GCC Celebrates Gulf Statistics Day: How Unified Data Vision Impacts Business Growth and Investment Opportunities
MUSCAT: The Statistical Centre of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) celebrated Gulf Statistics Day on December 24, highlighting the critical role that official statistics play in effective decision-making and sustainable development. This year’s theme was “Unified Data… A Shared Gulf Vision.”
Jassim bin Mohammed al Budaiwi, the Secretary-General of the GCC, emphasized that Gulf Statistics Day honors the contributions of professionals in the statistical field, whose work is vital for supporting development policies across the region. He noted that, in alignment with the vision of GCC leaders, statistical cooperation has become fundamental to joint efforts within the Gulf.
Al Budaiwi pointed out that the GCC Statistical Centre, established in 2011, acts as a central repository for unified data, enhancing evidence-based decision-making and fostering economic and social integration among GCC member states.
This year’s celebration coincided with the outcomes of the 2025 GCC Summit held in Manama, which underscored the importance of enhancing integration, unifying policies, and promoting sustainable development as key priorities. The chosen theme reflects the summit’s directives, as unified data serves as the technical foundation for monitoring economic integration, diversifying indicators, and tracking progress towards the GCC’s Sustainable Development Goals.
As part of the observance, the centre awarded the winners of its statistical competition, which aims to raise awareness of statistics, encourage innovation in data usage, and inspire Gulf talent to utilize data in analysis, research, and forecasting.
The event also included a panel discussion titled “Unified Data for a Shared Gulf Vision Towards Statistical Integration Supporting Sustainable Development.” Discussions centered on standardizing data and indicators, enhancing the strength of official statistics, transforming statistical systems digitally, and improving collaboration between statistical agencies and policymakers.
Participants addressed issues related to data integration, quality, and timely availability, as well as the role of statistics in strategic planning, measuring impact, and enhancing the efficiency of public policy across GCC nations.
In a related initiative, the GCC Statistical Centre launched the Youth Creativity in Data Award, aimed at Gulf youth aged 18 to 34. In partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Qatar National Statistics Center, this program seeks to promote data literacy and inspire young people to leverage data for sustainable development.
Intisar bint Abdullah al Wahaibiyah, Director General of the GCC Statistical Centre, remarked that the award sends a strong message about the potential of Gulf youth as future leaders in data and statistics. She highlighted that data transcends mere numbers; it is a powerful tool that shapes development and decision-making. Investing in young talent is essential for building a knowledge-based economy in the GCC. — ONA
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The emphasis on unified data as a cornerstone for economic integration in the GCC presents significant opportunities for businesses in Oman to leverage data-driven decision-making. With the GCC’s focus on sustainable development, smart investors should consider the potential for collaboration across member states, while entrepreneurs should prioritize innovations in data analytics to stay competitive. However, they must also be aware of the risks associated with data quality and integration challenges that could affect policy implementation and business strategies.
