The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders will hold their 40th Summit today, in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Qatar's emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will not attend the Gulf summit in Riyadh, state media reported Tuesday, dampening hopes of a reconciliation between Doha and a Saudi-led bloc.

The emir named Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani to lead the Qatari delegation to Tuesday's summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the official QNA said.

Saudi King Salman has invited Qatar’s emir to the summit last week. Some Saudi observers have downplayed the king's invitation to the emir, saying he was only following protocol and that he had invited the Qatari leader to last year's summit as well.

The GCC ministerial council held a preparatory meeting for the 40th GCC Summit on December 9 in Riyadh.

The GCC leaders will discuss some key topics to enhance cooperation and integration amongst member states in political, defense, security, social and economic fields, according to a statement carried by Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Gulf leaders will also focus on the regional and international political developments, and the security situation in the region as well as their impact on the GCC states’ security and stability.