Manama: Khalifa Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, highlighted the resilience of the GCC economy, noting that it has not only recovered to pre-COVID levels but is now performing better than before the pandemic, reflecting the region's economic strength. Speaking to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) on the sidelines of Gateway Gulf 2024, Belhoul attributed this optimism to the region's energy resources, leadership focus, and prioritisation of human capital. According to Bahrain News Agency, Belhoul remarked, "The region has consistently demonstrated resilience, weathering global challenges from the pandemic to geopolitical shifts. Our economies are now stronger than they were pre-2019, showing the strength of cooperation among Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which has significantly contributed to the region's GDP growth." Commenting on the Gateway Gulf 2024 forum, Belhoul praised it as a vital platform for investors, policymakers, and government officials to discuss economic trends, challenges, and opp ortunities. "It's an impressive gathering with relevant topics, especially the plenary sessions," he remarked. "For any economy, especially those focusing on talent and building innovation ecosystems, it's essential to have an agile government that listens and collaborates." Belhoul referenced remarks by Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Minister of Finance and National Economy, emphasising the private sector's role as an economic growth engine. He said, "An agile government must work alongside the private sector to navigate today's rapidly evolving landscape, especially in areas like AI deployment, to streamline trade and enhance economic competitiveness. Proactive collaboration is key, with governments enabling rather than directing economic growth." He expressed enthusiasm for the discussions at the forum and underscored the Dubai Future Foundation's commitment to contributing regularly to such initiatives. On the relationship between Bahrain and the UAE, Belhoul commended the strong, frate rnal ties, underscoring mutual respect and a shared vision for progress. "The deep bonds between our nations are clear from the actions of our leaders to the interactions among our citizens and officials. This shared commitment was evident with the strong UAE representation here at the event. Our relationship sets an example of collaboration, which I hope will inspire similar partnerships globally."
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