The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is collaborating with its neighbors to introduce a single tourist visa encompassing all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This initiative, mirroring the Schengen visa system in Europe, aims to simplify travel within the region and bolster its tourism sector.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE's Minister of Economy, confirmed ongoing efforts with GCC partners to finalize the unified visa during a recent World Economic Forum meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. "This will showcase the diverse tourism offerings across the GCC, enticing tourists for extended stays, boosting hotel occupancy rates, and positioning the region as a premier destination for international and regional travelers," Al Marri remarked.
The concept of a unified GCC visa has been in development for over a year. Inspired by the Schengen Area's visa system, it intends to eliminate the need for tourists to obtain separate visas for each GCC nation they wish to visit. This streamlining process is anticipated to enhance convenience and encourage multi-country itineraries within the GCC.
The successful implementation of this initiative hinges on collaboration between all GCC member states: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. Each country must establish streamlined procedures to ensure a smooth and efficient entry process for foreign tourists across the region.
The economic benefits of a unified GCC visa are significant. Tourism currently contributes a substantial 14% to the UAE's GDP, and the vision is to elevate this figure to 18%. The GCC as a whole boasts well-developed tourism infrastructure, and the unified visa is expected to attract a wider range of tourists, leading to increased hotel occupancy and economic growth across the region.
An official launch date for the unified GCC visa has yet to be announced. However, Al Marri indicated a potential rollout sometime between later this year and 2025. This timeframe suggests that GCC countries are actively working towards finalizing the necessary protocols and infrastructure to ensure a successful launch.
The introduction of a unified GCC visa is a significant step towards bolstering regional tourism and economic integration within the GCC. By streamlining the travel process and showcasing the diverse offerings of the region, this initiative has the potential to position the GCC as a leading tourist destination.