The GCC & Rest of Middle East

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) comprises of 6 nations – Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. The combined GDP of the GCC reached $1.64 trillion in 2013
While the council was established in 1981, the common market was launched on 1st January 2008.

It is still work in progress, with some key enablers such as:
Integrated market, with full equality among GCC nationals to work in either public or private sector.

Creation of customs union to ease movement of goods within the region.

Key infrastructure projects such as the GCC rail project.