Overview
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising six member states: Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Established in 1981, the GCC promotes economic, political, and security cooperation among its members, who share common cultural, religious, and geographic characteristics. Oman has been a founding member of the GCC and participates actively in its economic integration initiatives, including the GCC Common Market, customs union negotiations, and joint infrastructure projects. The GCC framework provides Oman with access to a combined market of over 50 million people and some of the highest per capita incomes in the world.
Key Facts
- Regional organization of six Gulf Arab states established in 1981
- Members: Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar
- Promotes economic, political, and security cooperation
- GCC Common Market allows free movement of goods, services, and citizens
- Combined population exceeding 50 million with high per capita incomes
- Joint infrastructure projects including planned railway network
- Coordinates foreign policy, defence, and security matters
Significance for Vision 2040
GCC membership provides the regional economic and security framework within which Vision 2040 operates. Access to the GCC Common Market gives Omani businesses a larger customer base and allows Omani workers to seek employment across member states. The GCC’s joint infrastructure initiatives, including the planned Gulf Railway connecting all six capitals, would significantly enhance Oman’s logistics connectivity and support its hub ambitions. Vision 2040’s economic diversification plans must account for both the opportunities and competitive pressures that come with GCC integration, as member states often pursue similar diversification strategies in tourism, logistics, and technology. Oman’s diplomatic tradition of maintaining balanced relationships within the GCC while preserving its independent foreign policy provides a stable regional context for Vision 2040’s implementation.