• ​United Arab Emirates Kingdom
  • Bahrain Kingdom
  • Saudi Arabia Sultanate
  • Oman State
  • Qatar State
  • Kuwait
Aware of the special relations, shared characteristics, and similar systems founded on Islamic beliefs;
Believing in their shared destiny and unity of purpose that binds their peoples;
Desiring to achieve coordination, integration, and interconnection among them in all fields;
Convinced that coordination, cooperation, and integration among them serve the noble objectives of the Arab nation;
Completing the efforts initiated in various vital areas of mutual interest to their peoples and to realize their aspirations for a better future leading to the unity of their states;
In accordance with the Charter of the League of Arab States, which calls for closer relations and stronger bonds;
And directing their efforts toward supporting and serving Arab and Islamic causes, they have agreed as follows:
Article 1: Establishment of the Council
A council shall be established by this charter, named the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, hereinafter referred to as the Cooperation Council.
Article 2: Headquarters
The headquarters of the Cooperation Council shall be in the city of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Article 3: Meetings of the Cooperation Council
The Cooperation Council shall hold its meetings in the host state, with the option to meet in any member state.
Article 4: Objectives​
The principal objectives of the Cooperation Council are as follows:
  • Achieve coordination, integration, and interconnection among member states in all fields leading to their unity.
  • Strengthen and deepen the bonds and ties of cooperation among their peoples in various fields.
Formulate similar regulations in various fields, including the following:
  • Economic and financial affairs
  • Trade, customs, and transportation
  • Educational and cultural affairs
  • Social and health affairs
  • Media and tourism
  • Legislative and administrative affairs
Advance scientific and technological progress in industry, mining, agriculture, water resources, and animal resources, establish scientific research centers, create joint ventures, and encourage private sector cooperation for the benefit of their peoples.
Article 5: Membership of the Cooperation Council
The Cooperation Council comprises the six states that participated in the Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Riyadh on February 4, 1981.
Article 6: Organs of the Cooperation Council
The Cooperation Council consists of the following main organs:
  • The Supreme Council, to which the Dispute Settlement Commission reports.
  • The Ministerial Council.
  • The General Secretariat.
  • Each of these organs may establish subsidiary bodies as necessary.
Article 7: The Supreme Council
  • The Supreme Council is the highest authority of the Cooperation Council and comprises the heads of member states. The presidency rotates alphabetically among member states.​
  • The Supreme Council holds an ordinary session annually, and extraordinary sessions may be convened at the request of any member, with the support of another member.
  • The Supreme Council's sessions are held in the member states.
  • The quorum for the Supreme Council's meetings is two-thirds of the member states.
Article 8: Functions of the Supreme Council
The Supreme Council shall work toward achieving the objectives of the Cooperation Council, particularly in the following areas:
  • Addressing issues of common interest to member states.
  • Establishing the general policies and guidelines for the Cooperation Council.
  • Reviewing recommendations, reports, studies, and joint projects presented by the Ministerial Council for approval.
  • Examining reports and studies requested from the Secretary-General.
  • Approving the principles governing relations with other states and international organizations.
  • Approving the rules of the Dispute Settlement Commission and appointing its members.
  • Appointing the Secretary-General.
  • Amending the Charter of the Cooperation Council.
  • Approving its internal regulations.
  • Ratifying the budget of the General Secretariat.
Article 9: Voting in the Supreme Council
Each member of the Supreme Council has one vote.
  • Decisions on substantive matters require unanimity among the attending member states participating in the vote.
  • Procedural matters are decided by a majority vote.
Article 10: Dispute Settlement Commission
  • The Cooperation Council shall have a Dispute Settlement Commission, reporting to the Supreme Council.
  • The Supreme Council forms the commission on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the dispute.
  • If a dispute arises concerning the interpretation or application of the Charter and cannot be resolved within the framework of the Ministerial Council or Supreme Council, the Supreme Council may refer it to the commission.
  • The commission submits its report, including its recommendations or opinions, to the Supreme Council for appropriate action.
Article 11: The Ministerial Council
  • The Ministerial Council comprises the Foreign Ministers of the member states or their representatives. Its presidency is held by the state that presided over the last ordinary session of the Supreme Council or, if necessary, the next state in line for the presidency.
  • The Ministerial Council meets quarterly, with extraordinary sessions convened at the request of any member and supported by another member.
  • The Ministerial Council decides the venue for its next session.
  • The quorum for the Ministerial Council's meetings is two-thirds of the member states.
Article 12: Functions of the Ministerial Council
The Ministerial Council is responsible for:
  • Proposing policies, making recommendations, conducting studies, and initiating projects aimed at enhancing cooperation and coordination among member states in various fields, and taking necessary decisions or recommendations.
  • Promoting and developing activities among member states in various fields. Decisions made in this regard are referred to the Ministerial Council, which submits them with recommendations to the Supreme Council for appropriate action.
  • Providing recommendations to the relevant ministers for policies that ensure the implementation of the Cooperation Council's decisions.
  • Encouraging coordination and cooperation between private sector activities and promoting labor mobility among citizens of the member states.
  • Referring any area of cooperation to one or more technical or specialized committees for study and appropriate recommendations.
  • Reviewing proposals for amendments to this Charter and making suitable recommendations to the Supreme Council.
  • Approving its internal regulations as well as those of the General Secretariat.
  • Appointing Assistant Secretaries-General for a renewable three-year term upon nomination by the Secretary-General.
  • Approving periodic reports and internal administrative and financial regulations proposed by the Secretary-General and recommending that the Supreme Council ratify the budget of the General Secretariat.
  • Preparing for the meetings of the Supreme Council and drafting its agenda.
  • Addressing matters referred to it by the Supreme Council.​
Article 13: Voting in the Ministerial Council
Each member of the Ministerial Council has one vote.
  • Decisions on substantive matters require unanimity among the attending member states participating in the vote.
  • Procedural matters and recommendations are decided by a majority vote.
Article 14: The General Secretariat
  • The General Secretariat consists of a Secretary-General, assisted by Assistant Secretaries-General and the necessary staff.
  • The Supreme Council appoints the Secretary-General from among the nationals of member states for a renewable three-year term.
  • The Secretary-General nominates Assistant Secretaries-General.
  • The Secretary-General appoints the staff of the General Secretariat from among the nationals of member states, with exceptions requiring the approval of the Ministerial Council.
  • The Secretary-General is directly responsible for the operations of the General Secretariat and represents the Cooperation Council in dealings with others within the limits of his authority.
Article 15: Functions of the General Secretariat
The General Secretariat shall:
  • Prepare studies on cooperation and coordination, and comprehensive plans and programs for joint action among member states.
  • Prepare periodic reports on the activities of the Cooperation Council.
  • Monitor the implementation of decisions and recommendations by the Supreme Council and Ministerial Council by member states.
  • Prepare reports and studies requested by the Supreme Council or Ministerial Council.
  • Draft administrative and financial regulations in line with the growth and responsibilities of the Cooperation Council.
  • Prepare budgets and financial statements of the Cooperation Council.
  • Arrange for meetings and draft agendas and decisions for the Ministerial Council.
  • Propose to the Chair of the Ministerial Council to convene an extraordinary session if necessary.
  • Perform other duties assigned by the Supreme Council or Ministerial Council.​
Article 16: Independence of Secretariat Staff
The Secretary-General, Assistant Secretaries-General, and staff of the General Secretariat shall perform their duties independently. They must avoid actions inconsistent with their duties and maintain the confidentiality of their work during and after their service.
Article 17: Privileges and Immunities
  • The Cooperation Council and its organs shall enjoy legal personality and the privileges and immunities necessary for achieving its purposes and performing its functions in each member state.​
  • Representatives of member states and staff of the Cooperation Council shall enjoy the privileges and immunities specified in an agreement to be concluded among member states. The relationship between the Cooperation Council and the host state shall be governed by a special agreement.
  • Until the agreements referred to in paragraph 2 are concluded, representatives and staff of the Cooperation Council shall enjoy the diplomatic privileges and immunities accorded to similar bodies.
Article 18: Budget of the General Secretariat
The General Secretariat shall have a budget to which member states contribute equally.
Article 19: Entry into Force of the Charter
  • This Charter shall enter into force upon signature by the heads of the six states mentioned in the preamble.
  • The original copy of this Charter shall be deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the depository authority, which shall deliver certified copies to each member state until the General Secretariat becomes the depository authority.
Article 20: Amendment of the Charter​
  • Any member state may request an amendment to this Charter.
  • The request for amendment shall be submitted to the Secretary-General, who shall forward it to member states at least four months before its submission to the Ministerial Council.
  • The amendment shall enter into force upon unanimous approval by the Supreme Council.
Article 21: Final Provisions
No reservations may be made to the provisions of this Charter.
Article 22: Registration of the Charter
The General Secretariat shall deposit and register copies of this Charter with the League of Arab States and the United Nations by a decision of the Ministerial Council.
This Charter was signed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on 21 Rajab 1401 Hijri, corresponding to May 25, 1981 Gregorian, in one original copy in Arabic.
  • United Arab Emirates Kingdom 
  • Bahrain Kingdom 
  • Saudi Arabia Sultanate 
  • Oman State 
  •  Qatar State 
  •  Kuwait