Latest news with #GCC-based
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kuwait reboots eVisa system with new rules for GCC residents: Key info for travellers
Streamlined eVisa process aims to attract GCC-based travellers and boost regional tourism/Representative Image TL;DR: Kuwait reopened its improved e‑Visa portal in January 2025, allowing certain GCC‑based residents to apply online or obtain visa‑on‑arrival. Eligible applicants must hold a GCC residency of 6+ months, a valid passport, and work in specified professional categories such as doctors, engineers, teachers, journalists, and business managers. Excluded nationals must apply via diplomatic channels. E‑visa costs start at 3 KWD ($10), processed within 1–3 business days, valid for 90 days, and grants up to 30‑day stays. What's Changed: Platform Reopened, Rules Streamlined After a temporary suspension in December 2024 for system upgrades, Kuwait relaunched its Kuwait Visa portal in early 2025. The upgraded system offers digitally streamlined e‑Visa applications, specifically for residents residing in the GCC. This move is part of Kuwait's broader initiative to modernize immigration procedures, promote regional travel, and boost transparency while preserving national security standards. Who Qualifies? Application criteria for GCC expats include: Residency permit in GCC (UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain) valid for at least 6 months. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel date. Profession listed on Emirates ID (or equivalent GCC ID) must match an approved category like doctor, engineer, teacher, journalist, business manager, etc. Clean legal and immigration record. Excluded nationalities must apply via Kuwaiti missions. Application Steps & Documents Applicants must: Visit official Kuwait Visa Registration website, select GCC resident/tourist e‑Visa option. Create an account with email, phone number, and secure password. Upload supporting documents: Passport bio page, GCC residency page, recent passport photo, proof of accommodation or hotel booking, and return ticket. Enter professional occupation as listed on GCC residence ID. Pay the 3 KWD fee ($10)) online. Track the application, approval typically takes 1–3 business days. Present a printed copy of the e‑Visa upon arrival in Kuwait for immigration clearance. Once issued, the e‑Visa is valid for 90 days and allows an entry stay of up to 30 days. Visa on Arrival Option Eligible GCC residents may also opt for a visa on arrival, depending on airline discretion. Airlines like Emirates and Jazeera Air have approved boarding passengers with valid GCC visas and matching professional categories, though Kuwait Airways may apply stricter rules. Context: Bigger Picture and Updates This updated access aligns with Kuwait's broader regional strategy, including the upcoming rollout of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa ('GCC Grand Tours Visa') expected later in 2025 or early 2026. This single-entry visa will cover travel across all six GCC nations for tourism purposes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Filipinos don't know about this! Read More Undo Kuwait also continues to maintain strict penalties for overstaying or improper use of visas, with fines up to KD 2,000 and potential bans for violations. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has been witnessing a rapid shift in travel policies as member states strive to boost regional tourism and economic integration. While countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have introduced long-term tourism and business visas to attract global talent and visitors, Kuwait has traditionally maintained stricter entry protocols. However, with the implementation of Vision 2035, Kuwait's national development roadmap, authorities are now actively modernizing administrative systems, including the digitization of immigration services. The simplified eVisa program is part of these reforms, aiming to make the country more accessible to GCC-based expatriates and regional tourists Why It Matters Greater accessibility : GCC residents in professions like medicine, education, journalism, or management can now apply directly from their host country. Speed & simplicity : Digital approvals in under 3 days improve travel flexibility. Tourism boost : Eases access for regional business and leisure travellers. Fair but firm policy : Eligibility rules and exclusions help balance openness with legal and security standards. Kuwait's revamped e‑Visa system for GCC residents marks a significant step in simplifying regional travel, particularly for qualified professionals who live and work in the GCC nations. With clear eligibility criteria, affordable fees, rapid turnaround, and visa-on-arrival options, the process is now more inclusive and efficient. It reflects Kuwait's growing commitment to modernizing immigration systems, facilitating regional mobility without compromising on compliance and security.
Campaign ME
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
Maison de RA turns ‘identity' into main fashion accessory in campaign
Maison de RA launched a new brand campaign and pop-up activation at Flat12, is a reminder that when fashion listens – really listens – it can tell stories that feel personal. The campaign was brought to life by Untitled Co. in collaboration with The Offsite Studio, reimagines Maison de RA not just as a fashion label, but as a personal archive – a space that holds unspoken histories and layered emotions. 'The creative vision was inspired by the emotional intersection of memory, identity, and womanhood. The brand message is: You are the sum of all the women you've ever been. This narrative was visualised as a nostalgic, dreamlike space – a Maison – where every corner reflects fragments of her essence, told through textures, scents, and the intimate rituals of getting ready,' says Aisha Al Tamimi, Creative Managing Director and Founder at Untitled Co. The activation was designed to explore memory, identity, and womanhood through an immersive, tactile space. It focused on driving brand awareness and footfall, while inviting a deeper emotional connection with the RA identity. Unlike fast-paced fashion moments built for social media, this one invited a slower, more personal experience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RA (@ Tapping into emotional memory and audience insight The activation centred around the idea that 'you are the sum of all the women you've ever been' – a sentiment echoed throughout the pop-up's design and storytelling. Every detail, from lighting to scent, was intended to evoke fragments of a lived or imagined past. The campaign was targeted towards GCC-based women aged 22–40, especially those who appreciate fashion as self-expression, emotional depth, and nostalgia. According to Tamimi the target audiences are confident, culturally rooted, and drawn to brands that reflect their complexity. 'We imagined the RA woman as someone who carries the echoes of her past with her – even those she's never truly lived,' says Tamimi. She adds, 'Our research showed that women often associate clothing with deeply personal memories – a perfume with a past self, a lipstick with a turning point, a mirror with self-recognition. We also found that Arab women, in particular, carry strong multi-generational identities – between mother, daughter, friend, and stranger – all of which informed the tone and visual direction of the campaign.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by untitled ان تايتلد (@ A brand space shaped by regional codes What made the execution stand out was how carefully it leaned into regional nuance. Rather than applying a broad or generic aesthetic, the team built the experience around elements that hold cultural weight and emotional value. Tailored for a regional audience, the campaign used Emirati Arabic in its script and drew on distinctly Arab aesthetic codes, from set design to styling choices. The narrative honored Arab femininity and memory – weaving together perfume, mirrors, lipstick, and clothing rituals that are distinctly relevant in the region. Maison de RA was a place to slow down and feel seen 'Our job was to create a space that felt emotionally familiar without being overly literal. The message: RA is more than a fashion label; it's a space that holds personal history, even if it's unspoken,' says Raoul Daou, Co-Founder of The Offsite Studio. 'From aged mirrors to layered textiles, the space whispered stories rather than shouting them – it was less of a display and more of a lived-in dream.' Visitors were encouraged not just to browse, but to linger. 'One thing that stood out was how long people stayed. A lot of fashion activations are built for quick interactions — this wasn't. People slowed down. Some stayed half an hour just walking through or sitting in certain areas. That was intentional. We kept the materials tactile, the lighting soft, and the layout intuitive so the space invited a slower pace. That helped make the activation feel more personal and less like a set,' Daou notes. 'The cinematic storytelling, Emirati dialect voiceover, and poetic visuals resonated deeply. Visitors to the pop-up described the space as 'feeling like home' or 'a dream they once had.' Organic shares on Instagram and story reposts showcased audience attachment, often accompanied by captions like 'this is me',' comments Tamimi. The result resonated. Instagram engagement more than doubled compared to previous campaigns, and during launch week, the brand received over 50 daily DMs and tags, many referencing how 'seen' or 'represented' the space made them feel. The response showed how powerful localisation can be when paired with creativity and emotional intelligence. Credits:
Mid East Info
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Dubai Culture Launches Open Call for 14th Sikka Art & Design Festival
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has opened applications for the 14th Sikka Art & Design Festival, which will be held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture. The event will run from 23 January to 1 February 2026 in Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, providing an innovative platform that unites multiple art forms while celebrating Emirati and GCC-based talent, both emerging and established. The festival empowers creatives to showcase their works and enrich Dubai's artistic scene, reinforcing the emirate's standing as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. Dubai Culture invites creatives, both individuals and collectives from various art forms, such as visual art, design, new media, photography, public art and installations, ceramics, performing arts, and urban culture to participate. The festival, which is part of Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy, welcomes submissions from music performers, workshop facilitators, panellists for talks and discussions, food market vendors and culinary specialists, as well as design and cultural retailers all of which bring fresh momentum to Dubai's cultural landscape and help elevate the city's international profile. The Authority will begin accepting applications for participation from June 30 to September 1. A team of expert curators will review entries and select works eligible for the event, which falls under the Sikka Platform. Participants are required to submit work that reflect their perspectives and the richness of the local community and ensure that all pieces are new and have not been previously produced or displayed elsewhere. The 13th edition of the festival drew more than 160,000 visitors and featured over 364 artists who exhibited around 390 artworks and installations across 16 houses, 14 courtyards, and the neighbourhood's alleyways. Thirteen murals were on display, each distinguished by its unique concept and ability to capture the spirit, heritage, and culture of Dubai. The previous edition also included a diverse range of sculptures and nearly 45 public art installations, aligning with the Dubai Public Art Strategy. Over 460 workshops were organised, covering areas such as art, design, architecture, and traditional crafts, with nearly 6,000 participants. Attendees had the opportunity to experience 105 live shows, 18 theatrical acts, seven orchestra concerts, and nine piano recitals. 'The Culinary House' exhibited seven art pieces inspired by saffron. More than 17 retail outlets provided artists and makers with a space to connect with their audiences and grow their businesses, helping over 50 entrepreneurs thrive.
Morocco World
25-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
How GCC-Based Coupon Platforms Are Reshaping Online Shopping Habits in the MENA Region
Middle East and North Africa shoppers have always been shrewd with their money. Haggle-friendly souks once trained entire generations to negotiate every dirham, dinar, and rial. Today, that instinct lives on—but it has moved online. In the space of just a few years, Gulf-born coupon platforms have turned the ancient art of bargaining into a high-speed, smartphone-first ritual that now influences everything from grocery baskets in Dubai to tech splurges in Casablanca. At the center of this change sits GC Coupons , a start-up launched in 2020 that has quietly become the region's most trusted doorway to real, workable promo codes. From paper flyers to push notifications The MENA retail scene rewired itself almost overnight during the pandemic. Lockdowns pushed consumers toward digital storefronts, while brands—hungry for traffic—began distributing discount codes like confetti. Early adopters loved the idea, but they hated the execution: expired codes, fake offers, and endless redirects sapped confidence just when e-commerce needed it most. That credibility gap created the ideal opening for GCC-based coupon apps. Unlike generic deal portals, these platforms focused on local checkout flows, Arabic-English interfaces, and partnerships steeped in regional trust. GC Coupons led the charge by pledging a single, non-negotiable standard: every code on the site must be redeemed at the moment of publication. The promise resonated so strongly that what began as a lean website now manages more than 12,000 active coupons for over 1,800 retailers—an inventory unmatched in the MENA market. Why shoppers gravitate towards coupon apps Loyalty cards may hand out points, but they tend to pay dividends weeks or months later. Coupon apps flip that equation; shoppers watch the price drop before they hit 'Pay.' In a region where impulsive flash sales reign, immediacy wins every time. A Moroccan buyer can snag a Temu gadget to be shipped to a Dubai address, while a Qatari student in Istanbul orders an Airalo eSIM—both with a GC Coupons code. Regional wallets have gone global, and customers prefer platforms that travel with them. Shoppers bounce hard when terms and conditions read like legal riddles. GC Coupons posts fine print in plain English and colloquial Arabic, reducing friction at the virtual till. Because GC Coupons manually tests every offer, its 'success rate' label—updated daily—rarely drops below 90 percent on headline brands like Noon or Namshi. Shoppers see that number and relax. Brand partnerships: F'fuel for the boom E-commerce giants have learned that coupons can move mountains if deployed with precision. That explains why marquee names—including Temu, SHEIN, Noon, Namshi, Airalo, Novakid, Huawei, Splash, Centrepoint, and Max Fashion—now run structured campaigns with GC Coupons. Instead of spraying public codes on social media, they release limited-edition vouchers to the platform, confident that its editors will guard accuracy and curb leakage. The tactic works. When Temu entered the Gulf market, it seeded a 15 percent introductory code exclusively on GC Coupons. The offer sold out its redemption pool within hours and outperformed wider social campaigns by a factor of three. Similar playbooks followed for SHEIN's Ramadan collection, Huawei's smartwatch launch, and Novakid's back-to-school drive. Each time, exclusive codes acted like golden tickets, driving double-digit lifts in both conversion rates and average order values. The power of exclusivity Governments across the Gulf routinely steer consumers toward digital payments and away from cash. In that policy environment, exclusive coupons pack extra punch: shoppers view them not just as savings but as validation that online is the cheaper channel. GC Coupons has leveraged that sentiment to secure a catalogue that reads like a who's who of retail: Everyday essentials: Noon, Instashop, Centrepoint, Carrefour Fashion & footwear: Namshi, SHEIN, Trendyol, Max Fashion, Splash, ALDO, Crocs Specialty & luxury: Victoria's Secret, LEGO, MAGRABi, Huawei, West Elm Lifestyle & services: Airalo, NordVPN, The Entertainer, Rayna Tours For each brand, the platform typically maintains at least one code that is either time-limited, quantity-limited, or completely unique to GC Coupons. In practice, that means buyers rarely hunt elsewhere; they open the app or site first, copy the live code, and complete checkout in seconds. Gen Z: the catalyst generation No demographic has internalized coupon culture faster than Gen Z. Raised on real-time price drops and TikTok-style unboxings, they treat discount codes as non-negotiable. A recent campus survey in Sharjah found that 78 percent of under-25 shoppers refuse to finalize an online order unless they have tried at least one promo code. GC Coupons' mobile interface—quick search, one-tap copy, zero pop-ups—fits neatly into that expectation window. Whether it's a Victoria's Secret flash sale or a last-minute Airalo top-up before a weekend in Oman, Gen Z now sees coupons less as perks and more as standard operating procedure. Merchant benefits: Data without the guesswork Retail partners cite two primary wins from working with GC Coupons: Clean attribution – Coupon redemptions can be traced directly to GC Coupons, giving brands clarity on spend versus return. Quality traffic – Users arrive primed to buy; abandonment rates post-coupon are dramatically lower than generic ad traffic. These advantages matter in a tightening ad-spend climate. Brands are happy to exchange margin for certainty, especially when an exclusive voucher vaults their product above the noise of peak sales events. The road ahead: card-linked savings and beyond Coupon culture shows no sign of slowing. GC Coupons is already beta-testing card-linked offers that apply automatically when shoppers swipe their debit card at select stores. The company is also in talks with logistics partners to embed discount codes into delivery-tracking pages—turning every parcel into a reminder that another deal is just a click away. Longer term, the rise of social commerce may blur lines between content and checkout. Influencers who livestream unboxings on Instagram will likely flash single-use GC Coupons codes that vanish after redemption, creating scarcity and urgency in one stroke. A new chapter in regional retail From the ancient bargaining corridors of Marrakech to the air-conditioned mega-malls of Riyadh, the pursuit of a lower price has always spurred innovation. GCC-based coupon platforms, spearheaded by GC Coupons, have merely swapped handshakes for HTTPS and haggling for high-speed copy-paste. The outcome is the same: shoppers save, merchants sell, and the region's e-commerce future looks both bigger and smarter than anyone imagined five years ago. As GC Coupons approaches its fifth anniversary with partnerships spanning Temu, SHEIN, Noon, Namshi, Airalo, Novakid, Huawei, Splash, Centrepoint, Max Fashion , and exclusive codes for titans like Trendyol, Victoria's Secret, LEGO, Instashop, Eyewa, MAGRABi, NordVPN, the platform has proven that reliability is the best growth strategy of all. With more than 12,000 live offers across 1,800 retailers—and counting—GC Coupons stands as the gold standard in a market where trust, above any discount, is the currency that truly matters.
Business of Fashion
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business of Fashion
The Fashion and Beauty Opportunity on Snapchat in the Gulf
The rise of social media usage in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — which consists of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain — is reshaping consumer behaviour at scale. In 2015, citizens across the UAE and Saudi Arabia used between three to four social media platforms per month. In 2025, these numbers have doubled, according to social creative agency We Are Social. The BoF Insights 2023 report 'Fashion in the Middle East: Optimism and Transformation' revealed Snapchat to be an increasingly popular platform among consumers in the region. As an app where photos, videos and messages disappear once viewed, with an emphasis on community and privacy, the platform resonates with the comparably conservative values in the GCC. The Middle East has been among the regions where Snapchat has experienced the most growth in recent years. In 2024, its GCC-based users opened the app over 45 times a day on average, according to Snap Inc.'s data. Over 90 percent of those in Saudi Arabia aged 13 to 34 actively use it, with some engaging 50 times a day on average. Snap Inc.'s vice president and general manager of the Middle East, Hussein Freijeh (Snap Inc.) While the app's widespread usage reflects an evolution in how GCC residents communicate, it also demonstrates a growing opportunity for international fashion and beauty brands to build a presence and engage consumers. Last year, Snap Inc. found that 64 percent of the affluent population in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are monthly Snapchatters. This compares to 37 percent of the same wealth bracket in the US and 32 percent in Europe. Snapchat provides innovative ways in which fashion, beauty and luxury brands can engage users on its platform: from geolocation filters that allow for targeted advertising based on location, and augmented reality (AR) lenses that generate interest around new products, to a mixture of digital and in-person interactive experiences. Indeed, Snapchat counts several fashion, luxury and beauty brands as partners — from Dior, Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Chopard, to Mac Cosmetics, Maybelline and Nyx Professional Makeup — for whom it provides in-app virtual try-on experiences and activations, with brand narratives woven throughout. To speak to how Snapchat is prospering in the GCC, and preparing for future growth projections, BoF sits down with Snap Inc.'s vice president and general manager of the Middle East, Hussein Freijeh. How is social media usage evolving in the GCC? People in the GCC are among the biggest social media users in the world, driven by a young audience, ever-growing access to data and technology, and a population that is very aspirational. That means there's a real curiosity about platforms. Social media started as a way to better connect people — that was the whole point. However, when it massively kicked off, the increase of users pushed it into a performative space — where everything was designed around instant rewards, particularly in terms of shares and likes. It became a bit of a town hall where everybody could say anything — meaning there was a loss of credibility and challenges with fake news. When brands collaborate with Snapchat creators, our users find the content more authentic and engaging which, in turn, helps brands generate ROI. — Hussein Freijeh, Snap Inc.'s vice president and general manager of the Middle East. Now, people are hyperaware of the toll it can take on mental health; they are more aware of how we get our news — and what credible sources are. People now think about how we can protect our communities — especially young people on the internet. At Snap, we have been clear from the beginning that the company should serve as an antidote to social media. Snap became a place where people come to communicate with friends and family — and a space to enrich relationships through the use of technology. It resonated extremely well in the GCC as community has always been an important part of our lives here. How are evolving social media behaviours shaping how brands connect with consumers? We see brands have a bigger influence when they find a way to connect with their audience authentically. People want to connect, they want to be inspired and informed. In this part of the world, there's a lot of transformation happening. However, amidst all this social change, the desire to preserve cultural values remains strong and people are going back to this idea of appreciating authenticity. While creators remain popular, people are increasingly drawn to personalities who feel credible and genuine. You see more people seeking legitimacy around a topic before they become influenced by it. When we talk to our community, we see that people are much more selective about who they follow. We're also seeing the return of the inner circle. Early on, social media was about following thousands, but today's users are curating their feeds more carefully, placing greater trust in close friends and family. Personal recommendations carry more weight now than ever, with people asking for recommendations from those they trust. For creators, this means the bar is higher. Followers expect a real connection between the creator and the brand. If that alignment isn't there, it is much harder to drive meaningful influence. How have you seen Snapchat effectively integrated into regional events and activations? Earlier this year, I was at Formula One, and it was amazing to look around me as almost everybody was on Snapchat — watching the race through the Snapchat camera, then sharing it with the people they are closest to. When you attend events in the region and look around, you find a lot of Snapchat. There is also a lot of engagement with CPG brands, who have picked up on themes like Mother's Day and Ramadan — both main events on the regional calendar — and have been part of the experience for our users. Snapchatters plan, browse and buy on the platform, and they've turned shopping into a social experience. We play a key role in connecting brands to the consumers' inner circles by driving both cultural relevance and engagement through our innovative solutions. Last year, the virtual Snap AR Ramadan Mall welcomed over 16 million shoppers and gave users the chance to enjoy an interactive retail experience with their favourite brands — from Carolina Herrera to Givenchy — all from their phones. It turned into a massive opportunity for brands to tap into the culture and engage consumers. How does Snap Inc. work with fashion and beauty brands in the region to maximise reach and ROI? At Snap, we work closely with fashion and beauty brands to maximise both reach and ROI, and the opportunity lies in how deeply Snapchat is embedded in the daily lives of our community. We have recently enabled brands to send Snaps to consumers, which then lead to longer videos or a brand's own site. The level of engagement between creators and users on Snapchat is high, and when brands collaborate with these creators, our users find the content more authentic and engaging which, in turn, helps brands generate ROI. The GCC is home to one of the most engaged and aspirational audiences — one that is eager to discover new brands and try new products. — Hussein Freijeh, Snap Inc.'s vice president and general manager of the Middle East. We are very selective about our brand partners and ensure campaigns are relevant to our audience. The most successful campaigns feel native to the platform whether that's through AR try-ons, creator partnerships that build trust, or Snap takeovers that drive scale. How can fashion and beauty brands engage consumers on Snapchat, such as through augmented reality (AR), lenses and filters? Augmented reality lenses and filters have become a key part of how people in the GCC discover and connect with brands on Snapchat, especially in fashion and beauty. Our AR technology lets brands offer virtual try-on experiences, which not only adds fun to the process but also immerses users in the product. For example, with Snap's 3D Lenses, someone can open the app, point the camera at their wrist, and instantly see how a bracelet would look on them in real life. It's a powerful way for brands to help customers visualise products before ever visiting a store, and makes shopping more interactive and personal. We've already seen incredible use cases from luxury brands using AR on Snap to drive engagement, discovery, and even conversion. And it's not just about lenses, we're also innovating in video advertising and how it connects with AR, even down to how a brand sends a Snap to a user. These tools help brands tell richer stories, spark interest, and turn that into action. We work closely with our brand partners, often investing upfront to help them test and learn what works best. We also help educate creative agencies and in-house marketers on how to maximise impact. Then, we layer in measurement tools so brands can clearly see the results and the business impact of their campaigns. Where do you see future opportunities in the GCC for Snap Inc.? The GCC is home to one of the most engaged and aspirational audiences — one that is eager to discover new brands and try new products. We're seeing strong momentum in verticals like travel and tourism which are booming across the region. What's also unique is the level of engagement from content creators in the GCC. In many ways, they set a global benchmark for how we want creators to show up on the platform — they're authentic, consistent, and highly connected with their audiences. I think all of this together presents a huge opportunity. The ad market has a massive potential and could double in three to five years. Brands that embrace culturally aligned, hyperlocal strategies, while honouring traditions and the influence of family and friends, will be the ones that truly resonate with consumers here. This is a sponsored feature paid for by Snap Inc. as part of a BoF partnership.
