Gulf Cooperation Council

Multilateral in force

INTRODUCTION

Established on 4 February 1981, the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf—commonly known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—is primarily a regional, intergovernmental political and economic union comprising six hydrocarbon-rich states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The initial diplomatic efforts to formally establish the GCC union began in the early 1970s, culminating in the creation of the GCC Charter in 1981, which emphasised the formation of GCC states and highlighted their shared heritage.

Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the GCC states share a collective regional vision that emphasises security, unity, and economic integration. The principle of intra-regional freedom of movement for GCC citizens was initially enshrined in law in 1981 through the GCC Unified Economic Agreement, which came into effect in 1983. Article 8 grants GCC citizens freedom of movement, work, residence, and the right to exercise economic activity.

Furthermore, the GCC states ratified the Economic Agreement on 31 December 2001. The 2001 Agreement guarantees under Art. 3 intra-regional freedom of movement and residence and full equal rights for all GCC citizens within GCC territories, including access to the labour market (both public and private sectors), healthcare, education, pensions, social security, and participation in all professions, crafts, and all economic, investment, and service activities.

MEMBER STATES

BAHRAIN
KUWAIT
OMAN
QATAR
SAUDI ARABIA
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

HEADQUARTERS

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

DATE OF CREATION

25 May 1981.

TIMELINE

1981	Adoption of the Charter of the Co-operation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (with Rules of Procedures of the Supreme Council, of the Ministerial Council and of the Commis sion for Settlement of Disputes). Concluded at Abu Dhabi on 25 May 1981.
1981	Adoption of the Unified Economic Agreement between the Countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council on 11 November. Entered into force on 1 December 1981.
2001	Adoption of the Economic Agreement Between the Gulf Cooperation Council States on 31 December, superseeding the 1981 agreement.

KEY LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Unified Economic Agreement between the Countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, 11 November 1981.

The Economic Agreement Between the Gulf Cooperation Council States, 31 December 2001.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Charter of the Co-operation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (with Rules of Procedures of the Supreme Council, of the Ministerial Council and of the Commission for Settlement of Disputes). Concluded at Abu Dhabi on 25 May 1981.