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The decision by Saudi Arabia and Qatar to complete the demarcation of their borders is a welcome development for member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Earlier this year, the GCC states established a common market. Doha and Riyadh have also decided to establish a joint council to bolster bilateral relations which have been stalled for six years since 2002.
Saudi Arabia, the largest economy in the Arab world, plays a significant role in the economic integration of the GCC - one of the fastest growing regions in the world. Geographically, all the Gulf states share their borders with the Kingdom, which puts the onus on Saudi authorities to play the role of a facilitator - a role that will become crucial in creating a monetary union in the years to come.
The significant move by the two Gulf neighbours will pave the way for greater economic cooperation across the region and help a number of cross-border infrastructure, tourism and energy projects that will further boost the economies of the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and to a certain extent, Oman.
The Dolphin gas pipeline is one example of such cooperation. The move will also help the UAE and Qatar to push for a major causeway over the Gulf waters that will boost land transportation and trade, bilateral traffic, tourism and more people-to-people contact. This will significantly reduce the time and hassles for people travelling between the two states.
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