The Cooperation Council for the Arab states in the Gulf (the GCC) was conceived in 1981 to enhance economic integration and political harmony among its six members. While the GCC has achieved practical results that have no doubt furthered cooperation, there are a variety of energy-related initiatives that could create greater economic value and enhance societal benefit.

This research project focuses on the drivers and impediments for further GCC cooperation on energy and economics issues, both broadly and in a series of specific initiatives jointly with other research centers in the region. The research will collect a range of stakeholder views on the cost benefit analysis of enhanced energy cooperation within the GCC, so as to identify potential areas for agreement that could improve the benefit to society.