• United Arab Emirates
  • Kingdom of Bahrain
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Sultanate of Oman
  • State of Qatar
  • State of Kuwait

Recognizing the special bonds, common characteristics, and similar systems that bind them, all rooted in Islamic faith,

And believing in their shared destiny and unity of purpose,

And aspiring to achieve coordination, integration, and interconnection in all fields,

And convinced that coordination, cooperation, and integration among them serve the noble goals of the Arab nation,

And building on their previous efforts in vital areas of interest to their peoples, aiming to fulfill their aspirations for a better future leading to the unity of their countries,

And in line with the Charter of the Arab League, which calls for closer ties and stronger bonds,

And directing their efforts toward supporting and serving Arab and Islamic causes,

They have agreed upon the following:

Article 1: Establishment of the Council

A council shall be established under this charter named the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (hereinafter referred to as the GCC).

Article 2: Headquarters

The headquarters of the GCC shall be located in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Article 3: Meetings

The GCC shall hold its meetings in the headquarters state, with the possibility of convening in any member state.

Article 4: Objectives

The primary objectives of the GCC are as follows:

  • To achieve coordination, integration, and interconnection among the member states in all fields leading to their unity.
  • To deepen and strengthen existing ties, connections, and cooperation among their peoples in various domains.

To adopt unified regulations in various areas, including:

  • Economic and financial affairs
  • Trade, customs, and transportation
  • Educational and cultural affairs
  • Social and health affairs
  • Media and tourism
  • Legislative and administrative affairs

To advance scientific and technical progress in industry, mining, agriculture, water, and livestock resources by establishing scientific research centers, conducting joint projects, and promoting private sector cooperation for the benefit of their peoples.

Article 5: Membership

The GCC shall consist of the six countries that participated in the Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Riyadh on February 4, 1981.

Article 6: GCC Organs

The main organs of the GCC are:

The Supreme Council, which oversees the Dispute Settlement Commission.

  • The Ministerial Council
  • The Secretariat General
  • Each organ may establish subsidiary bodies as needed.

Article 7: The Supreme Council

  • The Supreme Council is the highest authority of the GCC, composed of the heads of the member states, with its presidency rotating alphabetically.
  • It convenes in regular sessions once a year and may hold extraordinary sessions upon the request of any member supported by another.
  • Meetings are held in the member states.
  • A quorum is established when two-thirds of the member states are present.

Article 8: Functions of the Supreme Council

The Supreme Council works to achieve the objectives of the GCC, particularly:

  • Addressing issues of common concern to the member states.
  • Establishing the general policy and fundamental guidelines of the GCC.
  • Reviewing recommendations, reports, studies, and joint projects presented by the Ministerial Council for approval.
  • Reviewing reports and studies prepared by the Secretary-General.
  • Approving the framework for relations with other countries and international organizations.
  • Approving the charter of the Dispute Settlement Commission and appointing its members.
  • Appointing the Secretary-General.
  • Amending the charter of the GCC.
  • Approving its internal regulations.
  • Ratifying the Secretariat General’s budget.

Article 9: Voting in the Supreme Council

Each member of the Supreme Council has one vote.

  • Decisions on substantive matters require unanimous approval of the participating members.
  • Decisions on procedural matters are made by majority vote.

Article 10: Dispute Settlement Commission

The Dispute Settlement Commission is attached to the Supreme Council.

  • It is formed by the Supreme Council on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the dispute.
  • If a dispute arises regarding the interpretation or application of the GCC charter and cannot be resolved within the framework of the Ministerial or Supreme Council, the Supreme Council may refer it to the Dispute Settlement Commission.
  • The Commission submits its report containing recommendations or advisory opinions to the Supreme Council for appropriate action.

Article 11: The Ministerial Council

  • The Ministerial Council consists of the Foreign Ministers of the member states or their representatives. The presidency rotates among the member states following the presidency of the Supreme Council's last regular session or, when necessary, the next state in line.
  • The Ministerial Council holds its meetings every three months and may hold extraordinary sessions at the request of any member supported by another.
  • The Council determines the venue of its next meeting.
  • A quorum is established when two-thirds of the member states are present.

Article 12: Functions of the Ministerial Council

The Ministerial Council is responsible for:

  • Proposing policies, making recommendations, and preparing studies and projects aimed at enhancing cooperation and coordination among the member states in various fields, and taking appropriate actions regarding them.
  • Promoting and coordinating ongoing activities among member states in various sectors, and submitting related decisions to the Supreme Council for appropriate action.
  • Presenting recommendations to the relevant ministers for formulating policies to implement GCC decisions.
  • Encouraging cooperation and coordination among private sector activities and fostering the collaboration of chambers of commerce and industry of the member states, as well as facilitating labor mobility among citizens of member states.
  • Referring various cooperation topics to one or more specialized committees for study and appropriate recommendations.
  • Reviewing proposed amendments to the charter and making appropriate recommendations to the Supreme Council.
  • Approving its internal regulations and those of the Secretariat General.
  • Appointing Assistant Secretaries-General for a renewable three-year term, based on the Secretary-General’s recommendation.
  • Approving periodic reports, administrative and financial regulations, and the Secretariat General's proposed budgets and final accounts, and recommending their approval by the Supreme Council.
  • Preparing for Supreme Council meetings and setting its agenda.
  • Addressing issues referred 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 unanimous approval of the participating members.
  • Decisions on procedural matters and recommendations are made by majority vote.

Article 14: The Secretariat General

  • The Secretariat General consists of a Secretary-General, Assistant Secretaries-General, and other necessary staff.
  • The Supreme Council appoints the Secretary-General, who must be a national of a member state, for a three-year term, renewable once.
  • The Secretary-General nominates Assistant Secretaries-General.
  • The Secretary-General appoints Secretariat staff from among the nationals of member states, with exceptions requiring Ministerial Council approval.
  • The Secretary-General is directly responsible for the Secretariat’s operations and the proper functioning of its various departments. The Secretary-General also represents the GCC externally within the scope of the authority granted.

Article 15: Functions of the Secretariat General

The Secretariat General is tasked with the following:

  • Preparing studies on cooperation, coordination, and comprehensive plans and programs for joint action among the member states.
  • Preparing periodic reports on the activities of the GCC.
  • Following up on the implementation of Supreme Council and Ministerial Council decisions and recommendations by the member states.
  • Preparing reports and studies requested by the Supreme Council or Ministerial Council.
  • Drafting administrative and financial regulations in line with the development and increasing responsibilities of the GCC.
  • Preparing the budgets and final accounts of the GCC.
  • Organizing meetings, preparing agendas for the Ministerial Council, and drafting decisions.
  • Proposing to the Chairman of the Ministerial Council the convening of extraordinary Ministerial Council sessions when necessary.
  • Performing any other duties assigned by the Supreme Council or Ministerial Council.

Article 16: Independence of the Secretariat General

The Secretary-General, Assistant Secretaries-General, and all Secretariat staff must carry out their duties independently and refrain from any actions incompatible with their duties. They must not disclose confidential information during or after their service.

Article 17: Privileges and Immunities

The GCC and its organs shall enjoy legal personality and the privileges and immunities necessary for achieving its objectives and performing its functions in the territory of each member state.

  • Representatives of the member states in the GCC and its staff shall enjoy the privileges and immunities stipulated in a special agreement among the member states.
  • A special agreement shall also regulate the relationship between the GCC and the host country.
  • Until the two agreements mentioned above come into effect, GCC representatives and staff shall enjoy diplomatic privileges and immunities granted to similar organizations.

Article 18: Budget

The GCC shall have a budget to which member states contribute equally.

Article 19: Entry into Force

  • This charter shall enter into force on the date it is signed by the heads of the six states mentioned in the preamble.
  • The original version of this charter shall be deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which will deliver certified copies to each member state. Once established, the Secretariat General will assume the role of depository.

Article 20: Amendments to the Charter

  • Any member state may propose amendments to this charter.
  • The proposed amendment is submitted to the Secretary-General, who refers it to the member states at least four months before it is presented to the Ministerial Council.
  • The amendment becomes effective upon unanimous approval by the Supreme Council.

Article 21: Final Provisions

No reservations may be made to any provisions of this charter.

Article 22: Registration of the Charter

  • Upon the decision of the Ministerial Council, the Secretariat General shall deposit and register copies of this charter with the Arab League and the United Nations.
  • This charter was signed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on 21 Rajab 1401 AH, corresponding to May 25, 1981 AD, in a single copy in Arabic.
  • Signed by:
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Kingdom of Bahrain
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Sultanate of Oman
  • State of Qatar
  • State of Kuwait​