Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Why in News?

Recently, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has approved a new travel system allowing citizens to complete all travel checks at one point.

• The new travel framework was announced during the 42^nd meeting of GCC Interior Ministers held in Kuwait City.
• The pilot phase is scheduled to begin in December 2025 with the UAE and Bahrain.
• If successful, the model will extend to all 6 GCC nations — Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
• This new travel mechanism mirrors the Schengen-style coordination practiced in the European Union, signalling the GCC’s commitment to building a more connected and accessible bloc.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

• It is a regional political and economic alliance in the Middle East.
• Members - The GCC consists of 6 countries on the Arabian Peninsula
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  • Kuwait
  • Qatar
  • Bahrain
  • Oman
• Founded in – 1981.
• Headquarters - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Aim - To strengthening cooperation and integration among member states.
• Focuses on
  • Economic cooperation (trade, investment, and a proposed common market)
  • Political coordination (regional diplomacy and shared security concerns)
  • Defense collaboration
  • Cultural and social initiatives
• Organizational Structure of the GCC
• Supreme Council
  • This is the highest authority in the GCC.
  • It is composed of the heads of state (i.e., the leaders) of all 6 member countries.
  • The presidency of the Supreme Council rotates annually among the member states (alphabetical rotation).
• Ministerial Council
  • Composed of Foreign Ministers (or their representatives) from each GCC country.
  • Meets every 3 months under normal circumstances.
  • Its role is to propose policies, coordinate cooperation, and implement decisions taken by the Supreme Council.
• Secretariat General
  • Acts as the administrative arm of the GCC.
  • Functions include monitoring implementation of GCC decisions, preparing reports and studies, organizing meetings, and preparing agendas.

Reference

Times of India | Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)