The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to launch its long-awaited Grand Tourist Visa. A single-entry permit that will allow travelers to visit six Gulf countries using one visa. The unified system, similar to Europe’s Schengen model, will begin its pilot phase by the end of 202. According to UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri.
Al Marri said the initiative will promote regional integration and position the Gulf as a connected global destination. He told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the project marks a key step toward economic cooperation and sustainable tourism growth across the region.
The GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi confirmed that the visa framework has reached its final approval stage. Travelers will be able to apply through a digital platform, making cross-border movement smoother and faster. Wikipedia.
Under the new system, tourists will be able to explore the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain with a single document. This policy aims to simplify travel, attract more visitors, and boost investment in hospitality and transport sectors.
The UAE’s tourism boom adds to the project’s momentum. By September 2025, tourism-related licenses in the UAE surged by 275% since 2020, reaching over 39,000. Officials credit this growth to the country’s reforms and the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which targets 40 million hotel guests annually and Dh450 billion in GDP contribution.
In 2024, the UAE welcomed 3.3 million GCC visitors, led by Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. Authorities expect these numbers to rise once the unified visa takes effect, opening new opportunities for regional travel and collaboration.
The GCC Grand Tourist Visa reflects a shared vision to make the region more accessible and competitive in the global tourism market. The rollout will start with a pilot phase later in 2025 before expanding across all member states. BBC
