Gulf States Progressing towards Unified Tourist Visa: General Secretary GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Al Budaiwi established that GCC nations are working towards introducing a unified Gulf visa for global travelers. Al Budaiwi mentioned that during their recent summit in Doha, Gulf leaders greenlit a single tourist visa for the region.

They urged the General Secretariat, along with member states, especially the Ministry of Interior representatives, to fast-track its enactment. This move aims to allow any international visitor to explore the Gulf countries with just one visa.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy also issued a similar statement, stating,” Efforts are underway in collaboration with other GCC partners to launch the unified GCC tourist visa.”

“Once it comes into effect, it will contribute to highlighting the diverse tourism destinations in GCC countries, attracting and retaining tourists for longer periods, thus increasing the number of hotel guests and making the region one of the leading destinations for regional and international tourists alike,” Al Marri said after attending a meeting at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh on April 28 and 29.

The Gulf countries have been working on a single tourist visa – similar to a Schengen-style visa – for over one year. It is expected to be rolled out once all the countries have put in place their system for smooth and seamless entry of foreign tourists into the region.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s special meeting in Riyadh, Al Budaiwi expressed hope that this step would boost regional tourism and save travelers time and money. He stressed the need for careful consideration due to security and technical concerns. Recent data shows that the travel and tourism sector contributed 7.8% to the GDP of GCC countries in 2022. They aim to raise this to 10% in the future.

The UAE minister emphasized the need to promote sustainability in the development of tourism in the region, considering the environmental and social challenges it faces. This is because tourism contributes significantly to the region’s economies and provides employment for hundreds of thousands of people.

Al-Marri also highlighted the challenges that lie ahead for sustainable tourism, such as the need to enhance the skills and expertise of the workforce in the sector.

Furthermore, Al Marri mentioned that the UAE has already implemented sustainable tourism practices, such as eco-friendly accommodation, wildlife conservation, and cultural heritage preservation. The country has also launched national initiatives and strategies, including the ‘National Tourism Strategy 2031.’