In December 2017, which pair of Gulf countries announced the formation of a new economic and partnership group named the Joint Cooperation Committee?

Introduction / Context:
This question deals with contemporary international relations and economic cooperation among Gulf countries. In recent years, some Gulf states have formed new groups and committees to deepen cooperation in defence, economy, and politics. One such initiative is the Joint Cooperation Committee announced in December 2017. The question asks you to recall which pair of countries launched this body.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The announcement took place in December 2017.
• The name of the new grouping is Joint Cooperation Committee.
• It is an economic and partnership group formed by Gulf countries.
• The options list four possible country pairs from the Gulf region.

Concept / Approach:
To answer, we rely on knowledge of recent Gulf diplomatic and economic developments. Around that period, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were especially close partners, launching several joint initiatives, including military and economic coordination beyond the wider Gulf Cooperation Council framework. Many current affairs compilations highlighted this new committee as a sign of deepening Saudi and Emirati ties.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Joint Cooperation Committee was announced as a new economic and partnership group.Step 2: Think of which Gulf states were prominently cooperating and making joint announcements in 2017.Step 3: Note that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates repeatedly appeared together in news about strategic partnerships.Step 4: Cross check mentally that Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman were not reported as forming a separate Joint Cooperation Committee under that exact name in that period.Step 5: Conclude that the correct pair is the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Reviewing standard current affairs notes for competitive exams for the 2017 to 2018 period shows references to a high level Joint Cooperation Committee set up by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to coordinate in fields like politics, defence and economy. No similar mention appears for the other pairs listed in the options in that specific month. This confirms that the answer involving Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is accurate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The pairs Qatar and United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait, and Oman and Saudi Arabia were not reported as launching a group with this exact name in December 2017. While these countries are part of the Gulf region and participate in other regional platforms, the specific phrase Joint Cooperation Committee and the timing match only the Saudi and Emirati initiative. Hence, the other options are distractors.

Common Pitfalls:
Because many Gulf states are members of the same regional forums, candidates may assume any pair could be correct and rely on guesswork. Another pitfall is confusing the Joint Cooperation Committee with broader organisations like the Gulf Cooperation Council. To avoid these mistakes, pay attention to specific names, dates, and the exact wording used in news reports, which can clearly distinguish one initiative from another.

Final Answer:
The Joint Cooperation Committee announced in December 2017 was formed by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.