Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman: Top 5 biggest military budgets in the GCC.
These budgets reflect their commitment to enhancing their military capabilities, safeguarding national interests, and ensuring regional stability in the Gulf.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states continue to prioritise their defence capabilities.
The GCC, comprised of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, boasts some of the most substantial military budgets in the world.
These budgets reflect their commitment to enhancing their military capabilities, safeguarding national interests, and ensuring regional stability in the Gulf.
That said, here are the top five military budgets within the GCC, as per data by market research organisation Forecast International.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia takes the lead in the GCC with the largest military budget. As the largest economy in the region and a key player in regional dynamics, the Kingdom has consistently allocated significant resources to its defence sector.
According to the data, Saudi Arabia’s military budget in 2023 stood at approximately $45.6 billion, underscoring its commitment to modernising its armed forces and acquiring cutting-edge defence systems.
UAE
The UAE dedicates substantial resources to its defence sector, with the nation strategically investing in its military capabilities, seeking to establish itself as a regional military powerhouse.
With an estimated military budget of around $15.3 billion in 2023, as per the data, the UAE focuses on advanced defence technologies, including air defence systems, naval expansion, and enhancing its cyber warfare capabilities.
However, the report added that the UAE’s true spending on defence can be higher than the regional average, adding that “the UAE does not provide any defence spending data.”
Oman
Oman’s military budget in 2023 reached approximately $7.7 billion, as per the data, which added that the country spends “around their regional average.”
Oman prioritises the modernisation of its armed forces through the procurement of advanced naval vessels, air defence systems, and enhancing its intelligence capabilities. Additionally, Oman’s focus on strengthening its border security highlights its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity.
Kuwait
Kuwait’s military budget in 2023 amounted to approximately $5.7 billion, showing a 5.1 percent increase from the previous year.
This indicates a continued commitment to fortifying its defence capabilities. The country’s focus lies on maintaining a well-trained and capable armed forces, investing in modernisation efforts, and bolstering its air and missile defence systems.
The data shows that Kuwait is “soon to join” Oman in terms of military spending.
Qatar
Qatar has also significantly bolstered its military spending in recent years.
With a keen eye on regional security concerns, Qatar allocated approximately $4.35 billion to its military budget in 2023.
The country has prioritised enhancing its air force capabilities, acquiring advanced fighter jets and missile defence systems.
Additionally, Qatar has been proactive in forging strategic partnerships with international defence suppliers to ensure its armed forces remain well-equipped.
However, Qatar’s military spending is “lower” than the regional average, despite having a large market size.
“The size of the militaries in these GCC countries should also be considered, as their small force structures and personnel numbers allow them to spend more on procurement,” the data said.
Source: Arabian Business
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