RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY TABLE OFCONTENTS Report Legal Disclaimer3Forword4Chapter I: Introduction10Chapter II: GCC Countries Recommendations12A. About the GCC Roundtable12B. Key Recommendations131. Regulatory Support132. Access to Market143. Capacity Building154. Access to Funding175. Taxation186. Other Financial Incentives18Chapter III: Conclusion20GCC To-Be Country Reports22Recommendation Report for Kingdom of Bahrain25Recommendation Report for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia49Recommendation Report for State of Kuwait69Recommendation Report for State of Qatar93Recommendation Report for Sultanate of Oman115Recommendation Report for The United Arab Emirates135References - Bahrain156References – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia157References - Kuwait158References - Oman160References - Qatar161References - UAE163 REPORT LEGAL DISCLAIMER The following legal disclaimer («Disclaimer») applies to this report («Report») and by accessing or usingthe Report, you («User» or «Reader») acknowledge and agree to be bound by this Disclaimer. If you do notagree to this Disclaimer, please refrain from using the Report. Please be advised that this report is in its preliminary draft stage and is subject to further revisions.The information contained herein is provided for discussion purposes only and may not reflect the finalcontent or conclusions. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and relevanceof the information provided, DCO makes no representation or warranties of any kind, express or implied,about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained in thisReport. The information provided in this Report is intended for general informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered as professional advice. DCO disclaims any liability for any actions taken or not takenbased on the information provided in this Report. DCO reserves the right to update, modify, or remove content from this Report without prior notice. Thepublication of this Report does not create a consultant-client relationship between DCO and the User. The use of this Report is solely at the User’s own risk. Under no circumstances shall DCO be liable for anyloss, or damage, including but not limited to, direct or indirect or consequential loss or damage, or anyloss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of this Report. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this Reportdo not necessarily represent the views of the Digital Cooperation Organization or its member states. By accessing and using this Report, the Reader acknowledges and agrees to the terms of this Disclaimer,which is subject to change without notice, and any updates will be effective upon posting. A central responsibility for those driving thesenational visions is to ensure that the start-upecosystems powering this growth also builda digital economy that is inclusive, resilientand sustainable. The GCC has a tradition ofasking what is impossible and then doing it.Championing a digital economy where everyentrepreneur can thrive is our next frontier, andwe intend to lead it. development priorities. The proposals strike theright balance between regional alignment andnational specificity, enabling every country toadopt—and adapt—policies that serve its peopleand its vision. This work marks an important step toward a trulyinclusive digital economy—one that empowersentrepreneurs,encouragescross-bordercollaboration and reinforces the GCC’s globalcompetitiveness. It also demonstrates the powerof purposeful partnership and shared ambition. TheDigital Cooperation Organization’s DigitalSpace Accelerator (DSA) is a timely and welcomeinitiativethat mirrors the GCC’s dynamic,ambitious outlook. I commend the DCO for itsmultistakeholder approach and for convening theNovember 2024 GCC round-table that underpinsthis report. Onbehalf of the GCC,I thank the DigitalCooperation Organization, our Member States andall contributors to this initiative. Let this reportbethe springboard for deeper collaboration,innovative policymaking and bold action thatcarries us to the next stage. Foreword Grounded in robust dialogue and expert input, thereportsetsoutclear,actionablerecommendationsarranged around six pillars: regulatory support,access to markets, capacity building, access toa practical roadmap for strengthening start-upecosystems and unleashing innovation acrossthe region. Let us lead with intent, innovate with purposeand secure a digital future for the GCC that isinclusive, sustainable and transformative for all. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are undergoing some of theworld’s fastest transformations, and the digital economy is theirengine room. Venture capital deployed in the GCC has grown at a19 percent compound annual rate since 2020, reaching US $1.7billion in 2024, and even in 2023, when global funding slumped,the region recorded a 30 percent jump in VC investment. Thismoment