The GCC Statistical Centre has published a Metadata Guide for Performance Measurement Indicators tied to the Gulf Strategy for Combating Drugs, covering the period 2025 to 2028.
The guide establishes a unified statistical framework for tracking implementation of the strategy across the six member states, with the stated aim of improving data comparability and supporting evidence-based policymaking. It introduces standardised concepts and methodologies for collecting, analysing and disseminating data on a recurring basis.
GCC-Stat said the guide is designed to help build an integrated, GCC-wide database on the drug situation, allow governments to measure the impact of prevention, treatment and security interventions, and strengthen coordination on what the centre described as a cross-border phenomenon.
The Gulf strategy is built around a vision of unified regional planning and global leadership in counter-narcotics policy. Its six core objectives cover building social resilience against drugs, deploying modern technologies and artificial intelligence to combat smuggling, activating international partnerships, tackling money laundering linked to drug trafficking, building a secure GCC-wide operational system, and updating legislation to align with international conventions.
The guide includes 12 key indicators spanning preventive, treatment, security and judicial dimensions, which member states will use to report progress against the strategy’s targets.
