Gulf Ministers of Justice Discuss Draft Unified Rules for Information Technology Crimes
Gulf ministers of justice discussed in Manama a draft of unified rules to combat information technology crimes and a Bahraini proposal for the electronic exchange of judicial notifications.
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The 36th meeting of the Ministers of Justice of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states was held on October 4, 2026, in Manama, under the presidency of Bahrain for the 46th session of the Council, and with the participation of ministers of justice from member states.
The agenda included the draft unified rules to combat information technology crimes, a text aimed at harmonizing penal systems among GCC states in this field and unifying procedures followed before judicial authorities.
The ministers discussed a Bahraini proposal to establish an electronic platform for exchanging judicial notifications between countries, and reviewed the 2026 international cooperation report in the field of justice, alongside other items on the agenda.
No final decisions or official approvals were announced from the meeting at this stage, meaning that the proposed projects remain under study prior to any official adoption by member states.
What do these terms mean?
Information technology crimes: Punishable acts committed via digital systems and networks. Judicial notifications: Official documents through which parties are notified of judicial proceedings. Cooperation Council: A regional bloc comprising the six Gulf states.
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