HE GCCSG: The GCC Countries Placed Great Importance on Developing the Digital Economy by Following Global Best Practices, Promoting Research, Innovation and Capacity Building, Enabling Them to Occupy Leading Positions Globally
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said that the Council countries have placed great importance on developing the digital economy by following global best practices, promoting research, innovation and capacity building, which has enabled them to occupy leading positions globally in information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, digital government and related global indicators.
This came during his participation in a roundtable titled “Enabling Inclusiveness in the Digital Economy”, organised by the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development on Tuesday (September 23, 2025) on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.
At the beginning of his participation, HE the Secretary General extended his thanks and appreciation to Her Excellency Ms Deemah Yahya AlYahya, Secretary General of the DCO, and to the officials of the Arab Bank for Economic Development for hosting and organising this event and the valuable topics it covered.
HE the Secretary General also stated that, according to the latest estimates, the digital economy is growing faster than global GDP, reaching approximately USD 24 trillion in 2025, representing approximately 21% of global GDP, with growth expected to continue in the coming years.
He highlighted: “Today, approximately 5.6 billion people, nearly 68% of the world’s population, are connected to the internet. These figures underscore the critical importance of developing the digital economy, which is no longer an option but an urgent necessity for the progress and prosperity of nations.”
HE the Secretary General also emphasised that GCC countries are working to enhance cooperation in the digital economy through joint initiatives to strengthen infrastructure, encourage innovation and build capacity, in addition to launching the e-government guiding strategy and communications roadmap, including developing a unified digital infrastructure, establishing digital governance frameworks, pursuing AI and emerging technologies initiatives, and supporting the localisation of technology industries.
