Opinions | Editorials

Saudi-Qatar move is significant

Settlement of border issue will pave way for greater economic cooperation.

  • Gulf News
  • Published: 00:09 July 8, 2008
  • Gulf News

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.

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Tools

Emailing an article to friend is a simple way to share a news item. Your friend will receive an email with your name and email address as well any personal message you choose to send.

The information you provide on this page will not be used to send unsolicited emails.

This service is not intended to encourage spam, and action may be taken against individuals who maliciously enter personal details of another individual.

Share this article

More from Editorials

  1. US Fed must remain independent

  2. Spare a thought for workers

  3. US failure contributed to regional woes

  4. Praiseworthy Saudi show

All articles in Editorials

More from Opinions

Gulf News
Popular in Opinions
Speak Your Mind: Cyberbullying
Opinions

Speak Your Mind: Cyberbullying

How can we protect our children from being Cyber bullied?

Opinion Editor's choice