Gulf States: A History of Cooperation to Counter Threats

Gulf leaders during a summit in Riyadh in 1981. Asharq Al-Awsat
Gulf leaders during a summit in Riyadh in 1981. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Gulf States: A History of Cooperation to Counter Threats

Gulf leaders during a summit in Riyadh in 1981. Asharq Al-Awsat
Gulf leaders during a summit in Riyadh in 1981. Asharq Al-Awsat

Since the 1960s, the Gulf region has witnessed many transformations, starting with the independence of Gulf countries and the emergence of the so-called Iranian Revolution in 1979 that gave birth to terrorist groups and caused instability, which in turn led to Gulf unity to face threats and challenges.

As Tehran maintains its hostile policy towards the countries of the region and through its proxies, the importance of strengthening Gulf cooperation increases.

Today, Saudi Arabia welcomes the leaders of the Gulf countries, who will participate in the 41st session of the GCC Supreme Council.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Abdullah Bishara, the first GCC Secretary General (1981-1993), emphasized the importance of unity among the six Gulf States.

He noted that the rift within the GCC has benefited “other sides”, stressing the importance of overcoming the current situation to ensure security and stability and consolidate interdependence among the Gulf populations.

According to Bishara, it is imperative to develop the Council’s mechanism and to review the crisis-resolution process to overcome internal disputes, taking into consideration national and regional interests.

Since the early 1960s, the region has witnessed several transformations that changed its features. Five Gulf countries announced their independence, the Iranian revolution emerged and the Iraq-Iran war began in September 1980 and continued until 1988.

This was followed by the second Gulf War to liberate Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation in 1990-1991 and the successive threats and crises that continue to this day, which are mainly caused by the Iranian policy and Brotherhood slogans.

All these regional threats take us back to the date of the establishment of the GCC at the initiative of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad, then-Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Kuwait.

After the Iranian revolution and the Iran-Iraq war, a meeting was held in Saudi Arabia at the end of 1980 to seriously discuss the establishment of a Gulf body that brings together six countries, which include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.

In 1981, the GCC was established to achieve unity among the member states and promote political, military, economic and media cooperation.

The Council contributed to strengthening economic cooperation among its member-states and protecting and liberating Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion, in addition to its role in standing with Bahrain through the Peninsula Shield Forces and preventing Iranian interference.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Cooperation to Serve Humanity, Sustainable Growth

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Cooperation to Serve Humanity, Sustainable Growth

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Jeddah.
The Cabinet reviewed overall state activities, particularly those aimed at developing cooperation and partnership relations, and enhancing areas of coordination and integration with brotherly and friendly countries.

According to SPA, this focus will reinforce the Kingdom's position and pivotal role on the global stage, given the promising opportunities and unique capabilities provided by its vision.
The Cabinet also discussed the outcomes of Saudi Arabia’s participation in various regional and international meetings, underscoring its ongoing commitment to joint action that serves mutual interests, benefits all parties, and contributes to addressing global challenges.
The Cabinet noted the Kingdom’s participation in the World Summit on the Information Society in Switzerland, where it reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing digital cooperation and supporting the International Telecommunication Union's goals that aim to harness modern technologies to serve humanity and promote sustainable growth.
In his remarks to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of State, Cabinet Member for Shura Council Affairs, and Acting Minister of Media Dr. Essam bin Saeed stated that the Cabinet expressed its appreciation for the commendation received at the High-Level Meeting on Sand and Dust Storms, held at the United Nations Headquarters. The meeting praised the Kingdom’s efforts to protect the environment at local, regional, and global levels, as well as its effective initiatives in developing early warning systems and fostering scientific cooperation to mitigate the impacts of dust storms.
The Cabinet noted the significant achievements of the Financial Sector Development Program and the Human Capability Development Program. These initiatives have successfully contributed to enhancing financial sustainability, supporting the national economy, and boosting the competitiveness of national cadres both locally and globally. This success has been achieved through a continuous system of education and learning that aligns with the evolving needs and requirements of the labor market.
The Cabinet also commended the efforts of government agencies involved in launching and integrating the artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum across all levels of general education. This strategic initiative aims to prepare a generation equipped with future-ready skills, accelerating the transition to a knowledge-based society and solidifying the Kingdom’s global position in advanced technologies.
The Cabinet considered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in the growth of international tourism receipts in the first quarter of 2025 as a reflection of the rapid development in this vital sector, which now leads in international indicators.