The Gulf Cooperation Council's secretary-general stated that Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar are very close to starting the official Schengen visa-waiver process. Positive outcomes are anticipated ahead of the GCC-EU summit in Riyadh on October 24, 2026. The UAE remains the only GCC member whose citizens currently hold visa-free short-stay access to the Schengen area.
A research paper from the Middle East Council on Global Affairs examines expanding economic and strategic relations between GCC states and Central Asia. The study highlights the Gulf's capacity to deploy capital and expertise across energy, critical minerals, and logistics alongside China's regional infrastructure footprint. It recommends strategic investment coordination among the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
A UAE delegation led by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber attended GCC ministerial meetings in Bahrain from October 6 to 8 to advance industrial integration and supply chain resilience. Discussions focused on regional standardization, advanced technology deployment, and private sector partnerships. The sessions were held alongside the inaugural Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang completed visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE to strengthen ties across traditional energy, renewable technologies, and electric vehicles. Bilateral trade between China and the UAE reached a record 50 billion dollars in the first half of 2024. Discussions also addressed reviving negotiations for a China-GCC free trade agreement.
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