Most Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sovereigns remain supported by strong balance sheets and alternative export channels despite the economic and geopolitical fallout from the US-Iran war, which has prompted Fitch Ratings to revise its 2026 global sovereign sector outlook to “deteriorating” from “neutral.”
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has announced strong growth in visitor arrivals to Japan in 2025, with the GCC market outperforming others as demand for premium and experience-driven travel expanded.
Aggregate net profits reported by companies listed on GCC exchanges rose 15.5% year-on-year in the first quarter to a record quarterly high of $67.9 billion, up from $58.8 billion, said a report. This growth was mainly due to stronger earnings from energy companies, particularly Saudi Aramco.
The total number of young people aged 15–34 in the GCC countries reached approximately 23.5 million in 2024, accounting for 38.2% of the GCC states' total population.
Bahrain Bourse took part in the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference 2026 held recently in London, joining regional exchanges, listed companies and international investors to explore the outlook for GCC capital markets, focusing on strengthening listings and boosting liquidity.
The heightened volatility in commodity prices, profit rates, and exchange rates following the onset of the Iran war has reinforced the importance of Islamic derivatives for risk management, Fitch Ratings says. However, adoption is fragmented, and varies by sector and country.
Construction activity across the Gulf region remains robust, supported by strong project execution and rising demand for building materials with concrete works up 10-13% and reinforcement steel up 16%, said a new report. The GCC currently has about $951 billion worth of projects under active execution.
Bahrain’s tourism sector has seen strong growth since the “We Miss You” campaign, with increased GCC arrivals during Eid Al Adha. The Minister said the country is prepared for summer demand with expanded leisure offerings and regional promotions.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries outperformed the global average in the 2026 Economic Freedom Index, reflecting stronger economic openness and an improved business environment, data from the GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat) showed.
During a meeting with Clemens Augustinus Hach, the former German Ambassador to Bahrain, we had a candid discussion on regional and international affairs. I explained to him, quite frankly, our reservations regarding the West’s limited understanding of our region, only to be surprised when he remarked: “This is the first time I’ve heard such views expressed with this level of honesty.”
