GCC marks 44th anniversary, highlights decades of unity and growth
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 25: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jassem Mohammad Al-Budaiwi described the Council's journey as 'an example to be followed in unity, effective integration, and constructive cooperation, making it a pioneering model regionally and internationally.'
Speaking during the celebration of the 44th anniversary of the Council's establishment at the GCC Secretariat in Riyadh late Saturday, Al-Budaiwi expressed pride in continuing the path that began on May 25, 1981. He conveyed appreciation for the progress made in joint Gulf cooperation and integration across various fields.
'During our celebration today of the 44th anniversary of the launch of the blessed journey of the GCC,' he said, 'we recall with pride and loyalty the insightful vision of the founding leaders who laid the solid foundation for this great institution, relying on deep fraternal ties, shared destiny, and common history among their peoples.'
He affirmed that despite regional and international challenges, the Council's path remains a model of unity and integration, highlighting its growing role across multiple fields. 'The member states have become a model for collective action and a reliable partner regionally and internationally,' he said, noting that strategic vision and balanced policies had drawn the world's attention and supported security, peace, and sustainable prosperity.
Al-Budaiwi emphasized the Council's growing diplomatic presence, citing the recent Gulf-European and Gulf-American summits and upcoming summits with ASEAN and China. 'This clearly affirms the Council's status and pivotal role in shaping international relations,' he said.
These high-level summits, involving Their Majesties and Highnesses—the leaders of the member states—and their counterparts, along with 15 ministerial meetings with other nations, reflect the GCC's capacity to build balanced East-West partnerships that support mutual interests. 'They also reflect the global appreciation and respect for the GCC countries and the sincere desire from various nations to deepen relations based on mutual trust and strategic interests,' he added.
Al-Budaiwi highlighted the GCC's economic advancement, driven by diversification, efficient resource use, and enhanced regional and international standing. He noted the GCC now ranks 11th globally in GDP, reaching USD 2.1 trillion, with a per capita average of USD 36,800—over three times the global average. He forecasted 4.5% economic growth in 2025 and 3.3% in the non-oil sector.
He added that the region's financial markets are among the world's top seven, with market value exceeding 4.3% of the total global value. Intra-GCC trade also expanded significantly, with intra-exports valued at USD 131.6 billion—a 67% increase—demonstrating deepening economic integration and ease of goods movement.
Cross-border Gulf investment is thriving as well. The total capital of publicly traded companies open to citizens of other member states reached USD 520.4 billion, marking a 226.9% growth, indicating smooth Gulf capital flow and enhanced market access.
On sustainable development, Al-Budaiwi said GCC countries have seen major growth in clean energy capacity. They now account for 30% of the Middle East's renewable electricity production and 54.5% of its wind energy output—equivalent to 30% of global wind production.
In education, approximately 12,800 Gulf students are enrolled in higher education institutions in other member states, reinforcing academic integration and mutual competence exchange.
In the digital economy, he affirmed that GCC countries are among the most prepared globally, with artificial intelligence readiness exceeding the world average. By 2030, AI is expected to contribute 34% of the GCC's GDP.
Aligned with digital transformation, the Ministers of Information in GCC states launched a joint application for the Council's news agencies. In addition, the General Secretariat, through the GCC Statistical Center, introduced a smartphone app offering reliable statistical data on development, economy, society, and the environment across the member states.
'These digital initiatives,' he said, 'reflect the scale of ambitious achievements and the comprehensive renaissance experienced by the member states.'
He also highlighted two key societal initiatives. The first, Inspiring Gulf Woman, held on International Women's Day, showcased achievements of Gulf women and the Council's empowerment efforts. The second, Gulf Youth Day, aimed to support and encourage young people by displaying their creativity and accomplishments in various fields.
Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed that the 44th anniversary of the GCC is a valuable occasion celebrating a journey marked by Gulf achievements and unity. He praised the vision of the founding leaders who laid the foundation for this enduring regional bloc. The ceremony was attended by Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Kuwaiti Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, and senior officials.
He extended his gratitude for the support of the GCC member states to the General Secretariat and acknowledged the leadership of Kuwait as the current presidency holder, along with the efforts of all those involved in organizing the celebration.
In closing, Al-Budaiwi prayed for the continuation of security, stability, and prosperity across the GCC and called upon God Almighty to guide the leaders toward greater achievements on the path of joint Gulf action.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
an hour ago
- Arab Times
Security Fears Prompt Airlines To Suspend UAE Flights
DUBAI, June 24 – Several international airlines have suspended flights to Dubai, one of the world's busiest aviation hubs, as regional tensions intensify following the escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict. On Sunday, British Airways announced the suspension of its flights from London to both Dubai and Doha, citing 'recent events' as the reason. The airline assured affected passengers that a flexible rebooking policy is in place. 'Passengers scheduled to travel between now and June 24 may rebook for any flight up to and including July 6, free of charge, by contacting us directly,' the carrier stated. Singapore Airlines has also temporarily halted its daily service between Singapore and Dubai until Wednesday. The airline said affected customers would either be rebooked on alternative flights or offered a full refund for the unused portion of their tickets. Air Canada, which initially suspended its daily non-stop flights between Toronto and Dubai on June 18, confirmed the suspension will continue until at least July 3 as a "precautionary measure." The airline added that further extensions may follow pending a safety assessment conducted in coordination with governmental and regulatory authorities. United Airlines, based in Chicago, has likewise suspended its route from Newark, New Jersey, to Dubai until July 3. Meanwhile, Dutch carrier KLM is offering rebooking and refund options for passengers scheduled to fly between Amsterdam and Dubai from June 19 to June 29. Amid the disruptions, Dubai Airports issued an advisory last week warning travelers of possible delays due to regional airspace restrictions. 'Flights operating out of DXB and DWC – Al Maktoum International – may experience disruptions. Please check with your airline for the latest flight status before heading to the airport,' the advisory stated on social media platform X. Adding to the caution, the U.S. State Department issued a global security alert on Monday, urging American citizens to exercise increased vigilance while traveling abroad due to the potential for anti-U.S. demonstrations. 'The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution,' the alert read. 'Please consult our Travel Advisories, country-specific information, and recent security alerts before planning travel.'
Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Arab Times
US President Trump muses about regime change in Iran
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 23, (AP): Israel's military said Monday it was striking around Iran's western city of Kermanshah, as fears of a wider regional conflict loomed large after the United States inserted itself into Israel's war by attacking Iranian nuclear sites. The operation raised urgent questions about what remained of Tehran's nuclear program and how its weakened military might respond. The price of oil rose as financial markets reacted. Iran lashed out at the U.S. for crossing "a very big red line' with its risky gambit to strike the three sites with missiles and 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. President Donald Trump, who has warned of additional strikes if Tehran retaliates against U.S. forces, has mused about the possibility of "regime change ″ in Iran, despite administration officials earlier indicating they wanted to restart talks with Iran. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an interview with CBS, said: "Let's meet directly.' Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, said any country used by the U.S. to strike Iran 'will be a legitimate target for our armed forces,' the state-run IRNA news agency reported. Tens of thousands of American troops are based in the Middle East. Israel's military said there was a barrage of missiles from Iran heading to Israel later Monday morning. Iran launched an additional barrage, the Israeli military later warned. Iranian Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of joint staff of armed forces, warned the U.S. on Monday that its strikes gave a "free hand" to Iranian armed forces to "act against U.S. interests and its army.' Mousavi stressed Iran would not hesitate to do so after the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday. He described the American attack as violating Iran's sovereignty, entering the Israeli war on the country and being tantamount to invading the country. The state-run IRNA news agency reported Mousavi's remarks. The Israeli military said one of its drones was downed during an operation on Monday morning in Iran. The military also said 15 fighter jets struck missile launchers and storage sites in western Iran, close to the border with Iraq. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Sunday Israel was "very close to achieving our goals' in removing Iran's nuclear and missile threats. Iran on Monday hanged a third man accused of being a spy of Israel's Mossad intelligence service since Israel's war on the Islamic Republic began. Activists fear more people will be executed in Iran, particularly after its theocracy issued a Sunday deadline for people to turn themselves in over spying. The judiciary's Mizan news agency identified the executed man as Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh. Amnesty International previously had raised his case, saying he was held in Ghezal Hesar prison in Iran's Alborz province. On Sunday, Iran hanged another man, Majid Mossayebi, whose case only became public after his execution. On June 16, Iran hanged Esmail Fekri. North Korea says it "strongly condemns' the U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling it an egregious violation of Iran's territorial integrity and security interests. North Korea's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Monday that the United States and Israel were escalating tensions in the Middle East through the use of military force, and called on the "just-minded international community' to raise a unified voice against their "confrontational behavior.' During his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times in 2018 and 2019, but their diplomacy collapsed over disagreements in exchanging the release of U.S.-led sanctions against North Korea and the North's steps to wind down its nuclear and missile program. Kim has since accelerated his arms development while ignoring talk offers by Washington and Seoul. He has shifted the priority of his foreign policy to Russia, sending thousands of troops and huge shipments of military equipment to fuel Russian President Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine. President Donald Trump asserted on his Truth Social platform that Iran's nuclear sites sustained "monumental damage' in the American attack, though a U.S. assessment on the strikes is still underway. "The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!' he wrote. U.S. defense officials have said they are working to determine about just how much damage the strikes did. Iran as well has not said how much damage was done in the attack, though Tehran has not offered any details so far on the strikes it has faced from Israel in its war with that country. An analysis of satellite photos by a nuclear nonproliferation group based in Washington shows Iran likely filled in tunnels at its nuclear site at Isfahan ahead of U.S. strikes early Sunday. The Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security published satellite images taken by Airbus it assessed showed trucks dumping soil into tunnels at the site on Friday. The U.S. attack likely targeted the tunnel entries, the group said. "At least three of the four tunnel entrances are collapsed,' it said. "The status of the fourth one is unclear.'
Kuwait Times
17 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
New routes, bigger fleet key for Kuwait's aviation ambitions
KUWAIT: Kuwait needs to modernize its national airline fleet and open new flight routes to boost efficiency and cement its role as a regional aviation hub, officials said Saturday night. At the one-day 'Future of Aviation in Kuwait' conference, Acting Director General of Civil Aviation Duaij Al-Otaibi emphasized that financial resources and qualified national expertise are in place to not only keep pace with global aviation developments, but to achieve excellence in the sector. 'The coming phase requires intensive efforts to develop the aviation sector at the levels of infrastructure, fleet, and logistics,' Al-Otaibi said, stressing that Kuwait's location between East and West, combined with local talent and financial capability, provides a solid foundation to transform the country into a regional aviation hub. Al-Otaibi underscored the urgency of modernizing Kuwait Airways' fleet and expanding its destinations to match the sector's rapid growth. 'We need to upgrade the national carrier's fleet and enhance Kuwait Airways' network with more aircraft and routes. This will raise operational efficiency and expand destination reach,' he said. Kuwait has injected nearly $5 billion into aviation infrastructure development, including Terminal 2 (T2), a new runway, control towers, ground services, and advanced meteorological and air navigation systems. The T2 terminal—designed to accommodate over 25 million passengers annually—is expected to launch operations by end of 2026, aiming to attract international airlines and relieve current travel bottlenecks. 'Expanding destinations toward East Asia—Japan, Indonesia, Korea, China, and Australia—and the West—South America, Los Angeles, Florida, and South Africa—is critical,' Al-Otaibi said. 'We must match global developments to remain competitive.' Muhannad Al-Ayyar Duaij Al-Otaibi 'Future is bright' The conference comes at a time when travelers are facing increasing challenges due to the withdrawal of major European carriers from Kuwait, which has led to higher fares, long layovers, and fewer direct connections. Kuwait Times reported last month that the situation has disrupted holiday plans for many, especially during peak seasons like Eid, and contributed to a growing reliance on regional transit hubs in Doha and Dubai. A local frequent flyer, Talal Al-Fadhli, described recent travel options as exhausting: 'Some flights have layovers of over six to eight hours. Even budget airlines are unusually expensive,' he said in an interview. Travel agent Mohamed Moustafa told Kuwait Times that the completion of T2 is set to improve the situation. 'Once T2 is operational, we'll see lower ticket prices and more passenger traffic. That will uplift the entire tourism and aviation sector,' he previously told Kuwait Times. Speaking at the conference, Captain Muhannad Al-Ayyar, Chairman of the Kuwait Society of Pilots and Aviation Engineers, echoed calls to expand operations: 'The future of aviation in Kuwait is bright—if invested in with a strategic vision that strengthens Kuwait's regional standing in both passenger and cargo transport.' Al-Ayyar emphasized the need to grow the fleet and add routes, recognizing its importance in reducing reliance on foreign airlines. 'Expanding our route network is essential, especially with more Kuwaitis and residents depending on non-Kuwaiti carriers,' he said. The conference also spotlighted progress on major projects such as the Air Cargo City, which is expected to significantly boost Kuwait's role in global logistics, especially with the rise of e-commerce. This aligns with the government's 'New Kuwait Vision' to diversify the economy. 'If fully optimized, the aviation and port sectors could contribute over 30 percent to Kuwait's GDP and create up to 80,000 jobs over the next five years,' Al-Otaibi projected. — Agencies
