15-07-2025
Explore the Gulf with a single tourist visa
In a significant step towards enhanced regional integration in tourism, digital economy and security, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are set to roll out a unified Gulf visa by the end of 2025.
Dubbed the GCC Grand Tours Visa, this historic initiative aims to facilitate tourist movement in the region. It has garnered consensus from Gulf nations and international support, drawing inspiration from the European Schengen visa model.
The unified tourist visa was a key topic at the 39th meeting of the GCC Passport Directors-General, recently held at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh. 'The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen cooperation," the GCC Secretary-General Jassem al Budaiwi said after the meeting.
This visa allows its holder to enter the Sultanate of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain without the need to obtain separate visas for each country.
According to details available so far, the visa is designed to allow travellers to choose between a single-country visa and a multi-country option. This change aims to simplify the planning and execution of multi-country trips across the Gulf region. However, it does not include provisions for employment or long-term stay.
While this initiative is a strategic effort to enhance the Gulf countries' status as a cohesive tourist destination on the global stage, it will also pave the way for greater integration in the sectors of transport, hospitality, security and collaborative investment in tourism infrastructure, airports and hotels, while simultaneously creating more job opportunities.
Estimates from Gulf tourism authorities indicate that the visa application process is expected to increase the number of visitors to approximately 128.7 million by 2030, thereby enhancing the Gulf's status as a global tourist destination.
It is a well-established fact that travellers worldwide are the driving force behind the GCC's special interest tourism sector, thanks to its world-class infrastructure, luxury experiences and cultural attractions that appeal to high-spending visitors.
According to Future Market Insights Inc, a US-based research firm, the special interest tourism market in the Gulf Cooperation Council is projected to experience substantial growth, rising from $1 billion in 2025 to $5.9 billion by 2035. The compound annual growth rate during this period is expected to reach 19.2 per cent.
'The special interest tourism industry in the GCC countries continues to grow as governments invest in niche travel experiences that cater to diverse preferences. Each country within the Gulf Cooperation Council has established a distinct tourism identity and welcomes visitors seeking cultural experiences, adventure and luxury,' notes the research firm in its report.
According to the report, the Sultanate of Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have emerged as leading destinations, attracting millions of visitors seeking novel and exclusive experiences.
When discussing Oman, the report highlights that the country has leveraged its rich heritage and modern attractions to draw international visitors, especially from Europe, thereby strengthening its position in the competitive Gulf tourism market through its cultural, natural and historical offerings.
'Oman flourishes as a nature and cultural tourism destination. Tourists come to its craggy mountains for trekking in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, while the turquoise pools of Wadi Shab offer a stunning retreat. Traditional dhow cruises in Musandam provide an authentic Arabian Gulf experience, complementing the country's growing eco-tourism initiatives," the Future Market report further states.
In alignment with several Gulf countries, Oman is intensifying its efforts to attract international tourists to achieve its goal of approximately 11.7 million visitors annually and create 500,000 jobs by 2040. This initiative is part of its sustainable tourism strategy.
Oman Vision 2040 establishes clear objectives for the tourism industry, including strengthening infrastructure development through increased investments and promoting the country's unique cultural heritage and landscape.
Looking ahead, the introduction of new policies and initiatives, such as the unified visa, is expected to pave the way for sustained growth in tourist arrivals in Oman and other GCC countries in the coming years.
