The Federation of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Chambers intensified its efforts during the first half of 2026 to enhance economic integration and support the private sector, through initiatives and programs aimed at facilitating trade and business movement among the member states, at a time when intra-Gulf trade reached about $146 billion by the end of 2024.

The Federation, in cooperation with the Customs Union Authority, worked on creating a unified mechanism for exports and commercial transactions among Gulf countries, thereby raising the efficiency of intra-regional trade, facilitating the movement of goods and capital, and supporting the common Gulf market.

The Federation intensified its meetings with the General Secretariat of the GCC and the Customs Union Authority to discuss the most prominent challenges facing the private sector, review proposals from Gulf chambers and federations, and formulate practical solutions in preparation for submitting them to the relevant authorities.

The efforts extended to border crossings, as the Federation supported efforts to unify customs procedures and improve handling efficiency, preparing a unified indicative mechanism for using pallets and organizing the arrangement of goods to accelerate procedures and raise the efficiency of supply chains.

Amid geopolitical tensions, the Federation activated a Gulf emergency plan to ensure the continued flow of goods and services, monitor the movement of goods through land ports and seaports, and quickly address any obstacles that might affect the smooth flow of trade.

On the investment front, the Federation enhanced its presence in economic events, participating in Restatx Riyadh 2026 and the Sohar Investment Forum 2026, and also discussed preparations for organizing a Gulf-Turkish forum and exhibition in 2027 to expand horizons for trade and investment cooperation.

The Federation is preparing during the current July to organize a series of workshops to introduce joint Gulf industrial investment opportunities and present them to the private sector and investors, with the aim of turning promising opportunities into joint industrial projects that enhance the competitiveness of the Gulf economy and drive the integration process among member states.

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