UAE: Long-awaited unified GCC tourism visa coming soon, confirms GCC Secretary General
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will soon launch a unified tourism visa that allows travelers to visit all six member states with a single application. The announcement was made on Wednesday by GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi, who praised the joint efforts of Gulf countries to improve regional mobility and grow the tourism sector.
Speaking during an official announcement, Jassem Al Budaiwi stated:
'The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen integration and cooperation.'
He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the long-term strategic goals of the Gulf's leadership to modernise regional travel infrastructure and expand non-oil sectors through increased tourism. The visa, officially titled the GCC Grand Tours Visa, is modeled after Europe's Schengen visa and aims to enable seamless travel across:
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Bahrain
Kuwait
Oman
The unified visa will allow tourists to travel freely across these six nations without the need for separate visa applications, making the region significantly more accessible to international visitors.
Al Budaiwi highlighted that the new visa system is being developed with a strong focus on technology and security, stressing that member states are 'keen on keeping up with the latest technologies, as well as growing and rapid global security demands.'
The visa was formally approved in November 2023 during the 40th GCC Interior Ministers' Meeting, which was held in Oman. The approval followed months of intergovernmental coordination and consultation among tourism, immigration, and security departments of all six states.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
According to Al Budaiwi, the move is not just a tourism initiative but part of a broader regional transformation aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenues and positioning the GCC as a global tourism and investment hub.
Features of the GCC Grand Tours Visa
While final implementation details are still being finalized, available information outlines the following expected features of the GCC Grand Tours Visa:
Key Features
Single visa for six countries
Online-only application process
Valid for tourism and family visits
Likely validity: 30 to 90 days
Options to select single-country or unified access
Lower cumulative cost compared to applying for six separate visas
This structure is designed to significantly reduce travel barriers while enhancing visitor experience across the region.
Application Process and Required Documents
Though the system is not yet live, officials have shared a tentative list of documents and steps expected to be part of the application process.
Likely Required Documents
Valid passport (minimum 6-month validity)
Completed online application form
Recent passport-size photo
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
Travel insurance (including medical coverage)
Proof of sufficient funds (such as bank statements)
Return or onward travel ticket
Expected Application Process
Visit the official GCC visa website (to be announced)
Select visa type: one-country or unified six-country visa
Fill in travel details and upload supporting documents
Pay the visa fee online securely online
Receive e-visa via email
Print or store the e-visa digitally for travel
The unified visa is expected to boost regional tourism, attract international visitors, and support sectors like aviation, hospitality, and travel services. By simplifying access, it encourages longer stays and multi-country trips across the Gulf. The move also aligns with Gulf nations' broader push to become leading global tourism destination
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
12 minutes ago
- Time of India
Jindal Stainless shares plummet 7% after reporting Q1 results
Shares of Jindal Stainless plummeted 7% to their intraday low of Rs 682.05 on the BSE on Thursday after the company posted its Q1FY26 results , even after reporting a 10.6% year-on-year (YoY) growth in net profit . The stainless steel major reported a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 715 crore for the April–June 2025 period, up from Rs 646 crore in Q1FY25. The company's net revenue grew 8.2% YoY, reaching Rs 10,207 crore in Q1FY26 as against Rs 9,430 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. EBITDA rose 8.1% YoY to Rs 1,310 crore, supported by robust demand from key domestic segments. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tiger meeting her former zookeeper after 5 years. See what happens next! Story To Hear Undo On a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis, PAT grew 21.1% over Q4FY25, while revenue was largely flat with a marginal increase of 0.1%. Jindal Stainless also reported a net debt of Rs 3,869 crore with a net debt-to-equity ratio of 0.2x, reflecting a healthy balance sheet position. In terms of geographical mix, the domestic market contributed 91% to the company's sales in Q1FY26, slightly lower than 92% in Q4FY25, but higher than 90% in Q1FY25. Exports accounted for the remaining 9%, with volumes remaining steady despite global headwinds. Live Events The company credited its domestic growth to strong demand from automotive, metro, white goods, lifts, and elevators. Increased government focus on urbanization, infrastructure, and metro projects helped sustain stainless steel demand, particularly for metro rail systems and urban mobility infrastructure. Jindal Stainless also emphasized the success of its co-branding scheme 'Jindal Saathi Seal', which helped strengthen distributor and partner confidence, especially in the pipes, tubes, kitchenware, and sink categories. Initiatives like the QR Code Loyalty Program were highlighted as enhancing customer engagement. Despite facing geopolitical uncertainties and protectionist measures in major markets like the EU and the US, the company was able to maintain its export volumes. Management attributed this to a strategic focus on value-added products and a tailored approach to global customer needs. The company plans to continue exploring export opportunities in line with its long-term strategic goals. 'Despite continued volatility in the global landscape, Jindal Stainless has reinforced its market leadership underpinned by our customer-centric approach, sustained product and special grades innovation, and continued operational efficiency. We are advancing our presence across high-impact sectors such as railways, automotive, and infrastructure, while unlocking new opportunities across the sectors through strategic partnerships and application-driven offerings,' said Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director of Jindal Stainless. 'Our initiatives like co-branding programmes and loyalty schemes are redefining customer engagement and operational agility. As stainless steel gains recognition as the material of choice for nation-building, the need for a dedicated national stainless steel policy becomes increasingly imperative,' he added. Also read: Nazara Technologies board to consider bonus issue, stock split on Aug 12; stock jumps 2% ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Time of India
Domestic-focused strategy key amid global tariff turmoil: Sunil Subramaniam
"Foreign investors have been avoiding export-oriented sectors due to the uncertainty around tariffs. As a result, sectors like pharma and IT have already seen price corrections. So, if you're a risk taker, you can argue that India is not without tools to respond to tariffs," says Sunil Subramaniam , Market Expert. How does an investor—or how do our viewers—navigate the uncertainty that comes with the recent developments? We are now seeing an additional tariff overhang of 250% on pharma, and there are also threats of broader tariffs on India as a whole. How should our viewers deal with these uncertainties in the current market? Sunil Subramaniam: First, as a viewer, you need to assess your own risk profile. What is your ability to handle volatility, which is inevitable in these times—thanks to Mr. Trump 's tweets and the general uncertainty? Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Famous Celebrities With Unexpected Degrees Learn More Undo If you are a risk-taking investor, you might view this situation differently. Let's say we face a higher oil-related tariff that goes from 25% to 30%, and pharma tariffs rise significantly over time. The key point here is that much of this negative sentiment is already priced into the market. I'm not saying the correction is entirely over—there may be more to come—but a large part of the correction has been driven by FIIs staying away from Indian markets. Foreign investors have been avoiding export-oriented sectors due to the uncertainty around tariffs. As a result, sectors like pharma and IT have already seen price corrections. So, if you're a risk taker, you can argue that India is not without tools to respond to tariffs. For example: Currency depreciation can help offset some tariff impacts. Live Events The government may offer productivity-linked incentives to enhance competitiveness. India can explore alternative export markets like the EU and other Asian countries. So, yes, a lot of the bad news is already in the price. But if your risk appetite is not aggressive, it's better to avoid external-oriented sectors. You should 'Trump-proof' your portfolio by focusing on domestic sectors, which are less impacted by these global tensions. Domestic mutual funds have bought ₹2 lakh crore worth of equities in the last three months—about ₹60,000 to ₹65,000 crore per month. Much of what FIIs sold, domestic funds picked up. When FIIs sell, they often sell across the board, including both domestic and export-oriented stocks, as part of index-based selling. But domestic investors have focused on local sectors, which is why those haven't fallen as much. This creates a degree of built-in safety. And I don't expect domestic fund managers to take big bets on external-oriented sectors just yet. They too are likely to prefer domestic stories. Additionally, the ongoing earnings season will be a key trigger for them. If you are a moderate-risk investor, I would suggest sticking to domestic-oriented sectors such as consumption, banking and financial services, and capital goods (for slightly longer-term investors). At this stage, I'd recommend going through mutual funds rather than picking individual stocks. Domestic funds have already bought the good stocks, and those prices have gone up. It's difficult for a retail investor to identify undervalued stocks within the domestic space right now, especially with earnings season still underway. So, multicap and multi-asset funds could be a good approach. Also, keep in mind the potential for a Fed rate cut. The NFP data in the U.S., combined with President Trump's pressure to appoint loyalists to the Fed, increases the odds of a rate cut. That could be a tailwind for emerging market equities, possibly bringing some FII flows back to India. The key is to take a balanced approach. Avoid tariff-impacted sectors unless you have a high risk appetite. If you look at the RBI's policy today, macro indicators like growth and inflation seem positive. Despite the tariff threats, the RBI hasn't revised India's growth forecast—it's still at 6.5% for the current year. They have access to comprehensive data, so that's reassuring. Also, remember that exports are just 2% of India's GDP. Our economy is relatively insulated compared to many global peers. So, it's better to align with the domestic economy's strength and RBI's stable policy. In fact, the RBI's decision to pause rate cuts suggests confidence in the economy—it doesn't feel the need for additional stimulus. That's a good sign. So, stay confident in the domestic story and align your portfolio accordingly, especially if you are a moderate-risk investor. What's your overall view on the paint sector? We've seen Asian Paints moving higher recently. Today we also spoke to Berger Paints ' management, and they seem quite optimistic about the demand outlook. With increasing competition, do you still favour the traditional players? Sunil Subramaniam: I believe the correction in paint stocks was a bit overdone. These are all fundamentally strong companies. Yes, monsoon season tends to slow down construction activity, which may impact painting demand temporarily, especially in residential housing. So, we could see a soft quarter. However, as private capex picks up, industrial paint demand will grow. So, I think now is a good time to enter paint stocks. As you mentioned, we're already seeing signs of a recovery. Even though the lack of a rate cut may have temporarily affected rate-sensitive sectors like real estate, I still maintain a positive outlook. Paints fall under both building materials and premium retail categories—they straddle multiple sectors, making them more resilient. Also, paint companies are largely domestically oriented. A major positive for their margins is the softening of crude oil prices, as crude derivatives are key raw materials in paint manufacturing. That provides another tailwind for earnings growth.
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
What Trump's 50% tariff means for stock market investors and should Nifty bulls worry
Indian stock markets are trapped in a deadly waiting game as Trump 's crushing 50% tariff threat may slam the brakes on fresh investment flows, with many investors unwilling to commit fresh capital until a US-India trade deal materializes or a carnage hits Dalal Street, making it attractive enough to buy the dip. While Thursday's Sensex's muted 300-point drop suggests markets had partially priced in steeper tariffs, analysts warn the real carnage in export-facing stocks is just beginning, and the paralysis could persist for months. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Blood cancer is taking our curious baby away from us! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Trump's punitive tariffs on Russian crude imports have pushed total US duties to levels Nomura calls "similar to a trade embargo." The 50% rate, 20 points higher than China and 21 above Pakistan, threatens a bunch of export sectors worth billions of dollars. "This is a tough period to navigate for investors," warns Seshadri Sen from Emkay Global . "The terms of the final trade deal could still be considerably different, though a worst-case, highly damaging scenario has presented itself." The carnage is already being mapped out sector by sector. Sen identifies the most vulnerable: "The most-impacted sectors are textiles (Gokaldas/Kitex), Chemicals (Camlin, Aarti and Atul), and Auto Ancs (BHFC/Suprajit/Sona BLW), with direct export exposure to the US." Live Events Nomura's analysis reveals the scale of destruction awaiting: "If effective, the steep 50% tariff would be similar to a trade embargo, and will lead to a sudden stop in affected export products. The lower value addition and thinner margins across a number of industries (textiles, gem & jewellery) could jeopardise operations, especially of smaller firms that will struggle to compete." Also Read | Trump doubles tariff on India to 50% over Russian oil purchase The US accounts for 18% of India's total exports and 2.2% of GDP, with key sectors seeing 30-40% of their global exports heading to America. For textiles, gems & jewelry, and leather companies operating on thin margins, the tariff wall could prove insurmountable. Domestic brokerage firm SBI Securities has warned of collateral damage to Indian companies operating US brands. "Stay away from US brands focussed domestic franchisees, as clamour to boycott US products and follow swadeshi model may grow," the brokerage cautions, naming Jubilant Foodworks (Dominos, Dunkin Donut), Westlife (McDonald's), Devyani International (Burger King), Varun Beverages (Pepsi), and Sapphire Foods (KFC, Pizza Hut) as vulnerable to "temporary enhanced selling pressure." Mahesh Patil of Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC draws parallels with Brazil's experience: 'We are now at par with Brazil, which provides a blueprint, it saw a 6-7% fall from the peak before recovering in local terms.' The rupee's decline, while painful, offers a counterintuitive benefit. 'The immediate casualty is the INR, which will take the brunt—this will provide some respite for exporters. Counterintuitively, a fall in the INR (once it stabilises) is positive for local earnings, and hence equities benefit with a lag,' Patil explains. What should investors do? With export sectors in the crosshairs, the investment playbook is shifting toward domestic consumption. SBI Securities recommends focusing on 'domestic-focused businesses like Cement, Hotels, Telecom, New Age Businesses, EMS players, Auto/Auto Ancillaries, Hospitals, Defence/Railways, and Alcoholic Beverages.' Ajay Sen of Emkay Global maintains conviction in India's structural resilience: 'We see the broader economy staying resilient and remain convinced of a 2HFY26 consumption-led recovery. We would look through any near-term volatility caused by this and buy a substantial dip (of more than 5%).' The dip-buying opportunity Several analysts are positioning the crisis as a potential goldmine for patient investors. Sen's four-point survival strategy includes: 'Buy the dip if the market correction exceeds 5% from here. Valuations would then be comfortably below the long-term average, and the direct impact on the listed universe's earnings is negligible.' Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar of Geojit Financial Services strikes a balanced tone: 'The market is unlikely to panic, but weakness will continue in the near term. Since uncertainty is high, investors should adopt a cautious approach.' Your investment strategy depends significantly on your investment horizon and risk appetite. Santosh Meena of Swastika Investmart advises long-term investors to stay the course: 'This development is part of ongoing global trade tensions and shouldn't distract from India's long-term growth potential. But short-term traders should exercise caution.' For long-term investors, the consensus remains surprisingly optimistic. India's domestic consumption story stays intact, with IT, pharmaceuticals, and electronics notably exempt from current tariff announcements. As Patil concludes: 'Any knee-jerk correction in the market would be a good opportunity to increase allocation to equities, as the macroeconomic outlook and long-term fundamentals of India are fairly strong.' The 21-day countdown to tariff implementation has begun. Markets may be paralyzed now, but for those willing to look beyond the immediate chaos, the foundations for the next rally may already be forming.
