The GCC Union: An EU type Union in the Middle East

14th May 2012 - 5140 days ago

There are many questions circulating in the international community after the members of the GCC (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates) met in Riyadh on 14 May to discuss the possibilities of forming an EU type political and economic union for themselves.

Following the model of the EU would bring many economic questions to light, some saying it may be unfeasible due to the vast differences in the economies amongst GCC members, not to mention the challenge of potential cooperation on security and military matters.

Such a union could certainly open up business opportunities within the GCC as well as future foreign direct investment into the region as a whole.

There is still much work to be done but voices are optimistic that following this direction could lead to enhanced security and stability as well as prosperity for the GCC member countries.

CSA is proud to identify for you a few speakers, all experts, you can learn from to help understand how the region and consequently the world will be affected and benefit from this amazing project. They are Frank Gardner, the BBC's Security Correspondent, Her Excellency Najla Al Awadhi, Former Member of the UAE Federal National Council, Florence Eid, Founder & CEO of Arabia Monitor, and Dr. Jacques Attali, authority from the EU.