Sunday, May 25 marked the 44th anniversary of the founding of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). This historic occasion reflects a long history of joint action and integration among the Gulf states, and serves as evidence of the success of the GCC’s efforts and the solidity of its foundations, thanks to the wise and balanced policies it has adopted, under the guidance and wisdom of the leaders of the six GCC states.
On May 25, 44 years ago, the first Gulf summit was held in Abu Dhabi, where the establishment of the GCC was officially announced as a regional entity that aimed to achieve co-ordination, integration and interconnection between member states in all fields, leading to their unity. The council was established based on the leaders of the Gulf states’ awareness of the special relations, common characteristics, and similar systems that bind their countries together, based on the Islamic faith, belief in a common destiny and unity of purpose that unite their people, and a desire to achieve co-ordination, integration, and interconnectedness among them in all fields.
From the first moment of the GCC’s establishment, its aim was to transform the dreams of Gulf generations into reality, achieving unity of ranks, a shared destiny, and strengthening the authentic Gulf identity to meet the demands of the present and future and confront the winds of change.
The GCC has continued its blessed journey with the support, guidance and patronage of the leaders of its six countries, until the present, in which it became a strong institution with solid foundations based on its roots that extend deep into history and geography, and the depth of brotherhood and ties of blood, religion, language, common destiny and the shared aspirations and ambitions of the Gulf countries and their people.
The GCC’s journey, which includes tireless joint work and a record of achievements over its 44 years, is a model to be emulated for successful integration and interconnectedness at the regional and international levels. This is due to the grace of God Almighty, and the belief of the GCC leaders in the important role of the Council in protecting security, consolidating stability, and achieving sustainable development for their peoples.
Since its establishment, the GCC developed a clear vision for the level of joint integration between its countries, based on protecting the Council from all threats, and that the security of the GCC countries is indivisible. It also aims to support and increase economic growth and its sustainability through diversifying the production base and transitioning to a knowledge and innovation-based economy. It also aims to maintain a high level of human development, based on the belief that the human being is the goal of development. It also aims to enable the GCC to deal with and recover from all types of crises, in addition to strengthening the GCC’s regional and international standing, championing just causes and providing support during international crises.
The 44th anniversary comes at a time when the GCC has proven itself to be the most successful integration experiment in the region, and has become the subject of praise and admiration, and a fundamental pillar of security and stability, a voice of wisdom and balance, and a unique model for a dignified life.
The anniversary comes as Gulf citizens enjoy security and stability, are elevated by their sense of belonging and principles, feel proud of their achievements and gains, and extend a helping hand to their brothers and humanity as a whole.
The GCC was established on May 25, 1981, under exceptional circumstances due to regional tensions at the time, and the political, security, and economic challenges facing the countries of the region. This prompted the GCC countries to unify their efforts and co-operate among themselves, and to enhance economic, political, and security integration to achieve stability and co-operation and confront these challenges.
The main objectives of establishing the GCC, as outlined in its charter, are to achieve co-ordination, integration and interconnection among its member states in all fields, to strengthen ties between their peoples, to establish similar systems in various economic, financial, commercial, customs and transportation fields, as well as in educational, cultural, social, health, media, tourism, legislative and administrative affairs, to advance scientific and technical progress in the fields of industry, mining, agriculture, water and animal resources, to establish scientific research centres, to establish joint projects, and to encourage private sector co-operation.
The GCC’s charter stipulates that its establishment stems from the member states’ recognition of the special relations, common characteristics, and similar systems that bind them together, based on the Islamic faith, and from their belief in the common destiny and unity of purpose that unite their peoples, and their desire to achieve co-ordination, integration, and interconnection among them in all fields, and their conviction that co-ordination, co-operation, and integration among them serve the lofty goals of the Arab nation.
Over its more than four decades of history, the GCC has achieved many historic steps that strengthen the structure of the Council and consolidate its goals and aspirations in the conscience of the people of the Gulf. These include the establishment of the GCC Common Market, which provides numerous benefits, including ensuring the flow of goods between the GCC countries, leading to increased competition between Gulf institutions for the benefit of consumers. The GCC countries also established a “Free-Trade Zone”, which is primarily characterised by exempting the industrial, agricultural, and natural resource products of the GCC countries from customs tariff. The Free-Trade Zone came into effect in March 1983 and continued for about twenty years until the end of 2002, when it was replaced by the GCC Customs Union.
Intra-GCC trade volume reached more than $131bn in 2023, a growth of 3.3%, while foreign trade in goods reached $1.5tn, a growth of 4%. These economic indicators point to promising opportunities that should be leveraged to enhance Gulf co-operation in all commercial fields.
During its fifth decade, the GCC also completed the unified identity card project for the GCC countries (the smart card), which has facilitated the movement of citizens between member states and reduced waiting times at ports of entry by means of electronic gates. It has also helped facilitate the flow of national labour between member states.
Within the context of the milestones and projects of the GCC journey, came the adoption of the comprehensive security strategy for its member states, as well as the GCC Joint security agreement. Joint military action has also received the attention of the leaders of the GCC states. Among the most prominent achievements on this path are the adoption of the GCC Joint Defence Agreement, the GCC’s defence strategy, the formation of the joint Peninsula Shield Forces, and the conduct of joint military drills.
The electricity interconnection between the GCC countries is considered one of the most important infrastructure projects approved by the Council. The project’s benefits include reducing the reserve requirement in each country, providing mutual coverage in the event of an emergency, utilising surplus power, and reducing the cost of electricity production.
On the foreign policy front, the GCC has worked to formulate unified and joint positions on political issues of concern to its six member states within Arab, regional, and international frameworks. It has operated as a single bloc in its interactions with the world, based on principles of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and consideration of shared interests. This has helped safeguard the interests of the member states while enhancing their security, stability, and the prosperity of their peoples. Through this approach, the GCC has successfully strengthened its regional standing and asserted its presence on the international stage, becoming an active and trusted partner in promoting global peace and stability. Since its inception, the Council has also sought to expand its strategic partnerships and dialogues with numerous countries and blocs, and to enter into free trade negotiations with global economic entities to advance mutual interests. The member states have signed many free trade agreements with countries around the world to facilitate the movement of goods, enhance intra-regional trade, expand investment opportunities, and strengthen commercial ties.
The GCC is considered a reliable economic player on the international level. It represents a vast market for exports from around the world and plays a vital role in supplying global energy markets with oil and gas – two primary drivers of the global economy – accounting for nearly 60% of global energy consumption.
The GCC countries control about one-third of the world’s oil reserves, ranking first globally in crude oil production and reserves, third in natural gas marketed production, and first globally in natural gas reserves. This gives the Council significant leverage in maintaining the stability of global energy markets.
GCC states also rank highly on the list of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, collectively owning assets worth about $4.4tn, representing 34% of the total assets held by the top 100 sovereign wealth funds globally. This grants the GCC substantial influence in global markets and international investment.
