Gulf Cooperation Council

Gulf countries seeking seat at negotiation table following Iranian attacks

“The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stressed on Thursday the importance of Gulf states participating in any talks between Iran and the United States to end the war in the Middle East,” UAE news said.

 Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, US President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa attend a group photo session with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 14, 2025.
ANTI-MISSILE BATTERES fire interception missiles toward incoming ballistic missiles launched from Lebanon, as seen in northern Israel, during the war with Iran and Hezbollah and ongoing missile fire toward Israel, March 16, 2026.

Can France lead the charge in disarming Hezbollah? - opinion

US AND UK representatives vote in favor of a sanctions resolution regarding the situation in Iran and the Middle East a United Nations Security Council at UN headquarters in New York City, US, March 12, 2026.

UN resolution condemning Iran leaves the country unexpectedly isolated - analysis

Iran and Israel flags on Middle east geopolitical map.

Tehran's miscalculation: How Iranian missiles brought Gulf states, Israel together - analysis


Bahrain unveils massive reform package to tackle $50 billion debt crisis

The reform package includes higher electricity and water tariffs, with an exception for citizens’ first homes, which will continue to receive subsidized rates up to a specified limit.

BAHRAIN'S MINISTER of Finance and National Economy, Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa al-Khalifa speaks during a financial conference in Manama, Bahrain February 27, 2019.

Egypt's Sisi refers to Israel as 'enemy' for first time since before 1977 Sadat visit to Jerusalem

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi labeled Israel an “enemy” at the Arab-Islamic summit, saying its actions threaten Egypt’s security and future peace deals, including by causing Gazans to flee.

President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi attends the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, May 17, 2025; illustrative.

Tariffs rattle gulf markets, but some economists see a silver lining

Analysts indicate that low US tariffs for Gulf countries may attract international companies, but others caution that global tariffs could threaten vital oil income and raise consumer goods costs.

 Family group photos of all the participating members during the Member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) Summit (ASEAN-GCC Summit) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia October 20, 2023

Voices from the Arab press: Trump’s Gaza plan remains a fantasy

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

 (L-R) US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a backdrop of Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

UAE looks to China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative for future endeavors - analysis

The UAE, like many countries, has trade with China – but that isn’t a zero-sum game in terms of ties to the West.

 China’s Politburo Standing Committee member Cai Qi, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, China’s President Xi Jinping, United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Tunisia’s President Kais Saied and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Blinken urges Hamas to accept 'extraordinarily generous' Israeli peace proposal, releasing hostages

Blinken will visit Israel and Jordan after he visits Saudi Arabia, the State Department announced on Sunday. The US official will be in the region until May 1.

 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a Joint Ministerial Meeting of the GCC-US Strategic Partnership to discuss the humanitarian crises faced in Gaza, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 29, 2024.

Turkey and Gulf states to launch talks for free trade pact

After years of tension, Turkey launched a diplomatic charm offensive in 2020 to mend ties with Gulf countries, namely the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

 Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates meets with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, during an official reception, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, July 19, 2023.

Qatar to host foreign ministers from Gulf on Sunday

The meeting, reported in Arab News, is expected to take place ahead of the 44th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit.

A Qatar Airways flight.

Gulf states and US seek MidEast stability, Iran 'de-escalation' 

The US and Gulf powers reportedly welcome diplomatic engagement with Iran despite Tehran's history of malign activities.

Leaders and representatives of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) attend a meeting during their annual summit in Kuwait City, Kuwait, December 5, 2017.

Qatar's tourism industry thrives post-World Cup: 347% increase in arrivals expected

Doha is increasingly competitive with more traditional tourist centers such as Dubai and Manama.

  Fans arriving in Qatar - Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar - November 19, 2022