In the near future, tourists can explore countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through a unified visa system akin to the Schengen model.
This groundbreaking initiative, set to be implemented around 2024/2025, was unveiled by GCC Secretary General Jassim Al Budaiwi during the 40th meeting of GCC interior ministers in Oman.
Al Budaiwi lauded the endeavor as a “new achievement,” emphasizing the strong collaboration and strategic direction of GCC leaders. The unified Gulf tourist visa is anticipated to simplify the movement of residents and tourists across the six GCC countries, yielding positive economic and tourism sector impacts, as stated by Al Budaiwi.
UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq highlighted the unified visa as a pivotal element of the GCC 2030 tourism plan. This comprehensive plan seeks to boost the economic contribution of the tourism sector by fostering regional travel and elevating hotel occupancy rates. The implementation of the unified visa system is projected to significantly increase tourist numbers to 128.7 million by 2030, marking a substantial 137 percent surge from the 39.8 million recorded last year.
Industry experts foresee the new program as a game-changer for the GCC region, tapping into an untapped tourism market. Visa complexities have historically deterred potential tourists, and the unified Gulf tourist visa aims to address these issues, making travel more accessible. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, expressed optimism about the tourism visa system, deeming it a fantastic development for the region.
He emphasized that increased visitation to the Middle East will contribute to a more positive global perception of the region. The introduction of the single GCC tourist visa aligns with the GCC’s long-term objective of enhancing inter-city flights and attracting more hotel visitors across the Gulf bloc, thereby bolstering tourism’s contribution to GDP.