In an address on March 21, Al Faisal told the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research that the GCC must be ready to compete with other nuclear powers in the Middle East. He cited Iran and Israel, and said Gulf Arab states must be capable of resisting regional adversaries.

"Wealth in the region is not sufficient to achieve stability, and we ought to be effective regarding major international affairs and prevent others from dictating options on us," Turki said.

Saudi Arabia has been one of several GCC states that were exploring the feasibility of a nuclear program. Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have already launched plans to acquire nuclear energy reactors.

In his address, Turki, citing the EU, said the GCC must build a regional military force. He said the council must also acquire nuclear capabilities that deter Iran.

"There is nothing that prevents us from transforming the council into a unified entity similar to the European Union," the prince said.

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