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In line with the principles of Gulf economic integration and the UAE’s active role in this area, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) supports the implementation of the Unified Economic Agreement among GCC countries. This includes advancing joint GCC economic initiatives and key projects such as financial integration, the establishment of a free trade zone, and the implementation of both the GCC Customs Union and the Gulf Common Market. The GCC is recognised globally as a strong economic bloc built on mutual cooperation among its member states.
To support this vision, the Ministry established the Department of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf Affairs—a specialised department tasked with overseeing the implementation of economic integration projects. Its core responsibilities include:
The structure of joint GCC economic cooperation begins with the GCC Supreme Council, supported by ministers and ad-hoc committees, with implementation carried out by dedicated follow-up bodies.
Gulf economic integration is driven by key principles such as the free movement of production, the removal of trade barriers, and the coordination and unification of economic policies. Significant milestones include the establishment of the GCC Free Trade Area in 1983, the Customs Union in 2003, and the Gulf Common Market in 2008. Ongoing efforts continue to focus on fulfilling the requirements for the Monetary Union and the eventual introduction of a single GCC currency.
The GCC member states follow a pragmatic and gradual approach to economic integration, implementing projects through a step-by-step process that clearly defines objectives and translates them into actionable programmes.
Integrated projects are implemented by specialised committees and task forces, as well as by the Ministry of Finance (MoF)—the designated authority in the UAE—and the Federal Customs Authority (FCA). However, complaints and obstacles arising from GCC economic cooperation are initially addressed at the level of member states through liaison officers, using a “bilateral solutions” approach.
If an issue cannot be resolved at the bilateral level, it is escalated to the relevant committee—either the Customs Union Joint Committee or the Common Market Joint Committee. If no resolution is reached in these phases, the matter is then referred to the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee for further action.
In 2012, the MoF launched GCC Takamul, an electronic platform for submitting complaints and enquiries related to the Customs Union and Gulf Common Market. Accessible via the Ministry’s website, GCC Takamul connects 28 federal and local entities. The MoF has also established a national team comprising 34 federal and local authorities to support and promote Gulf economic and financial integration.
The GCC countries are committed to engaging with the global economy through a unified economic front, which strengthens the region’s international standing and enables its members to play an influential role in global economic decision-making. The UAE has made significant contributions to joint GCC integration. Key achievements include:
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