In a groundbreaking move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Economy, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, has unveiled plans for the introduction of a joint tourist visa, similar to the Schengen visa in Europe, across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
This initiative, green-lighted during a recent meeting of GCC Ministers in Muscat, aims to simplify and enhance tourism across the region.
The GCC's unified tourist visa has been approved, although the exact launch date remains under consideration. However, sources suggest that it could become operational as early as next year, with a deadline set for 2025 in case of any unforeseen delays.
Authorities are set to convene next month to deliberate on the implementation process.
The visa will encompass six Gulf countries, enabling tourists to explore the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait seamlessly.
These nations are well-connected via air and road, making travel between them convenient. The unified tourist visa intends to remove the need for separate visas, streamlining the process for visitors.
Historic step towards tourism integration
Moreover, in a bid to further boost tourism, Minister Al Marri unveiled an ambitious plan for a unified tourist route that will connect all six countries. This route is specifically designed for foreign tourists intending to stay for more extended periods, surpassing the 30-day mark.
Simultaneously, the Emirates Tourism Council is contemplating a grand design to establish an Emirati tourism route that links all seven emirates, providing an enriched experience for travelers.
The single tourist visa concept is a pivotal component of the GCC's 2030 strategy, envisioned to augment the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by facilitating increased inter-city flights and hotel occupancy across the participating nations.
The UAE has set its sights on elevating the contribution of tourism to its GDP, currently accounting for 14%, with plans to raise it to 18%, as disclosed by the minister. Notably, Dubai, one of the world's most sought-after tourist destinations, welcomed a staggering 8.55 million international overnight visitors, underscoring its prominence on the global tourism map.
In the wake of this monumental announcement, tourists and travel enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to a unified, hassle-free experience across the enchanting destinations of the GCC region, further cementing the Middle East as a captivating hub for tourism.
