The establishment of institutions and bodies of Arab-Gulf cooperation and joint action came as a result of the meeting and convergence of the will of the Arab countries in the Gulf and an embodiment of the unity of history, destiny, values, national affiliation and common interests in these countries, the similarity of social, economic and cultural systems and life, and the convergence and similarity of local conditions.The Council of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries was established by a decision issued by His Excellency the Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs in the Arab Gulf countries at the founding conference held in Manama in 1978. The establishment of the Council came as an expression of these countries’ awareness and understanding of the nature of the delicate historical stage during which The region is going through and the challenges it faces emerge in all societal issues, most notably labor and social issues, which are closely and directly linked to issues of human development and well-being as a means and goal of building the nation and its prosperity.

The Council consists of the Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council in addition to the Republic of Yemen, as follows:

• United Arab Emirates.
• Kingdom of Bahrain.
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Sultanate of Oman.
• The State of Qatar.
• The State of Kuwait.
• Republic of Yemen.

At its session held in Doha in January 1979, the Council approved the Council’s statute and the work system for the Undersecretaries’ Committee and the Executive Office. Republic of Yemen.

The Council holds its periodic meetings once a year in order to consider labor and social issues and issues of common concern and discuss various aspects of cooperation, coordination and desired integration.