The International Symposium on the Peaceful Applications of Nuclear Technology in the GCC Countries will be held at King AbdulAziz Ariality , Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 3 - 5 November, 2008.

This symposium is a response to the resolution of the 16^th meeting of the GCC committee of the presidents of universities and higher education institutions in the GCC countries held in Qaseem, December, 2006. This resolution was to activate the declaration of the closing statement of the GCC leaders in their 27^th summit held in Riyadh , December, 2006 that announced that they intended to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and would establish a joint plan in this regard.

The GCC leaders commissioned a study by members of the Gulf Cooperation Council to set up a common program in the area of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, according to international standards and systems. The common nuclear related activity will abide by international treaties and be subject to inspection.

"We will develop it openly, not in secret. We want no bombs. All we want is a whole Middle East that is free of weapons of mass destruction," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said.