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Pertaing to Maritime Law
The notion of maritime security covers different elements, ranging from freedom of
navigation, to the ability to counter threats posed by piracy, terrorism, drug trafficking,
trafficking in persons and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Marine
pollution should be added. It goes without saying that freedom of navigation is paramount.
The GCC is fully aware of the potential threats to maritime security harbouring off the
coasts of its members. In fact, recent developments in maritime security concern the Gulf
region in a specific manner, most notably due to piracy, drug trafficking and to some extent
trafficking in persons. Alongside these non-state actor threats, there are risks associated
with state issues, in particular regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the controversy over Abu
Musa and the other islands between the UAE and Iran. To meet these threats, the GCC
countries are determined to enhance their naval capability. For instance, on- April
, naval exercises were held in the Gulf to flag that GCC Member
