From economic visions to healthier nations: the role of Gulf Cooperation Council countries national development visions in shaping noncommunicable disease policies.

BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for about 73.7% of deaths across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). GCC states have adopted long-term national development visions to provide a coherent framework for economic diversification. A synthesis of how these visions shape NCD policy priorities is needed to understand their role as action-guiding frameworks and identify opportunities for continued system strengthening. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative policy analysis using an interpretive approach, covering six vision documents, the Gulf Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Gulf CDC) NCD policy mapping report, and 18 key-informant interviews from health and non-health sectors across GCC countries. We coded documents and transcripts and synthesized findings across themes. RESULTS: Vision documents positioned health as a development priority and referenced prevention, healthy lifestyles, or health-system reform. Measurable targets varied, with some frameworks specifying indicators such as life expectancy or premature NCD mortality. Stakeholders reported that visions elevated NCDs on political agendas and facilitated multisector measures including food-reformulation, Healthy Cities initiatives, and expanded NCD screening. They also highlighted areas where continued system strengthening could support more consistent translation into sectoral programs. CONCLUSION: GCC development visions can function as high-level levers for NCD prevention and health-system reform when supported by cross-sector coordination, clear indicators, and routine monitoring and evaluation.