Region in Focus

 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—are actively pursuing national strategies to diversify their economies and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons. These efforts are driven by long-term visions such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the UAE’s Centennial 2071, and Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which aim to build knowledge-based, innovation-driven economies. Key areas of focus include expanding sectors like tourism, renewable energy, logistics, financial services, and technology, while investing heavily in infrastructure, education, and human capital development. Sovereign wealth funds and public-private partnerships play crucial roles in financing these transformations, as GCC states seek to become global hubs for trade, investment, and innovation in a post-oil future.

For U.S. and European companies

this transformation presents lucrative opportunities in sectors such as finance, green energy, AI-driven solutions, and advanced manufacturing. The surge in IPOs and foreign investments is making GCC markets more accessible, while initiatives like the EU-GCC Dialogue on Economic Diversification are strengthening trade and investment ties. President Trump’s recent visit to the GCC countries also paved the way to new, historic levels of partnership and investment that offer unprecedented opportunities to U.S. companies. With GDP growth projected to outpace advanced economies, the region is becoming an attractive hub for global investors.