Global supply chain executives say innovation and help for small businesses will do the most to drive non-oil economic growth for Gulf economies, which outperformed most others in the 14th annual Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index.
UAE ranked No. 3 behind China and India in the 50-country Index. Saudi Arabia was No. 6. Both countries were in the top 10 in all four Index categories: domestic logistics, international logistics, business fundamentals and digital readiness. Qatar was in the top 10 in all categories except international logistics, where it was 19th.
GCC countries again dominated the business fundamentals rankings, which compare the legal, regulatory and tax frameworks of emerging markets countries. UAE (1), Qatar (2), Saudi Arabia (3), Oman (5), Bahrain (6) and Kuwait (11) were clustered at the top for best business climate.
Among the six GCC economies, Kuwait (No. 15 overall) did most to improve its competitiveness, gaining ground in every category. In digital readiness, Oman, up five spots to No. 10, and Bahrain, up six to No. 16, made the biggest strides among GCC countries.
