Muscat – Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states provided US$6.1bn in relief aid in 2025, accounting for around 21.7% of the global total, according to a report by the GCC Statistical Centre.

The report, issued to mark World Humanitarian Day on August 19, highlighted the growing role of the GCC states in international humanitarian and relief efforts.

The centre said the figures reflected the GCC countries’ increasing contribution to humanitarian work and their commitment to protecting humanitarian workers and people dependent on aid for food, healthcare and protection.

GCC relief efforts extend beyond emergency response to support the recovery of affected communities, strengthen stability and promote sustainable development.

According to the report, basic services accounted for 77.8% of the total GCC relief aid in 2025. These included health, early recovery, water, governance, environmental protection and the reintegration of displaced people, as well as education and food security.

Health received the largest share at 33.4%, followed by early recovery at 23.2%, food security at 15.3% and education at 7%. Other sectors accounted for 22.1%.

The report said the figures demonstrated the broad scope of GCC humanitarian assistance, combining emergency relief with support for recovery, capacity building and essential services.

It added that the GCC states have become prominent international contributors to humanitarian and relief work, with their development policies and rapid responses to crises strengthening their position among major providers of official and voluntary humanitarian aid.

Established in 2011 and headquartered in Oman, the GCC Statistical Centre serves as the official source for data, information and statistics relating to the GCC countries.