GCCs

GCCs, short for Gulf Cooperation Council states, refers to the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1981. The six members are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The council's stated aim is to foster coordination, integration, and interconnection among its members in political, economic, security, social, and cultural affairs, with the goal of stability and development in the Gulf region.

Governance is structured around the Supreme Council, which consists of the heads of state, supported by the Council of Ministers. The GCC Secretariat General provides administrative support and coordinates the implementation of decisions; it is headquartered in Riyadh. Together, these bodies set policies, approve joint programs, and oversee regional initiatives.

Economic integration has been a central objective. The GCC has pursued measures toward a customs union and steps toward a common market, alongside cooperation in energy, finance, transport, and labor. While integration has advanced in some areas, full economic unification has remained incomplete, and member states retain control over key policy areas.

Security and foreign policy are traditionally prominent, with the council coordinating defense planning, maritime security, counter-terrorism efforts, and disaster response. The GCC also engages with external partners and conducts joint military exercises and defense procurement cooperation to address shared security concerns.

The bloc has played a role in regional diplomacy and crisis management, including coordinating responses to disputes within the Gulf and broader Middle East dynamics. Membership has remained stable since its inception, making the GCC a persistent forum for regional cooperation among its six members.