Dubai, UAE — April 2026 — A new era of collaboration in regional data and research has begun, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf and the Arabian Gulf University.
The agreement, which aims to strengthen joint statistical work across the Gulf region, covers a wide range of cooperation areas including scientific research, statistical capacity building, and the exchange of knowledge and technical expertise, according to the Emirates News Agency.
The formal signing took place during a visit by Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of Arabian Gulf University, and his accompanying delegation to the GCC-Stat headquarters in Muscat. They were welcomed by Intisar bint Abdullah Al Wahaibi, Director-General of GCC-Stat, in a meeting designed to reinforce institutional partnerships and promote enhanced collaboration between the two organizations.
During the visit, the delegation received a comprehensive visual presentation highlighting GCC-Stat’s key initiatives and its vital role in providing reliable statistical data and indicators to support policymakers and advance sustainable development throughout the GCC region.
The presentation sparked detailed discussions on potential areas for joint work, including scientific research, statistical capacity building, technical expertise exchange, and the organization of joint scientific events and seminars.
These efforts are specifically aimed at supporting the development of statistical work and strengthening integration between academic and statistical institutions across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The MoU outlines several specific cooperation areas, such as the exchange of studies and research, specialised training programmes, joint conferences and scientific workshops, as well as technical and advisory visits.
These initiatives are expected to further enhance integration between both parties in supporting collective GCC statistical efforts.
This partnership is closely aligned with the GCC Statistical Strategic Plan (2026–2030), which seeks to establish a smart and reliable regional statistical system, foster academic and scientific partnerships, and develop a new generation of qualified statistical professionals capable of applying data science and advanced statistical analysis to inform evidence-based policymaking.
To ensure effective implementation, both parties have agreed to form a joint committee responsible for overseeing the execution of the MoU and developing a concrete plan for proposed initiatives. This governance structure is designed to contribute to the creation of an integrated GCC statistical knowledge society and to promote the use of data in guiding development strategies across the region.
Ultimately, this initiative reflects GCC-Stat’s ongoing commitment to expanding its partnerships with academic and research institutions, supporting the priorities of joint GCC statistical work, and enhancing the vital integration between statistical knowledge production and real-world, research-based applications.
