GCC integration drives investment, strengthens global economic standing

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said Gulf integration has become a major driver of investment, strengthening member states’ global economic standing through diversification, financial resilience and investment in future sectors.

He was speaking at the 15th AIM Congress (AIM Investment Summit) in Dubai, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and attended by His Highnes Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The summit is themed “Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future”.

Albudaiwi praised the UAE’s efforts to promote international economic dialogue and strengthen the GCC’s regional and global presence.

He said shifting supply chains, emerging technologies and geopolitical considerations are reshaping investment decisions, making economic resilience, institutional efficiency and strategic clarity increasingly important in attracting capital.

GCC economies have demonstrated their ability to maintain market and infrastructure stability while advancing development plans and strategic projects despite exceptional regional developments, he added.

Albudaiwi traced this progress to joint Gulf action since the Council’s establishment in 1981, including the Free Trade Area, Customs Union and GCC Common Market, alongside shared energy, transport and infrastructure projects and closer economic policy coordination.

He said the GCC collectively ranks among the world’s 10 largest economies, with GDP of approximately $2.4 trillion, sovereign wealth fund assets exceeding $5 trillion and commercial bank assets of around $3.9 trillion in 2025.

National development visions have expanded private sector participation, strengthened regulatory frameworks and opened investment opportunities in artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, renewable energy, industry, logistics, tourism, financial services and the knowledge economy, he noted.

The GCC’s inward foreign direct investment (FDI) stock reached approximately $792.7 billion in 2025, including around $171.4 billion in intra-GCC investment, representing nearly 22 percent of the total.

“These indicators reflect an advanced degree of economic cohesion, demonstrating that Gulf integration has itself become a powerful catalyst for investment,” Albudaiwi said.

He added that Gulf capital is increasingly supporting cross-border projects, business networks and supply chains as member states deepen their connections with global markets.

Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s commitment to international openness and long-term investment partnerships, calling on global investors to regard member states as strategic partners in shaping investment through trust, knowledge and innovation to achieve sustainable development and shared prosperity.

RAKEZ showcases investment opportunities: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is participating in AIM Congress 2026, which opened on Monday at Dubai World Trade Centre and runs until 9th September, showcasing Ras Al Khaimah’s growing proposition as a competitive destination for investment and business expansion.

RAKEZ is participating as a co-exhibitor within the Ras Al Khaimah Pavilion, alongside Marjan, RAK Chamber, RAKBANK, RAK Properties, RAK Innovation City and other participating entities, collectively presenting the breadth of the emirate’s business and investment ecosystem to global investors, entrepreneurs and decision-makers.

Commenting on the significance of AIM Congress, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “The UAE’s investment momentum speaks for itself. In 2025, the country attracted a record Dhs177.3 billion in foreign direct investment, marking its fourth consecutive year of record inflows and placing it ninth globally for inbound FDI. This reflects the confidence international investors have in the UAE as a place to establish, expand and compete.” “At Ras Al Khaimah, we are building on that momentum by offering businesses a competitive operating environment, strong infrastructure and connectivity, access to regional and international markets, and an ecosystem designed to support growth. AIM Congress gives us an important platform to engage directly with investors and demonstrate how RAKEZ can support them at every stage, from market entry to long-term expansion,” he added.

During the three-day event, the RAKEZ team is engaging with prospective investors, business leaders and strategic partners from international markets, highlighting its comprehensive range of business set-up solutions and facilities, spanning from flexible workspaces and offices to warehouses, industrial facilities and land, complemented by a range of support services designed to simplify establishment and ongoing operations.

This offering supports a diverse business community that today comprises more than 50,000 active companies from close to 200 across more than 50 sectors.

The scale and diversity of this community reflect Ras Al Khaimah’s growing appeal to businesses at different stages of growth, and from a wide range of industries and markets.

AIM Congress provides a timely platform to take this proposition to a global audience, bringing together leaders, policymakers, investors and innovators to explore new investment pathways, sustainable economic growth, digital transformation and international partnerships.

WAM