The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries’ Quest for Economic and Digital Transformation
Sara Bazoobandi
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries’ Quest for Economic and Digital Transformation
Digital Cooperation with Global Partners - Policy Study | 2025
Abstract
The GCC countries have embarked upon major economic and digital transformation. Regional leaders are determined to redefine the region’s economic destiny. This requires creating worldclass digital and critical infrastructure. Such a rapid and ambitious development agenda requires the GCC to collaborate with various global technology powerhouses. Economic diversification visions are focused on both future economic stability beyond the hydrocarbon sector and the diversification of strategic partnerships and alliances. With its growing economic and technological power, China particularly has become a key partner in these GCC plans for economic transformation. This paper will explore various aspects of this partnership and seek to highlight cooperation opportunities between the GCC, Germany, and other European economies.
AI governance is shifting, with national priorities outweighing global coordination. To uphold its leadership in rights-respecting and innovation-friendly AI, the European Union must strengthen its domestic capabilities, expand international partnerships, and assert its regulatory influence.
