His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underlined that cementing the interconnection between transport and logistics networks in the GCC states represents a fundamental pillar for protecting Gulf economic security and ensuring the continuity of trade movement and the flow of goods. He indicated that integrating Gulf capabilities and diversifying supply routes bolster the capacity of the GCC states to confront crises and maintain the stability of their markets.
These remarks came during His Excellency's speech at the 30th meeting of the Committee of Ministers of Transport and Communications of the GCC states, held today, Sunday, 8 November 2026, in the Bahraini capital, Manama. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session, with the attendance of the members of the Committee.
At the outset of his speech, His Excellency the Secretary General extended his highest expressions of thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, for the Kingdom's hosting of this meeting, and for the support and facilities it provides to ensure the success of the GCC's work. He valued the continuous attention accorded by His Majesty and Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states to bolstering the march of joint Gulf action. He also expressed his thanks to His Excellency the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the warm hospitality, excellent organisation, and preparation for the meeting.
"The rapid transformations witnessed by the region and the world, along with the accompanying disruptions in maritime corridors and rising shipping and insurance costs, have underscored the strategic importance of the transport and logistics sector in supporting market stability and the continuation of trade movement and vital services," His Excellency explained, adding that these developments stress the necessity of cementing Gulf coordination to elevate the efficiency of responding to these variables.
Furthermore, His Excellency the Secretary General conveyed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Sultanate of Oman for the cooperation, facilities, and coordinating efforts they provided during the period of the Iranian attacks. "These endeavours contributed to providing alternative routes for the movement of goods and commodities and guaranteeing the continuity of supply chains to the rest of the GCC states," His Excellency indicated. He affirmed that these efforts embodied the depth of Gulf solidarity and translated the integration among the member states into practical measures that safeguard their economic security and shared interests.
Moreover, His Excellency stated that the investments made by the GCC states in developing the land, air, and maritime transport sectors, as well as infrastructure and logistics facilities, have contributed to boosting the efficiency of the transport system and supporting economic activity. He noted that the transport and storage sector in the GCC states achieved a real growth of 5.7% during 2025, positioning it among the fastest-growing non-oil economic activities.
"The priorities for the upcoming phase lie in strengthening integration among transport and logistics systems, diversifying transport and supply routes, and raising the level of readiness and joint coordination to confront crises in order to maintain the resilience of supply chains and ensure the continued flow of goods and products," His Excellency emphasised.
In this context, His Excellency referred to the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC states during the 19th Consultative Meeting of the Supreme Council, held in Jeddah on 28 April 2026, to prepare a study for enhancing logistical integration among the GCC states. He explained that the meeting reviews the level of progress in preparing this study.
His Excellency underscored that the GCC Railway Project, targeted for completion by the end of 2030, represents one of the strategic projects supporting Gulf integration, given its role in facilitating the movement of passengers and goods, linking land transport networks with ports and logistics centres, improving the efficiency of the Gulf transport system, and boosting its competitiveness.
His Excellency the Secretary General concluded his speech by emphasising the significance of continuing joint efforts to develop the transport and communications sector, extending his appreciation to Their Excellencies the members of the Committee for their efforts in serving the GCC states and their peoples, and advancing the march of Gulf cooperation and integration.
