At the Arabian Travel Market, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority announced the creation of a unified GCC tourist visa system to be launched by year-end. This system aims to simplify travel while upholding security, and it is expected to boost the economies of the region.
Benefits of the GCC Grand Tours Visa
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, named the visa GCC Grand Tours. It will enable tourists to explore the six GCC countries for more than 30 days. This initiative will not only make travel easier and more affordable but also aims to promote diverse attractions across the GCC, increasing tourism and benefiting hotels and local economies.
Regional Cooperation and Tourism Packages
Al Midfa highlighted ongoing collaborations with key tourism operators to create travel packages that encompass all GCC countries. Partnerships with hotels and airlines are being strengthened to support these efforts. The new visa will facilitate combined travel packages, making it easier for tourists to have extended stays and experience multiple GCC destinations in one trip.
Enhancing Visitor Experiences
Efforts are underway to lengthen visitor stays in the UAE, aiming for leisure trips of 2-3 weeks by offering combined GCC packages. Coordination with major events is planned to prevent scheduling conflicts. Once implemented, the visa will support both leisure and business travel.
Bahrain’s Regional Tourism Initiatives
Sarah Buhijji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, shared that Bahrain is also developing tourism packages that include other GCC countries. These packages are designed to showcase the region as a unified destination. Bahrain has already signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia to promote mutual tourism and plans similar agreements with other Gulf countries.
