The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is celebrating the 45th anniversary of its establishment. The Council  continues to consolidate its position as an influential economic and development force at both the regional and global levels. This is driven by performance that reflects the strength of the GCC  economies and the depth of integration across various sectors.

Data issued by the GCC Statistical Centre shows that the GCC countries’ nominal gross domestic product reached approximately USD 2.4 trillion in 2025, placing the bloc’s economy among the world’s influential economic powers. The contribution of the non-oil sector exceeded 78 percent, while the sector achieved growth of 5.3 percent during the same year, reflecting the success of economic diversification strategies across the GCC states.

In the financial sector, GCC countries continued to strengthen their financial stability, with commercial bank assets reaching approximately USD 3.9 trillion, recording growth of 11.9 percent between 2024 and 2025. Deposits held by commercial banks reached USD 2.3 trillion, reflecting growth of 10.6 percent, highlighting the strength of banking liquidity and growing confidence in the GCC financial sector.

Figures also confirm the growing global investment power of the GCC, with Gulf sovereign wealth funds reaching around USD 5 trillion, representing 30.3 percent of total sovereign wealth funds worldwide. This further strengthens the GCC countries’ presence in international markets and investments.

In the trade sector, GCC countries recorded trade volume of USD 1.6 trillion in 2024, reflecting growth of 7.4 percent compared to 2023, while GCC merchandise exports reached approximately USD 849.6 billion, demonstrating the continued strong GCC presence in global trade and international supply chains.

In the energy sector, GCC countries maintained their pivotal position in the global energy market, with oil production reaching 16.6 million barrels per day, representing around 22.2 percent of global crude oil production.

Global competitiveness indicators for 2025 also show notable progress for GCC countries, with the GCC ranking 15th globally in the overall index, eighth globally in the tax policy index and 11th in the public finance index.The GCC also achieved advanced positions in labour market, infrastructure, business efficiency and governance indicators.

At the level of Gulf integration, the GCC common market recorded continued growth in 2025, with intra GCC trade reaching approximately USD 146 billion, reflecting growth of 85.2 percent compared to 2012. Total capital of listed joint stock companies also rose to USD 549 billion, achieving exceptional growth of 237.6 percent compared to 2007.

The GCC countries also witnessed growing social mobility, reflected in the movement of more than 41.4 million GCC citizens between member states, while the number of GCC students studying in government schools in other member states increased to 43,200 students. Around 489,000 GCC citizens benefited from cross-border healthcare services, clearly reflecting the depth of social ties and development integration across the GCC.

In the tourism sector, GCC tourism revenues reached approximately USD 132 billion, reflecting the growing appeal of GCC destinations and their ability to attract global tourism flows.

Politically, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries continued to strengthen their regional and international presence through unified positions on regional and international issues and by intensifying efforts to support security and stability and promote dialogue and joint cooperation. This has enhanced the Council’s position as an active and influential partner in shaping political and economic balance at both the regional and global levels, in addition to its role in supporting development and peace efforts and strengthening strategic relations with countries around the world.

The Gulf Cooperation Council was established on 25 May 1981 with the aim of enhancing cooperation, integration and interconnection among member states across various fields in a manner that achieves development, stability and prosperity for their peoples and strengthens their regional and international standing.