UAE And Saudi Arabia Form New Group Separate From GCC

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have established a new economic and partnership group called the Joint Cooperation Committee. This committee operates independently from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The Joint Cooperation Committee is tasked with fostering cooperation and coordination between the UAE and Saudi Arabia across various sectors, including military, political, economic, trade, and cultural domains, to serve the mutual interests of both nations.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and economic alliance comprising six countries in the Arabian Peninsula: Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The GCC aims to enhance economic, security, cultural, and social cooperation among its member states and conducts annual summits to address cooperation and regional matters. The GCC's charter was signed in 1981, officially establishing the organization, and its headquarters are located in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. All current member states of the GCC are monarchies.

The Formation of the Joint Cooperation Committee: A Deep Dive into Shifting Alliances in the Gulf

The establishment of the Joint Cooperation Committee between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia in 2018 represents a significant development in the complex tapestry of Gulf politics. While seemingly a move towards greater bilateral cooperation, its separation from the existing Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) framework raises critical questions about the future of regional alliances, the underlying motivations driving this new partnership, and the potential implications for the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. To fully understand the significance of this development, it is essential to delve into the historical context of the GCC, the specific objectives of the Joint Cooperation Committee, the potential reasons for its formation outside the GCC umbrella, and the multifaceted consequences it may have for the region and beyond.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), established in 1981, was born out of a shared sense of vulnerability and a desire for collective security in the face of regional instability. The Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the subsequent Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) served as catalysts, highlighting the need for closer cooperation among the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. The six founding members – Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman – shared not only geographical proximity but also similar political systems (all monarchies) and economic structures heavily reliant on oil and gas revenues. The GCC's charter outlined its objectives as fostering cooperation and coordination in all fields, including economic, social, cultural, security, and defense matters. The organization aimed to create a common market, promote free movement of people and capital, and coordinate foreign policy positions on key regional and international issues.

Over the decades, the GCC achieved some notable successes in promoting economic integration, facilitating trade, and coordinating infrastructure projects. It also played a crucial role in mediating regional disputes and providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation on security matters. The GCC's Peninsula Shield Force, a joint military force, was established to provide collective defense against external threats. However, despite these achievements, the GCC has also been plagued by internal divisions and disagreements, which have often hampered its effectiveness and undermined its unity.

One of the most significant challenges to GCC unity has been the differing foreign policy approaches of its member states, particularly regarding regional conflicts and relationships with external powers. Saudi Arabia, as the largest and most influential member, has traditionally played a leading role in shaping the GCC's agenda and foreign policy orientation. However, other member states, such as Qatar and Oman, have often pursued independent foreign policies that have diverged from Saudi Arabia's. These divergences have led to tensions and disagreements within the GCC, undermining its ability to present a united front on critical issues.

The most prominent example of these internal divisions is the Qatar diplomatic crisis, which erupted in 2017 when Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt severed diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs. Qatar vehemently denied these accusations, and the crisis led to a deep rift within the GCC, effectively paralyzing the organization and undermining its credibility as a regional mediator. The blockade imposed on Qatar by its neighbors had significant economic and social consequences, disrupting trade, travel, and family ties. The crisis also exposed the deep-seated rivalries and conflicting interests among the GCC member states.

Against this backdrop of internal divisions and strained relations within the GCC, the formation of the Joint Cooperation Committee between the UAE and Saudi Arabia in 2018 can be seen as a significant development. The committee, established outside the GCC framework, is designed to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries across a wide range of sectors, including military, political, economic, trade, and cultural domains. The stated objective of the committee is to serve the mutual interests of the UAE and Saudi Arabia and to strengthen their strategic partnership.

Several factors may have contributed to the decision by the UAE and Saudi Arabia to form the Joint Cooperation Committee outside the GCC framework. First, the Qatar diplomatic crisis had exposed the deep divisions within the GCC and raised serious doubts about its ability to function effectively as a regional organization. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, as the main drivers of the blockade against Qatar, may have felt that the GCC was no longer a suitable platform for advancing their shared interests and pursuing their regional agenda.

Second, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been increasingly aligned on key regional issues, such as the conflict in Yemen, the containment of Iran, and the fight against terrorism. Both countries have adopted a more assertive foreign policy stance in recent years, seeking to project their influence and shape the regional order in accordance with their interests. The Joint Cooperation Committee provides a mechanism for closer coordination and cooperation on these shared foreign policy objectives.

Third, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have strong economic ties and a shared vision for economic diversification and development. Both countries are investing heavily in non-oil sectors, such as tourism, technology, and renewable energy, and are seeking to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. The Joint Cooperation Committee can facilitate greater economic cooperation and integration between the two countries, creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and joint ventures.

The specific objectives and functions of the Joint Cooperation Committee have not been fully disclosed, but it is likely to focus on several key areas:

• Military Cooperation: The UAE and Saudi Arabia are already close military allies, participating in joint military exercises and coordinating their defense policies. The Joint Cooperation Committee can further enhance military cooperation by promoting interoperability, sharing intelligence, and coordinating arms procurement.

  Advertisement

• Political Coordination: The UAE and Saudi Arabia share a common strategic outlook on many regional issues, including the need to counter Iranian influence, combat terrorism, and promote stability in the region. The Joint Cooperation Committee can facilitate closer political coordination and alignment on these issues.

• Economic Integration: The UAE and Saudi Arabia have strong economic ties, with significant trade and investment flows between the two countries. The Joint Cooperation Committee can promote greater economic integration by reducing trade barriers, harmonizing regulations, and facilitating cross-border investment.

• Cultural Exchange: The UAE and Saudi Arabia share a common cultural heritage and are both committed to promoting Arab culture and values. The Joint Cooperation Committee can facilitate greater cultural exchange by promoting tourism, supporting cultural institutions, and organizing joint cultural events.

The formation of the Joint Cooperation Committee has several potential implications for the GCC and the broader region. First, it could further weaken the GCC and undermine its unity. The creation of a separate bilateral framework for cooperation between the UAE and Saudi Arabia may lead other GCC member states to question the value of the organization and to pursue their own bilateral or multilateral initiatives. This could further fragment the GCC and reduce its effectiveness as a regional organization.

Second, it could lead to a realignment of alliances in the region. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, as the two most powerful and influential countries in the Gulf, may seek to build a new coalition of allies to support their regional agenda. This could lead to a more polarized regional landscape, with competing blocs of countries vying for influence and power.

Third, it could exacerbate tensions with Qatar. The Qatar diplomatic crisis has already strained relations within the GCC, and the formation of the Joint Cooperation Committee may further isolate Qatar and deepen the rift between it and its neighbors. This could lead to further escalation of the conflict and undermine efforts to resolve the crisis through dialogue and negotiation.

Fourth, it could have implications for the balance of power in the region. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, as the two largest economies and military powers in the Gulf, are seeking to project their influence and shape the regional order. The Joint Cooperation Committee provides a mechanism for them to coordinate their efforts and to pursue their shared interests more effectively. This could lead to a shift in the balance of power in the region, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia playing a more dominant role.

The reaction of other GCC member states to the formation of the Joint Cooperation Committee has been mixed. Kuwait and Oman, which have maintained a more neutral stance in the Qatar diplomatic crisis, are likely to be concerned about the potential for further fragmentation of the GCC and the undermining of its unity. Bahrain, which has aligned closely with Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the Qatar crisis, is likely to be supportive of the Joint Cooperation Committee. Qatar, which has been isolated and ostracized by its neighbors, is likely to view the Joint Cooperation Committee with suspicion and concern.

The broader international community has also taken note of the formation of the Joint Cooperation Committee. The United States, which has traditionally been a strong supporter of the GCC, is likely to be concerned about the potential for further divisions within the organization. The US has been urging the GCC member states to resolve their differences and to maintain a united front in the face of regional challenges. Other major powers, such as China and Russia, are also likely to be watching the situation closely, as they have growing economic and strategic interests in the Gulf region.

The long-term implications of the Joint Cooperation Committee remain to be seen. It could lead to a closer and more effective partnership between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, allowing them to pursue their shared interests more effectively and to play a more dominant role in the region. It could also lead to further fragmentation of the GCC and a realignment of alliances in the region, with potentially destabilizing consequences. Ultimately, the success or failure of the Joint Cooperation Committee will depend on the ability of the UAE and Saudi Arabia to manage their relationship effectively and to address the concerns of other GCC member states and the broader international community.

The formation of the Joint Cooperation Committee also raises questions about the future of regional security cooperation in the Gulf. The GCC has traditionally been the main forum for coordinating security policies and addressing common threats. However, with the GCC weakened by internal divisions, it is unclear whether it can continue to play this role effectively. The UAE and Saudi Arabia may seek to establish a new security architecture in the Gulf, based on their closer partnership and their shared strategic interests. This could involve the creation of a joint military force, the sharing of intelligence, and the coordination of counter-terrorism efforts.

The Joint Cooperation Committee also has implications for regional economic integration. The GCC has made some progress in promoting economic integration, but there are still significant barriers to trade and investment among its member states. The UAE and Saudi Arabia may seek to accelerate economic integration between their two countries, creating a more seamless market for goods, services, and capital. This could involve the harmonization of regulations, the reduction of trade barriers, and the promotion of cross-border investment.

The formation of the Joint Cooperation Committee is not an isolated event, but rather part of a broader trend of shifting alliances and power dynamics in the Middle East. The region is undergoing a period of rapid change, with new challenges and opportunities emerging. The rise of Iran, the spread of terrorism, the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, and the changing role of the United States are all contributing to this period of flux. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are seeking to adapt to these changes and to position themselves as leading players in the region. The Joint Cooperation Committee is one element of this broader strategy.

One of the key challenges facing the UAE and Saudi Arabia is the need to diversify their economies and to reduce their dependence on oil and gas revenues. Both countries have launched ambitious economic reform programs, aimed at promoting non-oil sectors, attracting foreign investment, and creating jobs for their citizens. The Joint Cooperation Committee can facilitate these efforts by promoting economic cooperation and integration between the two countries.

Another key challenge facing the UAE and Saudi Arabia is the need to address the threat of terrorism. Both countries have been targets of terrorist attacks and are actively involved in the fight against terrorism. The Joint Cooperation Committee can enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts, including the sharing of intelligence, the coordination of security policies, and the combating of extremist ideology.

The formation of the Joint Cooperation Committee also reflects a growing sense of assertiveness and self-reliance among the Gulf states. For decades, the Gulf states have relied on the United States for their security and protection. However, with the US increasingly focused on other regions of the world, the Gulf states are seeking to take greater responsibility for their own security and to build their own defense capabilities. The Joint Cooperation Committee is one manifestation of this trend.

In conclusion, the formation of the Joint Cooperation Committee between the UAE and Saudi Arabia is a significant development in the complex and evolving landscape of the Gulf region. It reflects a confluence of factors, including the internal divisions within the GCC, the shared strategic interests of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and the broader trends of shifting alliances and power dynamics in the Middle East. The long-term implications of the Joint Cooperation Committee remain to be seen, but it has the potential to reshape the regional order and to have a profound impact on the future of the GCC and the broader region. The future of the GCC will largely depend on how the remaining members navigate the new reality and whether they can find common ground to address shared challenges. The success of the Joint Cooperation Committee, on the other hand, will depend on the ability of the UAE and Saudi Arabia to translate their shared vision into concrete actions and to build a durable partnership that benefits both countries and contributes to regional stability. The evolving dynamics also necessitate a reassessment of the roles and responsibilities of external actors, such as the United States, in the region.