That:

United Arab Emirates

State of Bahrain

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Sultanate of Oman

State of Qatar

State of Kuwait

Recognizing the special relations, common characteristics, and similar systems based on Islamic doctrine that bind them together.

And believing in the shared destiny and unity of purpose that unite their peoples.

And desiring to achieve coordination, integration, and interconnection among them in all fields.

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

And aiming to strengthen aspects of cooperation and solidify the bonds among them.

And completing the efforts they have started in various vital fields that concern their peoples and fulfill their aspirations for a better future leading to the unity of their states.

And in line with the Charter of the League of Arab States calling for closer rapprochement and stronger ties.

And directing their efforts towards supporting and serving Arab and Islamic causes, they have agreed among themselves on the following:

A council called the "Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf" is established under this law, and it is hereinafter referred to as the Cooperation Council.

The headquarters of the Cooperation Council shall be in the city of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Council holds its meetings in the host country, and it may meet in any of the member states.

• The primary objectives of the Cooperation Council are as follows:

  • 1- Achieving coordination, integration, and interconnection among the member states in all fields to reach their unity.

  • 2- Deepening and strengthening the ties and connections and the existing cooperation among their peoples in various fields.

  • 3- Establishing similar regulations in various fields, including the following matters:

    • (A) Economic and financial affairs.

    • (B) Commercial, customs, and transportation affairs.

    • (C) Educational and cultural affairs.

    • (D) Social and health affairs.

    • (E) Media and tourism affairs.

    • (F) Legislative and administrative affairs.

  • 4- Advancing scientific and technological progress in the fields of industry, mining, agriculture, and water and animal resources, establishing scientific research centers, implementing joint projects, and encouraging private sector cooperation for the benefit of their peoples.

The Cooperation Council consists of the six countries that participated in the meeting of Foreign Ministers in Riyadh on 1981/2/4.

• The Cooperation Council consists of the following main bodies:

  • 1- The Supreme Council, followed by the Dispute Settlement Authority.

  • 2- The Ministerial Council.

  • 3- The General Secretariat.

  • Each of these bodies may establish the necessary subsidiary bodies as needed.

• 1- The Supreme Council is the highest authority of the Cooperation Council, and it consists of the heads of member states, with its presidency rotating according to the alphabetical order of the countries' names.

• 2- The Council meets in a regular session every year, and extraordinary sessions may be held upon the invitation of any member and the support of another member.

• 3- The Supreme Council holds its sessions in the countries of the member states.

• 4- The convening of the Council is considered valid if two-thirds of the member states are present.

• The Supreme Council works to achieve the objectives of the Cooperation Council, especially in the following:

  • 1- Considering issues of interest to the member states.

  • 2- Establishing the high policy of the Cooperation Council and the basic guidelines it follows.

  • 3- Reviewing recommendations, reports, studies, and joint projects submitted by the Ministerial Council in preparation for their approval.

  • 4- Reviewing reports and studies that the General Secretary is tasked with preparing.

  • 5- Approving the principles of dealing with other countries and international organizations.

  • 6- Approving the Dispute Settlement Authority's system and naming its members.

  • 7- Appointing the General Secretary.

  • 8- Amending the charter of the Cooperation Council.

  • 9- Approving its internal regulations.

  • 10- Ratifying the budget of the General Secretariat.

1- Each member of the Supreme Council shall have one vote.

2- The decisions of the Supreme Council on substantive matters are issued by the consensus of the member states present and participating in the vote, and its decisions on procedural matters are issued by majority.