ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the often overlooked technical areas of cooperation in the form of the functionalist specialized bodies created by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC today is without question the most integrated economy of the Middle East. Given that the achievements in economic integration are the most considerable of the organization, the chapter explores the cooperation in the field of economic and industrial activities, focusing in particular on the creation of the Gulf market, and discussions over a common currency and joint companies. While economic integration has tended to capture both media and academic attention, the GCC has also encouraged cooperation in a range of socio-cultural areas. The chapter also explores five of the issue areas—namely, the environment, social protection, immigration, research and higher education, and sport—in order to assess the level and quality of cooperation in areas both connected to, and separate from, the drive for economic integration.
