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The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) is charting a course towards a sustainable future by utilising its rich marine heritage through a flourishing blue economy, with regional scientific co-operation and joint coastal initiatives acting as key enablers, marine conservationist and ocean advocate engineer Ahmed Nabil has said.“I have many fellows at Qatar University (QU), they are doing an excellent job as well in marine conservation, helping in minimising the impact of coastal development. So I would say Qatar is playing a key role, and as I always say, there is no ceiling for improvement,” he said, lauding Qatar’s efforts and the contributions of researchers at QU.Nabil was speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of Qatar Events Show 2025’s ‘Tourism and the Blue Economy: A Pathway to Climate Resilient Events in the 21st Century’ session Thursday. Citing the significant strides made in recent years, Nabil noted a ‘wonderful progress’ in this area, with environmental authorities and agencies playing increasingly vital roles in coastal development projects.With the GCC region historically dependent on oil and gas, he said the blue economy serves as an opportunity for economic diversification, with tourism at its forefront. He pointed to the region’s deep historical connection to the ocean, rooted in centuries of fishing, pearl diving, and hunting. This legacy, he added, provides a natural springboard for developing unique tourist experiences that showcase local cultures and heritage.Well positioned within the Arab Gulf, Nabil said the region boasts a rich marine environment packed with diverse species, including unique “resilient corals” capable of withstanding harsh conditions. He noted that these corals could be essential for the future of marine ecosystems globally, which are increasingly threatened by coral bleaching due to climate change.“Starting from the Arab Gulf, the corals and the fish, or the rich biodiversity, could be a very good starting point for research for supporting the world and the corals of the future,” he pointed out.Beyond research, he said he sees the region becoming a prime destination for eco-tourism activities such as whale and shark watching, turtle nesting observations, various water sports, among others.Nabil noted the significant technological advancements within GCC nations, describing the last decade as a period of “wonderful movement”. He cited the UAE’s leading research vessels as a proof to collaborative regional efforts in marine science, working side by side. He also commended QU’s ongoing work in seagrass and Dugong conservation, underlining his conviction that the GCC is “in the lead” in these conservation efforts.Nabil stressed that collaboration is indispensable for the success of the blue economy, urging for further development of scientific co-operation among all GCC countries and across the Arab Gulf.Defining the blue economy broadly to cover all ocean-related human activities from fishing and shipping to coastal development, resorts, and water sports he spotlighted its growing relevance for the GCC.Given its strategic location along the Arab Gulf, Arab Sea, and Red Sea, Nabil said the ocean plays an important role in the region’s geography, resources, and the cultural fabric of its people.“That’s why we believe the next or the future of the economy is going to be from the ocean and back to the ocean,” he said.

The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) took part in the 10th meeting of Their Excellencies undersecretaries and senior officials responsible for Islamic affairs and endowments in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem al-Thani chaired Qatar's delegation to the meeting, which was held Wednesday in the State of Kuwait with the participation of official delegations from across the GCC.In his remarks, HE Dr Sheikh Khalid stressed that such meetings serve as a strategic platform for discussing aspirations, challenges, and exchanging expertise and best practices. He emphasized the importance of coordinating efforts among GCC countries to develop a unified vision that enhances the religious and social roles of ministries of Islamic affairs and endowments, supports developmental goals, and empowers the sector to fulfill its civilizational and humanitarian mission for Gulf societies and beyond.He also commended the significant efforts made by the ministers and undersecretaries of Islamic affairs and endowments across the GCC, which he said reflect the region’s commitment to meeting the aspirations of its peoples and advancing sustainable development. He extended his gratitude to Kuwait for its warm hospitality and excellent organization, and praised the efforts of the GCC General Secretariat and the Standing Committee of Islamic Affairs Specialists for their productive work during the current session.The agenda included proposals to share scientific research and experiences in the field of endowments through interactive virtual seminars; showcase best practices in Islamic affairs and set criteria for the successful social role of mosque imams. Also discussed were artificial intelligence in Islamic affairs; intellectual security codes for mosque imams, energy conservation in mosques and technical requirements for building and upgrading mosques.The meeting also presented a proposal to hold a Gulf Week for the Protection of Religious and Moral Values of the Family. Participants presented several recommendations aimed at enhancing co-operation among GCC states in the field of Islamic affairs and endowments. These recommendations will be submitted to the upcoming meeting of GCC Ministers of Islamic Affairs and Endowments for approval and adoption.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) urged the international community on Wednesday to take immediate and deterrent measures to halt the inflammatory calls and dangerous practices of the Israeli occupation forces aimed at deepening settlement activity and annexing the occupied West Bank.In a statement, Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said that these inflammatory calls, made by a minister in the government of the Israeli occupation forces, confirm the occupation's continuous and systematic approach of destabilising security and stability in the region, reflecting its insistence on undermining peace opportunities and its blatant defiance of international conventions, as well as its continued violation of all laws and norms.He affirmed the GCC's support for the brotherly Palestinian people in confronting these aggressive statements and practices, and in backing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, first and foremost the establishment of their independent state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.​

GCC will need to invest an estimated $12bn to $25bn in recycling infrastructure by 2045 to position itself as a circular plastics hub, according to industry assessments.A new report from KAPSARC and Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network, finds that the Gulf Co-operation Council could play a critical role in closing the global gap in recycled plastics — with demand projected to outstrip supply by up to 35mn tonnes by 2030.Although demand for recycled plastics is rising by 8% annually — outpacing the 2% annual growth in virgin plastics — supply continues to lag behind.Despite growing momentum, less than 70% of global demand for recycled materials is being met. The shortfall is expected to reach 35mn tonnes by 2030.Today, GCC countries generate around 10mn tonnes of plastic waste annually but only 10% is recycled, reused or recovered. This ratio is on par with the global average, yet behind leaders like China and other OECD countries.In Saudi Arabia, the plastics and chemical sectors contribute 6%–9% of GDP, underscoring the region’s economic exposure to global shifts in plastics demand and the opportunity to lead in circularity.Devesh Katiyar, Partner, at Strategy& Middle East, said, “With global mechanical recycling still under 10% and pressure mounting from ESG mandates, carbon regulations, and shifting consumer preferences, there is a growing mismatch between supply and demand.“Unless addressed, this imbalance could delay climate progress and reinforce reliance on virgin plastics. The GCC is uniquely positioned to bridge this gap by leveraging its petrochemical strengths for circular solutions.”Globally, chemical recycling — especially pyrolysis — is gaining momentum, but its commercial viability depends on feedstock availability, energy prices, and plant efficiency.Modelling by KAPSARC and Strategy& shows that chemical recycling plants in the GCC that are embedded in petrochemical clusters can break even at plastic waste feedstock prices of $240 to $280 per metric tonne. Even at higher prices of $450 to $500 per tonne, profitability is still achievable, provided recycled plastics continue to command a market premium over virgin materials.Jayanth Mantri, Principal, at Strategy& Middle East, commented, “The economics of chemical recycling are compelling for the GCC, especially when integrated into existing systems and supported by the region’s competitive energy costs. Unlike traditional petrochemicals, chemical recycling is knowledge-intensive and offers potentially higher economic multipliers and innovation-driven growth.”Low-cost energy and existing infrastructure make the GCC well-positioned to lead. According to the report, success requires progress on three fronts: feedstock access, regulatory certainty, as well as innovation and consumer awareness.To ensure stable feedstock supply and global market access, the GCC must establish formal plastic waste trade corridors with Asia, Africa, and Europe.This includes upgrading ports, customs systems, and cross-border traceability infrastructure in line with international standards — securing inbound waste streams and enabling outbound exports of certified recycled resins.To reduce reliance on foreign policy shifts, the region must also accelerate domestic regulatory reform. Key priorities include extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, recycled content mandates, pricing reform for virgin polymers, and harmonised quality and safety standards across the GCC.Scaling circularity will also depend on investment in chemical recycling, smart sorting systems, and blockchain traceability tools. Government co-funding can support R&D in partnership with industry, while consumer incentives and awareness campaigns will help drive demand and improve waste segregation.The report also calls for blended financing to help build a modern circular plastics ecosystem, noting that GCC nations should leverage sovereign wealth funds, PPPs, and de-risking mechanisms to mobilise capital and attract global players.

Qatar accounts for a significant share of GCC’s proven natural gas reserves, with 24.7tn cubic metres (tcm), making it the largest holder in the region and a global leader in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, according to a new report.The GCC collectively holds more than 40tcm of proven natural gas reserves, representing about 20% of the world’s total, Arthur D Little (ADL) said in a research note.Annual production volumes underscore the region’s strategic role: Qatar produces 211bn cubic metres (bcm), Saudi Arabia 124bcm, the UAE 56bcm, and Oman 54bcm, while Kuwait and Bahrain each produce 20bcm or less and rely heavily on imports to meet demand, the report noted.Historically, gas allocation decisions in the region have followed a straightforward logic: meet domestic power needs, support key industries, and fulfil export commitments.However, ADL’s research warns that without a more systematic approach, significant value could be left untapped. The Resource Utilisation Index (RUI) addresses this challenge by integrating five interlinked strategic dimensions into a single comparative score.It first considers EBITDA impact, measuring the true profitability generated per unit of gas and adjusting for opportunity cost to provide an accurate picture of financial value. It then evaluates GDP contribution, capturing the direct, indirect, and induced effects of gas use on national output, including multiplier effects across supply chains.Employment generation is assessed not only in terms of the number of jobs created, but also the quality of those jobs, their alignment with national workforce strategies, and their role in skills development.The economic complexity dimension examines how gas allocation supports diversification and industrial upgrading, favouring pathways that enable the production of more sophisticated, high-value exports. Finally, the framework factors in global market synergies, identifying sectors where gas utilisation can leverage trade partnerships, export readiness, and existing infrastructure to expand the region’s economic footprint.Energy-intensive industries illustrate the importance of this approach. In aluminium smelting, for example, energy can account for up to 40% of production costs, and overall energy usage can represent around 50% of total aluminium production costs.While access to affordable gas strengthens cost competitiveness, the RUI helps decision-makers weigh this against the potential value of redirecting the same gas to higher-return uses such as LNG exports or advanced petrochemicals.“The RUI is not about prescribing a single path for gas allocation. It’s about equipping decision-makers with the tools to make choices that align with national goals, economic diversification, and long-term resilience,” said Peter Kaznacheev, Principal at ADL Middle East. “By measuring profitability, economic impact, and strategic alignment in a single framework, we offer a holistic view of where gas delivers the greatest value.”The index can be tailored to national priorities by adjusting weightings across its five dimensions, and recalibrated as market conditions evolve or new industries emerge. Its applications range from helping governments set long-term planning objectives to enabling corporate planners and joint ventures to balance domestic requirements with export opportunities.Recent global trade turbulence – alongside regional industrial expansion – has reinforced the need for evidence-based allocation strategies.“With major producers like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman facing rising internal demand, and import-reliant states such as Kuwait and Bahrain under increasing supply pressure, the framework offers a unified lens for strategic gas deployment,” the research noted.“In a time of shifting global alignments and economic recalibration, the RUI empowers GCC nations to view gas not just as an energy source, but as a strategic lever for sustainable growth,” added Ilya Epikhin, Principal at ADL Middle East.By quantifying the economic, social, and strategic value of each cubic meter of natural gas, ADL’s RUI equips GCC leaders with the means to make allocation decisions that reinforce diversification, competitiveness, and resilience in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.