The GCC is a dream for its citizens

11/01/2026

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative was initially met with pessimism in most of the Arab world and the Middle East, since many considered it a divisive move that would separate its members from the Arab League. The conception of this initiative is a vivid memory, spearheaded by HH the late Sheikh Jaber Al- Ahmad and King Fahad bin Abdulaziz (may Allah have mercy on them), and later receiving the blessing of HH the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan.

This foundational support fueled the enthusiasm of the founding fathers of the Council. This period was marked by extremely sensitive international and regional circumstances. The fate of many Arab nations was under threat due to the Iran-Iraq War and the new Iranian regime’s doctrine of “exporting the revolution,” which was widely interpreted as an intent to alter the cultural identity of neighboring countries.

In this challenging environment, the Gulf states recognized the crucial need to consolidate their power to safeguard their existence and national security. Consequently, the GCC was established with the support of its populace. It immediately set out to solidify its presence through a series of agreements, all aimed at achieving the ultimate goal of union, as outlined in its charter: “To attain coordination, integration and interdependence among member states in all fields, ultimately leading to their unity. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has faced numerous critical challenges throughout its 45- year history. One of the major challenges occurred nine years after its founding -- the invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein.

The successful liberation of Kuwait was a direct result of the member states’ unified and unwavering opposition to the occupation. More recently, the region dealt with the instability caused by the ‘Arab Spring’, which created vulnerabilities in some member nations and allowed groups loyal to external powers, including Iran, to infiltrate and pose a threat. The GCC proved its capacity for self-reliance and resilience during this period, particularly through the decisive action taken in Bahrain to counter the Iranian expansion.

This ‘painful surgical operation’ showcased the Council’s ability to protect the member states against internal threats linked to external powers and foreign interference. The unified strength of the Council was also evident in 2015, when the GCC formulated a united front on regional events in Iraq and neighboring countries, and when it made the decision to confront the Houthi group following their attempted attack on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

These instances underscored the power derived from the unified force of the GCC. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) demonstrates enormous strength and resilience, proving its capacity to overcome challenges and emerge stronger. Any disagreement among member states can be resolved. At the GCC summit opening amid regional instability in 2011, the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz advocated for invoking the first article of the Charter to declare a union. This was viewed as the necessary response to potential threats. Such a union is very important. For instance, a unified Gulf currency, especially when combined with diversified industrial bases tailored to each country’s capacity, will elevate the status of the GCC as a global financial powerhouse.

Furthermore, integration aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in various sectors, from food to arms manufacturing, will pave the way for establishing a single central bank. Given the evolving international dynamics, the Gulf union is now considered imperative. While some may perceive the region as vulnerable, the reality is that the GCC nations possess considerable inherent strengths. This union is the hope of the people in the region and it will ensure that the GCC will become a major force in the future.