The GCC Statistical Center organised a panel discussion titled ‘GCC: Partnership and Prosperity’ as part of the Muscat Book Fair 2025. The session reviewed the 44-year journey of the Council, from GCC partnership to empowering the GCC citizen as a central pillar, and the path of economic prosperity, with a focus on future challenges.
The panel discussion featured the participation of His Excellency Ibrahim bin Saad bin Bishan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Oman; His Excellency Dr Mohammed Nassir Al Hajri, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Oman; and His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashel Al Maskari, Head of the GCC Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The session was moderated by Brigadier (Ret.) Nasser bin Juma Al Zadjali, former advisor and strategic mentor at the National Defence College in Oman.
The seminar affirmed that the journey of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) over the past decades has demonstrated the strength and resilience of this entity and its ability to overcome various challenges since its establishment on 25 May 1981. It has played a vital role in safeguarding the security and stability of its member states, ensuring prosperity for its people, and advancing sustainable development for both citizens and residents alike through ambitious development plans grounded in accurate statistical data and aligned with global trends. This comes at a time that requires greater collective efforts to build upon achievements and pursue more ambitious goals.
The first session, titled ‘44 Years of GCC Partnership: From Foundation to Empowerment,’ explored the historical milestones of the GCC since its founding in 1981, highlighting the significant efforts made to establish it as an effective regional framework combining political ambition, economic vision, and societal integration. Thanks to the wisdom and foresight of its leaders, the Council has transformed from an ambitious idea into a comprehensive institution capable of adapting to regional and global changes, responding to challenges, and crafting collective solutions that serve the interests and aspirations of Gulf peoples.
The discussions emphasised that the GCC today represents a unique model of regional cooperation founded on shared goals and destiny, reaching a stage of empowerment marked by more mature integration and an increasingly ambitious vision for a secure and prosperous shared future.
The second session, titled ‘Human First: Empowering GCC Citizen,’ focused on placing the individual at the heart of Gulf cooperation. It highlighted the efforts made to strengthen GCC citizenship and empower individuals in areas such as education, employment, healthcare and social participation.
Speakers stressed the importance of fostering a shared GCC identity and reaffirmed the Council’s belief that empowerment includes opening broader horizons for citizens in fields like development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The third session, titled ‘Journey of GCC Economic Prosperity,’ reviewed the sustainable and increasingly diversified economic growth of GCC countries over the past decades. This growth has been driven by collective cooperation since the Council’s inception in 1981 and has culminated in the progress observed in 2025. This was achieved through various stages of economic integration that laid strong foundations for prosperity, such as the Customs Union and the GCC Common Market.
Discussions highlighted efforts by member states to enhance economic unity through coordinated trade and economic policies, leading to a more attractive and competitive investment environment for both local and international investors. The development of legislation and regulations has further facilitated intra-GCC trade and boosted the competitiveness of GCC economies on both regional and global levels.
Speakers affirmed that this economic integration is one of the key drivers for achieving Gulf economic citizenship. It contributes to improving citizens’ well-being, creating job opportunities, and realising sustainable development that benefits all segments of society.
The fourth session focused on ‘Achievements and Envisioning the GCC Future,’ positioning past successes as a launchpad for a shared Gulf vision in the post-oil era. Economic diversification and environmental sustainability were presented as future priorities.
Speakers also addressed the challenges posed by a rapidly transforming world across all sectors. Several questions were raised about the future of the GCC and how to further strengthen joint Gulf action in the coming phase to ensure the Council’s cohesion and continued regional and international influence, while fulfilling the aspirations of its peoples for balanced and integrated development that enhances stability and prosperity across the region.
