UAE Minister of Economy: Work on Unified Gulf Tourism Visa Underway
In a significant move aimed at boosting tourism across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, efforts are underway to introduce a unified Gulf tourism visa. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), revealed that collaborative work is ongoing with other GCC partners to make this initiative a reality.
Speaking after attending the World Economic Forum meeting held in Riyadh on April 28th and 29th, Minister Abdullah emphasized the potential benefits of a unified tourism visa.
He highlighted that such a visa would not only showcase the diverse tourism offerings of GCC countries but also attract and retain tourists, consequently bolstering the hospitality sector by increasing the number of hotel guests. This, in turn, aims to position the region as a premier destination for both regional and international travelers.
The concept of a unified tourism visa has been under consideration for over a year among Gulf nations. The envisioned visa would streamline the entry process for foreign tourists across all member states, fostering seamless travel experiences within the region.
While the timeline for the launch of the unified tourism visa is still pending an official announcement, expectations are high for its introduction either later this year or in early 2025. This development underscores the commitment of GCC countries to enhancing tourism infrastructure and facilitating cross-border travel, ultimately driving economic growth and cooperation in the region. Stay tuned for further updates as official announcements are awaited regarding this landmark initiative.
