ABSTRACT
The most basic need for integration among the states of the Arab Gulf is clearly to serve the long-term economic and social interests of the population. This chapter focuses on the position of the smaller Arab Gulf states Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. An integrated unit comprising the above five states, however, would still have a population of less than four million; hence the value of the integrative process covering Saudi Arabia and also Iraq. The chapter further presents the development of the links of co-operation and co-ordination among the Arab Gulf states over recent years. The current patterns of co-operation and co-ordination may, of course, be beneficial in other respects, or from the point of view of other interests. The cultural co-operation, among the Arab Gulf states, has proceeded within the framework of co-operation agreements, covering the exchange of scholarships, television programmes and technical information.
