Tourist Visa Across Six Nations

 Gulf Cooperation Council Announces Unified Tourist Visa Across Six Nations

In a groundbreaking move set to reshape the tourism landscape, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has unveiled plans for a unified tourist visa that will grant access to six Arab countries by 2024/2025. This significant initiative was revealed by GCC Secretary General Jassim Al Budaiwi during the 40th meeting of GCC interior ministers in Oman.

This Schengen-like visa will enable tourists to explore Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under a unified travel framework. Al Budaiwi praised the venture as a testament to the robust collaboration and clear vision of GCC leaders, emphasizing its potential to streamline travel within the region.

"The unified Gulf tourist visa is a project that will contribute to facilitating and streamlining the movement of residents and tourists between the six GCC countries and will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the economic and tourist sectors," stated Al Budaiwi during the announcement.

This initiative aligns with the GCC 2030 tourism plan, a vision supported by UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq. The plan aims to amplify the economic impact of the tourism sector through increased regional travel and higher hotel occupancy rates. Forecasts suggest a substantial surge in tourist numbers, with an expected rise to 128.7 million visitors by 2030, signifying a remarkable 137 percent increase from 2021's 39.8 million visitors.

Industry experts antipathetic unified visa system to be a game- changer for the GCC region, tapping into an untapped tourism market. Visa complexities have historically deterred potential tourists, but the new program promises to transform travel experiences and make the region more appealing to visitors and businesses.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, expressed enthusiasm for the new tourism visa system, foreseeing a positive global impression of the Middle East as more visitors are encouraged to explore the region. This initiative forms part of the GCC's broader goal to bolster inter-city flights and hotel visitors across the Gulf bloc, ultimately boosting tourism's contribution to the region's GDP.

Tourism plays a pivotal role in the UAE economy, contributing significantly, with figures reaching up to 14 percent of its GDP. The unified GCC tourist visa is poised to not only elevate the tourism sector but also foster economic growth and enhance the overall perception of the region on the global stage.