Latest news with #GCCUnifiedVisa
Hi Dubai
a day ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
GCC Unified Visa: What It Means for UAE Businesses and Professionals
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is on the cusp of a transformative change in regional tourism. The GCC Unified Tourist Visa, often referred to as the GCC Grand Tours Visa, is set to launch by the end of 2025, promising seamless travel across six nations: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. This single-entry visa will allow tourists to explore the diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures and modern marvels of the Gulf region without the hassle of multiple visa applications. For Dubai, a global tourism powerhouse, this development signals a new era of opportunity, connectivity and growth. For UAE businesses, particularly those in Dubai's thriving tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors, the visa is a game-changer. It positions the emirate as a potential gateway for millions of visitors exploring the GCC, driving footfall to hotels, restaurants, malls and attractions. Professionals stand to benefit too, with easier access to regional travel for personal exploration or networking at tourism-focused events. For residents, the visa simplifies family holidays and weekend getaways, making the Gulf's rich offerings more accessible than ever. Beyond convenience, the visa aligns with the GCC's broader vision of economic integration and regional synergy, fostering stronger ties among member states. Explore what the GCC Unified Visa means for Dubai's businesses, professionals and residents, and why it's a pivotal moment for the region. What Is the GCC Unified Visa? Image Source: Al Taasis The GCC Unified Visa is a multi-entry permit designed to simplify travel across the six GCC countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. Modeled after Europe's Schengen visa, it allows tourists to move freely between these nations with a single application, eliminating the need for separate visas for each country. The initiative, approved in November 2023 during the 40th meeting of GCC interior ministers, aims to boost tourism, streamline travel and enhance economic and cultural ties across the region. Key features of the visa include its focus on short-stay tourism, with a validity expected to range from 30 to 90 days, depending on the final terms. The application process will be entirely online, making it user-friendly and efficient. While exact eligibility criteria are still being finalized, most nationalities are expected to qualify, particularly those already eligible for visa-on-arrival or eVisas in GCC countries. The cost of the visa has not yet been disclosed. However, it is expected to be significantly cheaper than obtaining individual visas for each nation. The visa is slated for launch by late 2025, with final technical and security details currently being ironed out by each country's Ministry of Interior. The primary objective is to position the GCC as a unified tourism destination, attracting more international visitors and encouraging longer, multi-country itineraries. By reducing administrative barriers, the visa is expected to drive a projected 128.7 million tourists to the region by 2030, up from 68 million in 2023 ( WAM ). For Dubai, this presents a unique opportunity to leverage its world-class infrastructure and global appeal to capture a significant share of this influx. What It Means for UAE-Based Businesses Boost for Dubai's Tourism Ecosystem Dubai's tourism sector, already a cornerstone of its economy, stands to gain immensely from the GCC Unified Visa. As a global hub with iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Palm Jumeirah, the emirate is likely to be the first stop for many visitors exploring the GCC. The visa's multi-country access encourages tourists to extend their stays, combining a Dubai visit with trips to Riyadh's historic sites, Oman's diverse landscapes or Qatar's cultural museums. This extended travel boosts demand for hotels, tour operators, food and beverage outlets and transport services. This year, Dubai welcomed 7.15 million visitors in the first four months alone, a 7% increase from the previous year. With the unified visa, these numbers could soar as travelers plan multi-destination itineraries. Hotels can expect higher occupancy rates, particularly during peak seasons from October to April, when the Gulf's pleasant weather attracts global tourists. Tour operators can capitalize by offering regional packages, while restaurants and cafes will benefit from increased foot traffic as visitors explore Dubai's diverse dining scene. Increased Footfall for Retail, Entertainment and Hospitality The visa's promise of seamless regional travel is likely to drive spending in Dubai's retail, entertainment and hospitality sectors. The city's reputation as a shopping paradise, with destinations like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, makes it a magnet for tourists. The unified visa encourages visitors to allocate more of their budget to shopping, dining and experiences, knowing they can explore other GCC countries without additional visa costs. Seasonal events like the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Food Festival and global concerts further amplify this potential, drawing crowds eager to spend. Hospitality businesses, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels, will see a surge in bookings as tourists opt for longer stays to maximize their GCC adventures. Entertainment venues, such as theme parks like Dubai Parks and Resorts or cultural attractions like the Museum of the Future, can expect higher footfall. The visa's flexibility also supports 'bleisure' travel, where business visitors extend their trips for leisure, further boosting spending in Dubai's vibrant ecosystem. Opportunity for Travel and Tourism Businesses to Expand Services The unified visa opens doors for Dubai's travel and tourism businesses to innovate and expand. Companies can develop multi-country tour packages, combining Dubai's urban allure with Oman's natural wonders, Bahrain's cultural heritage or Saudi Arabia's historical sites. Partnerships with travel providers in other GCC countries can create seamless itineraries, offering tourists a hassle-free way to explore the region. For example, a Dubai-based tour operator could collaborate with a Qatari counterpart to offer a package that includes Dubai's skyline and Doha's Souq Waqif. Luxury tourism, a key strength for Dubai, stands to benefit significantly. High-net-worth visitors may combine a stay at a Burj Al Arab suite with exclusive experiences in Saudi Arabia's Al-Ula or Oman's luxury desert camps. Medical tourism, another growing sector could see increased demand as visitors pair treatments in Dubai with wellness retreats in other GCC countries. By tailoring offerings to these high-spending segments, businesses can tap into new revenue streams and strengthen Dubai's position as a regional tourism leader. What Professionals Should Know Easier Personal Travel Across the Region For professionals in Dubai, the GCC Unified Visa simplifies personal travel across the Gulf. Weekend trips to Muscat's beaches, Bahrain's historic souqs or Kuwait's modern skyline become more accessible without the need for multiple visa applications. This ease of travel is particularly appealing for Dubai's large expatriate community, who often seek regional getaways. Professionals attending regional expos or conferences as visitors can plan multi-country itineraries with minimal hassle. The visa also makes it easier to explore potential relocation or investment destinations. Professionals considering opportunities in Qatar's tech hub or Saudi Arabia's NEOM project can visit these areas without navigating complex visa processes. This mobility fosters greater regional awareness and opens doors for personal and professional growth. Business Networking on the Move While the visa is for tourism, it offers indirect benefits for professionals seeking to network or gain market insights. Tourism-focused events, such as the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai or Qatar's tourism expos, become more accessible, allowing professionals to connect with regional stakeholders. The visa also enables easier market research trips, where professionals can explore consumer trends or business opportunities in neighboring countries. Hosting international clients will also become smoother. Clients visiting Dubai can extend their trips to other GCC countries, making it easier to showcase the region's business potential. For example, a Dubai-based professional could host a client for a meeting in the emirate, then recommend a cultural excursion to Oman or Bahrain, enhancing the client's experience and strengthening business relationships. Dubai as the Gateway: Strategic Advantages Dubai is uniquely positioned to serve as the gateway for GCC tourism, thanks to its world-class infrastructure and global connectivity. Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the busiest in the world, handles millions of passengers annually, making it a natural entry point for tourists. With airlines like Emirates and flydubai offering extensive regional routes, Dubai can easily connect visitors to other GCC destinations. The city's tourism ecosystem is well-equipped to handle an influx of visitors. Hotels ranging from budget to ultra-luxury, coupled with attractions like Dubai Marina and Global Village, make it an ideal starting point for multi-country tours. Dubai's tourism board and businesses can capitalize by promoting multi-entry packages, positioning the emirate as the hub for GCC exploration. For example, a package could include a Dubai city tour, a day trip to Oman's wadis, and a cultural experience in Qatar, all seamlessly coordinated. By leveraging its airline and airport infrastructure, Dubai can attract tourists who might otherwise enter the region through other countries. Marketing campaigns highlighting Dubai's role as the GCC's tourism hub can further solidify its position, driving economic benefits across multiple sectors. Limitations to Keep in Mind While the GCC Unified Visa offers significant advantages, it has clear limitations. The visa is strictly for tourism purposes, meaning it cannot be used for work, long-term stays, or business operations. Professionals hoping to use it for employment or extended business activities will need to rely on existing visa categories. The visa's duration, expected to range from 30 to 90 days, may also restrict longer-term exploration, and extensions will depend on country-specific rules. Additionally, the visa does not impact employment or business licensing regulations. Companies looking to expand operations across the GCC will still need to navigate local laws and permits. Tourists must also be aware of individual country requirements, such as vaccinations or specific entry protocols, which may vary despite the unified visa. Understanding these limitations ensures businesses and travelers plan effectively within the visa's scope. What's Next: Preparing for the Rollout The GCC Unified Tourist Visa is expected to launch by the end of 2025, with final preparations underway across member states. Ministries of Interior and tourism agencies are finalizing digital platforms for seamless online applications, ensuring a user-friendly experience. UAE businesses should start preparing now by updating offerings to include regional packages, partnering with GCC-based travel providers, and marketing to international audiences. For example, hotels could develop promotions tied to multi-country itineraries, while tour operators could design cross-border experiences. Residents should monitor official government portals, such as the UAE's visa page or the GCC Visa's official website, for updates on costs, eligibility, and application processes. Travel agencies in Dubai can begin crafting competitive deals to attract early adopters once the visa launches. By staying proactive, businesses and residents can maximize the opportunities presented by this transformative initiative. Beyond economic benefits, the visa fosters stronger ties among GCC nations, promoting cultural exchange and regional integration. As the launch approaches, Dubai's businesses and residents should prepare to embrace this new era of travel, seizing the opportunities to explore, connect, and thrive in a more connected Gulf. The GCC Grand Tours Visa isn't just a travel document; it's a catalyst for a vibrant, unified region ready to welcome the world. Also Read: UAE Emerges as One of the World's Top 7 Tourist Spending Hubs The UAE's tourism sector delivered a record-breaking performance in 2024, contributing AED257.3 billion (US$70.1 billion) to the national GDP—13% of the country's economy—according to the latest report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Dubai Attracts 8.68 Million Tourists as Visitor Numbers Rise 7% in Early 2025 Dubai welcomed 8.68 million international visitors between January and May 2025, marking a 7% year-on-year increase, according to the latest figures from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Middle East Travel Spending to Hit $350bn by 2030 as Tourism Grows 50% Travel spending in the Middle East is set to soar 50% by 2030, reaching nearly $350 billion, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 released by Arabian Travel Market in partnership with Tourism Economics. UAE Nationals Can Stay in Japan for 90 Days Without a Visa Starting July 1 Japan will extend its visa-free stay for United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationals from 30 to 90 days starting July 1, 2025, in a move expected to boost tourism and strengthen business ties between the two countries. The New Layover Luxury: How Airports Are Becoming Destinations in Themselves Explore how airports are becoming lifestyle hubs, mini-cities and luxury retreats. From stunning architecture to wellness zones and curated layover experiences, here's how airports are rewriting the travel narrative.
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Tourism to contribute 3.5% to GDP by 2030
The Majlis Ash'shura on Monday hosted Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, during its 8th regular session of the second sitting of the 10th Term. The session dealt with the ministry's statement on its policies, plans and programmes, overall tourism development indicators, heritage sector management, tourism sector management and human resources in the heritage and tourism sectors, as well as areas of coordination and prospects of investment. The session was chaired by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of the Majlis Ash'shura. The ministry's statement focused on six main topics. The minister stated that the statement highlights the ministry's most prominent efforts during the Tenth Five-Year Plan and its role in achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040, in line with the plans and targets of the economic diversification and their contribution to the gross domestic product. Abdullah al Harthy, Chairman of the Media, Tourism and Culture Committee, said: 'The statement covered everything related to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. This sector is one of the enablers of the national economy of this country. We in the Majlis hope that heritage and tourism will become one of the tributaries of the economy after oil and that there are positive indicators as the current rate of 2.5 per cent in the country's economy over the past period is a good indicator. We aspire for it to reach at least 10 per cent. This is an ambitious goal in Oman Vision 2040 and it is important for the ministry to work on this aspect.' Al Harthy also added that the issue of job-seekers is a topic of concern, especially since the ministry has a number of initiatives that will stimulate the economy. The minister said that the contribution of tourism sector grew from RO 1.8 billion in 2019 to RO 2 billion in 2023 and the direct added value of tourism increased from RO 873 million in 2019 to RO 1 billion in 2023. He added that indicators show that the contribution of tourism sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) will reach 3.5 per cent by 2030, supported by ongoing investments that amount to approximately RO 3 billion, in addition to investment plans in different governorates of the Sultanate of about domestic tourism, the minister pointed out that the number of local visitors increased from 10 million in 2019 to 13 million in 2023, while the volume of domestic tourism spending grew from RO 732 million in 2019 to RO 830 million in 2023. He said that the ministry is taking steps to establish, develop and renovate tourist destinations in accordance with the Royal directives. Discussing the statement, the minister said, 'GCC Unified Visa will take time due to security concerns and differing views among GCC countries. Discussions are ongoing, with specific reservations about some nationalities from unstable regions.' The unified visa was officially approved in 2023 to increase tourism in the GCC, by making it more convenient for non-nationals living in Gulf countries to explore other countries in the region without needing to obtain separate visas. INVESTMENTS The statement addressed six main axes, including policies, plans and programmes; overall tourism development indicators; heritage sector management; tourism sector management; human resources in the heritage and tourism sectors; and areas of coordination and development and investment prospects. The first axis covered the ministry's plans and programmes being implemented in the heritage and tourism sectors and their alignment with the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, the development projects for the heritage and tourism sectors and the ministry's vision for including future programmes and projects focused on developing the heritage and tourism sectors within the programmes of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan. The second axis discussed an analysis of the tourism balance during the current five-year plan. This is expected in the next five-year plan, through an assessment of tourism spending in all its aspects during the current plan, an assessment of the impact of domestic tourism on the sector's total output, its areas of expenditure and its future growth, in addition to the current assessment of integrated tourism complex projects and their impact in terms of investment value, job opportunities generated and inter-connectedness with other economic sectors. HERITAGE SECTOR The third axis of the ministerial statement was devoted to discussing the management of the heritage sector. This was achieved by addressing the management of Oman's tangible cultural heritage, the ministry's efforts to sustain it, and the management of historical and archaeological monuments. It also focused on the heritage sector's contribution to the gross domestic product and its future development and growth, both as a whole and as a sector. The heritage sector has demonstrated steadfast commitment to managing the sustainability of architectural heritage, as evidenced by the 370 restored monuments. A periodic maintenance programme is being implemented according to priorities and available financial resources, while these resources are being utilised for investment through civil partnerships. The archaeological surveys and excavations programme continues to be distinguished by attracting specialised archaeological missions from around the world. The heritage sector has witnessed a doubling of efforts to develop the World Heritage sites. This includes the establishment of iconic visitor centres at the historic city of Qalhat, the Bat site, and the archaeological site of Dibba, while preparations are underway to include the sites of Bisya and Salut on the World Heritage List. Meanwhile, museums have witnessed significant activity through the implementation of several development and integration programmes with the Omani museum system at various levels. The Maritime History Museum project in the Wilayat of Sur represents an exemplary model of partnership between various parties and is one of the most prominent projects that translates the second edition of HH Sayyid Belarab bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design. Preparations are also underway to relocate the Natural History Museum to its new location within the Oman Botanic Garden project, in addition to supporting private museums and heritage houses in various governorates. GEOLOGICAL PARKS Natural heritage, including geological and rare phenomena, also receives a share of attention and development. This includes the use and display of meteorite collections and the deployment of a digital monitoring system that tracks falls in receiving fields according to their distribution. This is in addition to the ministry's initiative to establish geological parks, beginning with the Al Hajar Geological Park project, which extends over an area of 5,400 square kilometres and encompasses three governorates. Development is progressing apace. The fourth axis focuses on tourism sector management and contribution to the gross domestic product and highlighting the most prominent tourism projects aimed at maximising the sector's economic impact. The number of local visitors increased from 10 million in 2019 to 13 million in 2023. Domestic tourism spending also increased from RO 732 million in 2019 to RO 830 million in 2023, underscoring the importance of domestic tourism. ADVENTURE TOURISM The ministry is also working to employ and support adventure tourism, while it has initiated an ambitious strategy to utilise Omani ports to promote cruise ship and luxury yacht tourism. It also recently launched a programme for medical and wellness tourism, along with other traditional and emerging tourism models. The fifth axis addressed the issue of human resources in the heritage and tourism sectors, and the ministry's efforts to determine the supply and demand rates for national labour in the heritage and tourism sectors and improve Omanisation rates. Ahmed al Balushi, a member of the Majlis Majlis Ash'shura representing the Wilayat of Al Seeb, said, 'The tourism sector's contribution to the labour market is not satisfactory. We believe there are significant and broad opportunities to employ Omanis in various tourism sectors, whether in hotels, tourist resorts, restaurants, cafes, etc. There is a gap between educational outcomes and market needs.' © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
24-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Efforts on to address concerns over GCC Unified Visa: Minister
Muscat: The Majlis A'Shura is hosting the Minister of Heritage and Tourism to discuss the ministry's statement on six main topics, including policies, plans, and programs; overall tourism development indicators; heritage sector management; tourism sector management; human resources in the heritage and tourism sectors; and areas of coordination and development and investment prospects. Discussing the statement of His Excellency the Minister of Heritage and Tourism GCC Unified Visa will take time due to security concerns and differing views among GCC countries. Discussions are ongoing, with specific reservations about some nationalities from unstable regions," the minister said. The Unified visa was officially approved in 2023 in efforts to increase tourism in the GCC, by making it more convenient for non-nationals living in Gulf countries to explore other countries in the region without needing to obtain separate visas. Once approved, tourists can enjoy the freedom to travel seamlessly across several GCC countries with a single visa. Visitors can save money by choosing to apply for the unified visa option to travel across all six nations, rather than needing to pay for multiple different visas.
