Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Abstract

On 25 May 1981, in Abu Dhabi, the Charter creating the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was signed by the Heads of State of these Arab Gulf countries: Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. The objectives of the GCC, as stated in its founding Charter, are to effect coordination and interconnection between member states in all fields, so as to achieve unity between them, and to deepen and strengthen relations and cooperation between their peoples in various fields. The GCC is further charged with formulating similar regulations in most areas of national concern. The comprehensive list includes economic and financial affairs, agriculture, industry, commerce, customs, communications, education, culture, social and health affairs, information and tourism. In addition, the GCC aims to encourage cooperation by the private sector (Nakleh, 1986, Ramazani, 1988).