Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Context
FTA talks with Israel and GCC countries are likely to be delayed
Reason: Ongoing conflict in West Asia (Middle East) affecting negotiations
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional intergovernmental organization.
It functions as a political, economic, and military alliance.
Established to promote regional cooperation and integration among Gulf countries.
Establishment
Founded on: 25 May 1981
Charter signed at: Abu Dhabi
Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Member Countries
Total Members: 6
Bahrain
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Note:
All members are monarchies
Constitutional monarchies: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar
Absolute monarchies: Saudi Arabia, Oman
Federal monarchy: UAE
Key Features
Official language: Arabic
Region rich in oil and natural gas reserves
One of the fastest-growing economic regions globally
Objectives
Economic Integration
Customs Union (2003)
Common Market (2007)
Proposed Common Currency (target: 2010, not achieved)
Monetary Union
Proposed common currency: “Khaleeji”
Issues:
Oman opted out (2006)
UAE withdrew (2009) due to central bank location dispute
Military Cooperation
Peninsula Shield Force
Established: 1984
Acts as joint military arm of GCC
Expansion
Proposed inclusion:
Jordan
Morocco
Yemen
Not included:
Iraq (only Gulf Arab state outside GCC)
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. Which of the following countries are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)?
Saudi Arabia
Oman
Iran
Qatar
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation:
GCC members:
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
Kuwait
Oman
Bahrain
Iran is not a member.
Q. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was established in:
A. 1971
B. 1981
C. 1991
D. 2001
Answer: B
Explanation:
GCC was established in 1981 for regional cooperation.