Bahrain and the European Union (EU) pledged closer co-operation on regional security and maritime stability while launching negotiations on a Strategic Partnership Agreement, following talks between senior officials at the GCC-EU Regional Security Cooperation Forum.
In a world increasingly shaped by supply constraints, the GCC is shifting from a beneficiary of scarcity to a provider of the energy, capital, and infrastructure that underpin global growth, says a new BlackRock report.
Australian group Maritimo, a leading builder of long-range luxury motor yachts for the world, has appointed KJM Marine as its exclusive dealer across the GCC and selected territories in the Middle East and Indian Ocean, reinforcing its presence in one of the world's most dynamic boating regions.
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.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure Gulf allies on Wednesday that Washington's landmark agreement with Iran would not come at the expense of their security, as he met leaders in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait during a regional tour aimed at easing concerns over the deal.
Oman Air, the sultanate's flag-carrier, has announced plans to launch new direct flights to Abu Dhabi from its hub in Muscat, further expanding its regional network. Operating once daily, starting from July 9, this service marks Oman Air’s 49th destination and its tenth within the Gulf region.
The fragile US-Iran peace agreement reached last week is already facing challenges as Washington and Tehran offer conflicting interpretations of key provisions, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a Middle East tour aimed at reassuring skeptical regional allies, said media reports.
Saur reaffirmed its commitment to Gulf water security at G7 discussions in Evian and Vision Golfe 2026 in Paris, highlighting the GCC’s growing global leadership in resilient, sustainable, and advanced water management systems.
