In brief
On 5 January 2021, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, along with Egypt, signed the “Al-Ula Declaration” at the 41st GCC Summit held in the city of Al-Ula, paving the way for the re-establishment of political and economic ties with the State of Qatar. This marks the end of a three-year dispute which began on 5 June 2017, and reinforces the commitment of the GCC member states to the political and economic stability of the region.
The breakthrough agreement follows the re-opening of Saudi Arabia’s airspace and land and sea borders with Qatar starting 4 January. We are confirming changes in policy and procedures with the relevant authorities and ministries in the GCC and Egypt in light of these developments.
The official text of the “Al-Ula Declaration” has yet to be made public. We will provide further updates as implementation of the agreement takes hold and as official statements and circulars are issued.
Please feel free to contact one of the lawyers above or your usual Baker McKenzie contact if you have any queries in the meantime.
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