets exceeding $5 trillion, while total assets of commercial banks reached approximately $3.9 trillion in 2025.
He added that the total stock of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) to GCC member states amounted to about $792.7 billion in 2025, of which approximately $171.4 billion represented intra-GCC investments, accounting for nearly 22 percent of the total. He emphasized that these indicators reflect the growing interconnection among the GCC economies and that Gulf integration has itself become a driver of investment.
He clarified that the national visions of GCC member states have contributed to expanding the role of the private sector, developing the legislative and regulatory environment, and opening broad avenues for investment in future sectors, including artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, renewable energy, future industries, transport and logistics, tourism, financial services, and the knowledge economy.
Al-Budaiwi stressed that the future of investment in the GCC rests on strong economies, deeper integration, openness to the world, and investment in the future. He noted that GCC member states are consolidating their position on the global economic and investment map and are looking to build long-term investment partnerships that serve shared interests.
He called on investors and partners worldwide to view the GCC not merely as an investment destination, but as a partner in building a global investment future based on trust, partnership, knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development and prosperity.
He praised the United Arab Emirates’ efforts in enhancing international economic and investment dialogue, affirming that Dubai has set a global example in transforming ambitious visions into tangible achievements, turning challenges into opportunities, and generating success stories.
The AIM Investment Summit 2026 launched in Dubai on Monday morning, with participation from the State of Kuwait, represented by Minister of Finance Dr. Yaqoub Al-Rafai, alongside a group of government officials, decision-makers, investors, and business leaders from various countries around the world. The summit will continue for three days.
