Global health is at a crossroads. Traditional Western donors are pulling back from pandemic preparedness andclimate-linked health investments, creating a growing shortfall that threatens both planetary and human security. Inthis vacuum, new leadership is emerging from unexpected places. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations—particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—have stepped into the void with transformative financing, strategic convenings, and a growing commitment to the planetary health paradigm. Their approach blends climate adaptation, health equity, and innovation in ways that offer lessons for development partners seeking sustainable impact.

This white paper explores the contours of this emerging Gulf-led model. It reviews the geopolitical context of shrinking traditional donor funds, outlines the strategic interventions of GCC countries, and analyzes how these align with the broader planetary health movement. It further proposes governance shifts required in a multipolar world and closes with targeted recommendations, including the establishment of a WHO regional hub, innovative finance vehicles, and support for local leapfrog technologies.