
The Gulf–ASEAN Exchange is the definitive hub for business and cultural insights on trade, investment, and strategic partnerships shaping the Gulf–ASEAN corridor.
Join our growing business community and stay ahead of emerging opportunities across two of the world’s fastest-growing regions.
Developing Story: An Israeli strike in Doha (9 Sept) targeted Hamas figures and killed six, sparking an extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit (15 Sept). Leaders condemned the attack as a breach of sovereignty, warned that escalation could derail normalisation with Israel, and defended Qatar’s role as mediator. Beyond the rhetoric, Gulf states are now quietly questioning U.S. security guarantees — a shift that could push them to diversify defense ties with Turkey, China, or Russia.
Global trade is tilting east—and the Gulf–ASEAN corridor is emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing economic axes.
The UAE is doubling down on Islamic finance and halal exports—setting a bold $86B target by 2031 and holding $162B in Islamic deposits. For ASEAN businesses, this is more than a headline—it’s a clear signal to engage. From halal F&B to Sukuk financing, the UAE is opening doors. Time for ASEAN to walk through them.
The recent GCC–ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur reaffirmed strong intentions to deepen economic, political, and strategic cooperation between the two blocs. But as Gulf investments eye Southeast Asia’s fast-growing markets, a hard question remains: Will this partnership move beyond rhetoric?
On the sidelines of the recent ASEAN Summit, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia met to reaffirm trilateral cooperation. It may seem like routine diplomacy, but this sub-regional alliance has deeper implications—especially for Gulf stakeholders seeking stable, growth-ready entry points into Southeast Asia.