Unified GCC strategy commits to AI leadership with unprecedented investment scale
His Excellency Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, affirmed that all GCC member states have adopted ambitious national strategies in Artificial Intelligence and the digital economy. This unified commitment represents a historic alignment across all six member states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman) on AI as a strategic priority for economic diversification and global competitiveness.
GCC member states have committed to $150 billion in AI-related investments and infrastructure development in the near term, demonstrating unprecedented financial commitment to AI leadership.
AI technologies are projected to add approximately $150 billion to the GCC economy immediately, with annual contribution expected to reach $260 billion by 2030. This represents a transformational economic opportunity aligned with Vision 2030 and similar national strategies.
All six GCC member states have adopted comprehensive national AI strategies. These nations have strengthened their global standing through strategic investments and deployment of advanced technical applications. Coordinated approach removes friction and accelerates standards across the region.
GCC places high priority on enhancing strategic international partnerships, particularly with organizations like the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO). Partnership formalized in 2021 has yielded qualitative results supporting digital transformation across member states.
This unified GCC commitment signals several critical developments:
The GCC Secretary General's announcement represents a watershed moment for AI in the Gulf region. With all six member states aligned on ambitious AI strategies and $150 billion in committed investment, the GCC is positioning itself as a global AI hub. This creates unprecedented opportunities for organizations seeking to deploy AI solutions in the region, attract talent, and build sustainable businesses. The coordinated regulatory approach and strategic alignment mean organizations can operate with greater predictability and scale across multiple GCC markets simultaneously. The $260 billion annual contribution target by 2030 signals that AI is no longer a peripheral initiative but a central pillar of GCC economic strategy.
Source: GCC General Secretariat, February 5, 2026 | 5th General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organisation, Kuwait City