Gulf Cooperation Council Overview

A regional intergovernmental organization comprised of six Arab states in the Persian Gulf, namely: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The GCC's core objective is to foster cooperation and coordinate policies in various sectors, including economic, political, social, and cultural realms.

The GCC's formation date is May 25, 1981, with the signing of an agreement in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The GCC's headquarters are located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The GCC's members hold more than 50% of OPEC's oil reserves, significantly impacting global energy markets.

The GCC's combined GDP in 2008 was US$1.054 trillion, affirming its economic influence.

The GCC's influence extends beyond the region, impacting global affairs due to its oil production and economic contributions.

The GCC is a significant economic and political bloc in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, contributing to regional stability and development.

The GCC's economies heavily depend on oil and gas exports, causing limited diversification and vulnerability to price fluctuations. The region's economic growth relies primarily on hydrocarbon resources.

The overall objective of GCC economic integration aims to strengthen cooperation and achieve unity between member states. This includes coordinating efforts in various sectors like economics, trade, education, and social affairs.

The GCC's focus on oil revenue has made it challenging to create an effective regional trading network. As a result, inter-GCC trade remains limited, accounting for a small percentage of their total exports and GDP.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was formed in response to significant political and economic events in the Middle East. The oil crisis of the 1970s and the Iranian Revolution of 1979 played a key role in prompting regional cooperation.

GCC countries have implemented various initiatives to integrate their economies, including a customs union, a common market, and a monetary union with a single currency. The aim is to facilitate trade, investment, and economic growth within the region.

GCC members have collaborated on numerous initiatives in human and environmental affairs, including education, scientific research, labor markets, and environmental protection. This cooperation aims to improve social development and address shared challenges.

GCC countries have established an overarching security strategy to address regional threats and maintain regional stability. This includes cooperation in counterterrorism, civil defense, and border security.

The GCC has played a significant role in mediating and resolving conflicts in the Middle East, notably assisting in the end of the Iran-Iraq war and the liberation of Kuwait. The GCC's involvement in these events highlighted its regional influence.

The GCC aims to establish similar regulations in various fields, including commerce, customs, communications, education, culture, social and health affairs, tourism, and legislation. This standardization aims to streamline policies and facilitate cooperation across member states.

GCC members have shared a common goal of fostering economic integration and cooperation. This includes initiatives to establish scientific research centers, encourage private sector involvement, and develop joint ventures.

The GCC has implemented measures to address harmful practices in international trade, including agreements to prevent unfair trade practices and protect domestic industries. This aims to foster a fair and equitable trading environment for member states.

The GCC has made significant progress in economic cooperation, with initiatives such as a customs union, a common market, and a monetary union. These agreements aim to facilitate trade, investment, and economic integration within the region.

With its Peninsula Shield Force, the GCC aims to enhance regional security through collective defense. The force provides a shared military capability for responding to threats and maintaining security within the region.

GCC countries have worked to foster close ties with other countries and regional groups through strategic dialogues. These dialogues aim to enhance cooperation, promote mutual interests, and strengthen relationships with key actors.

The GCC's efforts to address nuclear and radiological risks include cooperation among member states to develop and implement effective safeguards and response measures. This aims to protect the region from potential nuclear threats.