His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underscored that the "Mulim" programme embodies a practical model for joint Gulf action in the field of investment awareness through the integration of efforts among relevant authorities across the GCC states, the exchange of expertise, and delivering the message of financial and investment literacy to diverse segments of society.
His Excellency's remarks came during his speech at the 4th Annual Ceremony of the Smart Gulf Investor Award, an initiative of the "Mulim" GCC Investment Awareness Programme, held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
At the outset of his address, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General extended his highest expressions of thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's sponsorship of the award and for the facilities and support provided to ensure the success of the GCC's work, commending the continuous support and attention joint Gulf action receives from Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC member states.
"The rapid developments in the financial sector and the expanding use of modern technologies and digital platforms have provided broader access to investment markets and products. Conversely, they have been accompanied by an increasing diversity of risks, fraudulent methods, and unreliable information, which underscores the necessity of nurturing conscious investors who recognise opportunities and risks and are capable of making sound decisions," His Excellency explained.
Moreover, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General emphasised that promoting financial literacy and investment awareness represents a fundamental pillar in building Gulf communities that are better equipped to make sound financial decisions, bolstering the efficiency and stability of financial markets, protecting investors, and reinforcing confidence in these markets.
"The GCC states continue to develop their financial markets and strengthen regulatory frameworks to keep pace with economic and technological transformations, support economic diversification efforts, and elevate the region’s attractiveness to local and international investors. The market capitalisation of GCC financial markets reached approximately USD 4 trillion by the end of June 2026, while the volume of traded shares reached around 228 billion shares, with a trading value approaching USD 307 billion," His Excellency pointed out.
Furthermore, His Excellency congratulated the winners of the Smart Gulf Investor Award, underlining that the value of the award transcends mere recognition and the celebration of creativity, contributing instead to a broader Gulf objective of building a society that is more conscious, capable of managing its resources, shaping its financial future, and transforming financial knowledge into awareness, behaviour, and sustainable practice.
In conclusion, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Capital Market Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the ceremony and supporting the "Mulim" programme and the Smart Gulf Investor Award, as well as to all participating and partner entities across the GCC states, expressing his aspiration for the award to continue its mission of fostering awareness, embedding a culture of responsible investment, and contributing to building a Gulf generation that is more aware, confident, and capable of shaping its future.
