The GCC Single Market: Challenges and Future Horizons

GCC economic integration in general—and the single market in particular—have advanced significantly, but the current phase requires adjustments due to the appearance of various bottlenecks, principally caused by a lack of sophistication in the executive structure of the GCC. In contrast, the centralized institutions in other single markets, such as the European Union or the USA, are endowed with enough power and resources to implement agreements. This study recommends increasing the power of the GCC Secretariat General, as well as the creation of a mechanism for the implementation of economic agreements.