About Gulf Cooperation Council:
- It is a regional political and economic alliance established in 1981.
- Member countries: It comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- Objective: To foster economic, security, cultural, and social cooperation among its members.
- Background: It was formed in response to escalating regional tensions, particularly the Iranian Revolution (1979) and the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988).
- Organizational Structure of the Gulf Cooperation Council:
- Supreme council:
- It is the highest authority of the GCC, composed of the heads of the member states.
- Its presidency rotates alphabetically according to the names of the countries.
- It convenes in a regular session annually.
- Ministerial council:
- It is composed of foreign ministers or their representatives from member states.
- It proposes policies and implements decisions of the Supreme Council.
- Secretariat general: Its responsibilities include preparing studies to enhance cooperation, coordination, and integration in joint Gulf projects and initiatives.
- Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What is a One-stop travel system?
- It is part of the GCC’s ambitious push to eliminate redundant travel procedures and foster stronger cooperation between member states.
- It will allow Gulf citizens to complete all travel procedures including immigration, customs and security checks at a single checkpoint.
