Manama, Dec. 1 (BNA):  Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states continue to drive sustainable development through a wide range of joint projects and integrated strategies designed to meet present needs while anticipating future challenges.  These initiatives focus on strengthening operational and digital infrastructure, expanding modern transportation and communication networks, supporting digital transformation and advanced technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), and simultaneously promoting food security, environmental action, and climate resilience, to ensure lasting growth and prosperity for GCC citizens.

Transport, Mobility, and Logistics

The GCC’s achievements in transport and logistics clearly reflect the depth of integration among member states and highlight the success of policies adopted since the Council’s inception.  Article 23 of the GCC Economic Agreement stated that members shall coordinate aviation and air transport policies and enhance land and maritime connectivity to facilitate the movement of people and goods and achieve economies of scale.

One of the most significant joint transport initiatives is the GCC Railway Project, extending from Kuwait in the north and passing through Dammam in Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, and from Dammam to Qatar via the Salwa crossing, linking Qatar with Bahrain.  The network then extends from Saudi Arabia to the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi through Al Ain, before reaching south to its final destination in Muscat, Oman, via Sohar.

GCC states have recorded notable advancements in transport and logistics, surpassing the global average on the World Bank’s 2023 Logistics Performance Index (LPI).  In 2024, they were ranked among the world’s top 21 emerging and leading markets in logistics competitiveness, business environment, and digital readiness.

The region is home to more than 25 major seaports and 23 international airports, and has established a Unified Maritime Operations Centre to safeguard territorial waters, ensure freedom of navigation, and support stability in the region.  These achievements underscore the GCC’s growing influence on regional and global economic pathways.

Digital Infrastructure and Technology

The GCC has made major strides in digital cooperation, telecommunication, and joint AI and digital transformation projects, representing a forward-looking investment in technological and knowledge-based infrastructure that enhances connectivity, strengthens economies, and supports critical domains.

Recent achievements include the adoption of the first unified GCC Digital Government Guiding Strategy (2024 - 2030).  All GCC states also received a "Very High" rating in the UN 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), reflecting the successful alignment of regional digital policies.  The strategy aims to integrate GCC e-government networks, launch a unified smart portal, and introduce a standardized framework for digital accessibility.

The GCC also approved frameworks for using AI in public services, climate prediction, and disaster management, and organise the annual GCC Digital Government Award.  Member states actively participate in international forums such as Internet Governance Forum (IGF), Leading Edge Advancement and Progress (LEAP), and Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), and consistently rank among the best globally in network quality, internet services, e-governance, cloud computing and the adoption of advanced digital technologies.

In cybersecurity, the GCC established a Gulf Ministerial Cybersecurity Committee to counter cyber threats and enhance regional cooperation.

As part of the unified GCC smart ID card system, all members have fully adopted their national smart ID cards, which are now used for movement across GCC entry points.  A unified manual for smart ID electronic reading has been completed, and work has begun on new specifications enabling NFC based reading and advanced biometric features such as iris recognition.  These developments strengthen the GCC’s status as a digital innovation hub and improve quality of life for its citizens.

Food Security Sustainability

Food security remains a top priority for the GCC.  Through its specialised and ministerial committees, member states have launched ambitious local production strategies aimed at achieving agricultural integration and sustainable food resilience.

These efforts include unified strategies for optimising water resources, increasing local food output, supporting joint projects with private domain participation, and strengthening cooperation on food safety systems, research, laboratory capabilities, and inspection procedures, ensuring safer, higher-quality, food for consumers.

The GCC has also approved a unified food law, guidelines for monitoring imported foods, and the establishment of a GCC Food Risk Assessment Centre, along with frameworks for regulating novel foods and managing restrictions on animal-origin imports.

Joint agricultural efforts aim to enhance domain-related laws, unify policies, and advance shared food security projects across agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.

Environment and Climate

In recent years, the GCC has witnessed significant progress in environmental action, translating climate commitments into impactful initiatives and pioneering projects.  Member states have strengthened their presence as an influential bloc in global climate efforts, particularly those focused on protecting the environment for future generations.

GCC nations have adopted policies to reduce carbon emissions and expand the use of renewable and green energy, key pathways toward low-carbon economies that balance growth with natural resource preservation.  These initiatives reflect an integrated Gulf approach combining environmental and economic dimensions, promoting investment in green industries, creating new job opportunities in clean energy and waste management, and advancing modern environmental technologies and circular carbon economy principles.  Together, these efforts enhance competitiveness and support sustainable development across social, economic, and environmental dimensions.

The GCC remains committed to aligning its policies with global environmental obligations, including the 2015 Paris Agreement.  Member states affirm their goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, contributing to international climate efforts, and advancing a more sustainable, low emission future.

N.N, A.A