World · Middle East · 5 hrs ago
Gulf states urge closer transport links to protect trade during crises
Gulf Cooperation Council leaders called for closer transport and logistics links at a meeting of the bloc’s transport ministers in Manama, Bahrain.
Disruptions to sea routes and rising shipping and insurance costs have made it harder to keep trade and essential services moving.
The bloc’s transport and storage sector grew by 5.7% in 2025, among the fastest-growing non-oil activities.
Ministers are prioritising varied supply routes and stronger crisis coordination to help keep goods flowing and markets stable.
The meeting reviewed progress on a study of how to strengthen logistics links among Gulf states, which leaders ordered in April 2026.
The Gulf railway is targeted for completion by the end of 2030 and is intended to connect land transport networks with ports and logistics hubs.
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi called for closer links between member states’ transport and logistics networks to protect trade and economic security during crises.
He said diversifying transport and supply routes would help maintain the flow of goods and stabilize markets.
Albudaiwi spoke at the 30th meeting of the GCC transport ministers committee in Manama, Bahrain.
He cited disruptions to maritime routes and higher shipping and insurance costs as reasons to strengthen regional coordination.
The GCC railway project is targeted for completion by the end of 2030.
- Who
- GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi and the GCC transport ministers committee.
- What
- Albudaiwi urged closer integration of transport and logistics networks and more diverse supply routes to help protect trade during crises.
- When
- November 8, 2026.
- Where
- Manama, Bahrain.
- Why
- Maritime route disruptions and higher shipping and insurance costs have highlighted the need to keep trade and supplies moving.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
GCC leaders directed the preparation of a study to strengthen logistical integration among member states.
The transport ministers committee met in Manama and reviewed progress on the study.
The GCC railway project is targeted for completion.
- Meeting
- 30th GCC transport ministers committee meeting
- Location
- Manama, Bahrain
- Sector growth
- Transport and storage grew by 5.7% in 2025
- Railway target
- Completion by the end of 2030
- Study directive
- Issued at the GCC Supreme Council’s 19th consultative meeting on April 28, 2026
What people are saying
Integrating Gulf capabilities and diversifying supply routes enhance the ability of the GCC states to confront crises and maintain the stability of their markets