This series will spotlight how ICF is building relationships and expanding coaching\u2019s reach across industries and cultures. As awareness and opportunities grow globally, ICF members, credential-holders, and stakeholders benefit from increased visibility, international possibilities, and deeper connections within a thriving global community.<\/p>\n
Coaching Growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council<\/h2>\n
The first spotlight in this series is on a region of vibrant change and opportunity: the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In June, leaders from ICF, including myself, had the privilege of meeting with 12 diverse organizations in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Reaffirm ICF\u2019s global mission to advance coaching excellence, impact, and value worldwide.<\/li>\n
- Demonstrate how our coaches transform societies and promote excellence.<\/li>\n
- Explore how coaching can \u2014 and already has \u2014 benefitted their organizations as a strategic enabler of growth, performance, and culture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The GCC is emerging as a regional and global hub for innovation, investment, and social transformation. With rapidly diversifying economies, national development strategies, and a growing workforce of professionals from all over the world, the region is perfectly positioned for the transformative power of coaching.<\/p>\n
As key organizations \u2014 from government entities and agencies to private technology companies and nonprofits \u2014 begin to understand the impact of coaching, they\u2019re seeing firsthand how it can unlock potential, build leadership capacity, and empower employees at all levels.<\/p>\n
A Shift in Mindset: Coaching Gaining Traction<\/h3>\n
I previously visited the region more than a year ago, and at that time, many companies were hesitant about implementing coaching. That mindset has since shifted. Today, coaching is not only better understood \u2014 it’s increasingly viewed as a strategic investment.<\/p>\n
![\"ICF](\"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG-20250618-WA0007.jpg\")
A major highlight of the visit was the signing ceremony formalizing the Saudi Electricity Company’s organizational membership with ICF, a milestone that opens the door to long-term collaboration on embedding coaching in leadership systems.<\/p><\/div>\n
A few standout moments from our recent visit include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Exploring with the Saudi Electric Company how coaching is an empowering tool that can lead to organizational and cultural excellence. We\u2019re excited to continue strengthening this partnership to deepen coaching\u2019s impact in their organization.<\/li>\n
- Discussing with Dubai Airports how to integrate coaching into leadership skills and company culture, laying the groundwork for positive ripple effects across one of the world\u2019s busiest and most dynamic airports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And these are just two examples. From conversations with government agencies and tech companies to education leaders and local ICF chapters, one message was clear: Coaching aligns with the region\u2019s desire for sustainable growth, and ICF coaches are uniquely equipped to meet that need, supporting both individual growth and broader societal transformation.<\/p>\n
The Role of Local Chapters and Members<\/h3>\n
![\"ICF](\"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/icf-mkt-saudi-chapter-dinner-2025.jpg\")
Strategic Alignment in Action: Leaders from ICF Global meet with leaders from the ICF Saudi Arabia Chapter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.<\/p><\/div>\n
Coaching is gaining greater understanding and acceptance in the GCC \u2014 thanks in large part to the dedication of our local chapters and members. Their efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness of coaching, demonstrating impact, and creating new opportunities across the region.<\/p>\n
For example, ICF chapters in Saudi Arabia and Dubai were not only instrumental to this visit but also have put in significant effort fostering relationships and growing programs in the region. Their efforts are proof that when coaches step forward as ambassadors, the ripple effect is real \u2014 and powerful.<\/p>\n
Strategic Insights and Opportunities<\/h3>\n
Throughout our meetings, the ICF team learned a great deal about the region, including:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Coaching is increasingly seen as strategic.<\/strong> From leadership development to cultural transformation, coaching is being recognized as a catalyst for growth and change in government, business, and civil society and across all levels of organizations.<\/li>\n
- Awareness is growing.<\/strong> The more leaders and stakeholders understand the impact of coaching, the more they see it as essential to achieving national and organizational goals.<\/li>\n
- Doors are opening.<\/strong> As interest and understanding grow, so do opportunities for ICF coaches. Raising visibility in the GCC isn\u2019t just good for the region; it also creates pathways for coaches worldwide to contribute, collaborate, and serve.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We will continue strengthening relationships and raising awareness of coaching in the GCC to ensure coaches are well positioned to meet the region\u2019s growing demand.<\/p>\n
Charting ICF\u2019s Course in the GCC Region and Beyond<\/h2>\n
As coaches, we\u2019ve seen coaching\u2019s power up close. But many around the world are only beginning to discover what it can do. That\u2019s why ICF is committed to raising awareness, building relationships, and creating meaningful opportunities in regions all around the world.<\/p>\n
The more organizations and governments understand coaching\u2019s impact, the more they recognize its potential to drive meaningful change. And as that recognition grows, so do the opportunities for coaches to make a difference \u2014 locally, regionally, and globally.<\/p>\n
What This Means for You<\/h3>\n
As coaching becomes a global language of transformation, your skills, presence, and passion are more valuable than ever. I invite you to:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Stay informed<\/strong>: Follow this blog series to learn where coaching is thriving and how you can get involved.<\/li>\n
- Get connected<\/strong>: Reach out to your local ICF chapter<\/a> or engage with peers in new regions<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Be ready<\/strong>: As opportunities emerge in regions like the GCC, coaches with curiosity, cultural sensitivity, and global perspective will be in demand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Looking Ahead<\/h2>\n
This visit certainly wasn\u2019t the start of ICF\u2019s efforts to advance coaching in regions like the GCC, and it certainly isn\u2019t the end. I look forward to sharing more stories of coaching\u2019s growth and impact around the world. Together, we are not only advancing a profession, but we are also transforming lives, organizations, and societies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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- Get connected<\/strong>: Reach out to your local ICF chapter<\/a> or engage with peers in new regions<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Awareness is growing.<\/strong> The more leaders and stakeholders understand the impact of coaching, the more they see it as essential to achieving national and organizational goals.<\/li>\n
- Coaching is increasingly seen as strategic.<\/strong> From leadership development to cultural transformation, coaching is being recognized as a catalyst for growth and change in government, business, and civil society and across all levels of organizations.<\/li>\n