Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy, revealed proposals for the launch of the ‘GCC Grand Tours’ visa, a collective Gulf tourist visa, during the Arabian Travel Market’s (ATM) opening day.
“In a significant step aimed at streamlining travel arrangements and nurturing tourism, the Gulf Cooperation Council has approved a unified tourist visa enabling travellers to explore all six countries,” stated Al Marri.
The GCC Grand Tours visa will permit tourists to stay in the region for more than 30 days. According to the minister, this will enhance travel convenience and affordability for tourists, alongside bolstering economic activity and job opportunities in the region.
Implementation of the visa system
Although an official rollout date was not disclosed, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority suggested that the system should be operational by the end of 2024.
“By the end of this year, the entire system should be up and running. Many individuals and teams, spearheaded by the Ministry of Economy in the UAE and other ministries in neighbouring countries, are diligently working on it to ensure a smooth transition, emphasising digitalisation,” stated Al Midfa.
Al Midfa underscored the collaborative endeavours among ministries to guarantee a seamless and digitally transformed visa system.
Economic impact and tourism growth
Al Marri stressed the economic significance of tourism. Referring to research by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the minister stated that travel and tourism contributed 11.7 per cent to the UAE’s GDP last year, amounting to AED 220B.
“The projection is even higher, with an expected contribution of 12 per cent to our GDP, totalling AED 236B,” he added.
“I believe that our regional aspirations should not merely aim to recover to pre-pandemic levels but surpass them,” said Al Marri.
Benefits and prospects
The ‘GCC Grand Tours’ visa aims to streamline travel arrangements, making tourism within the GCC more accessible and cost-effective for visitors.
The introduction of the unified visa system underscores the GCC’s dedication to promoting tourism and economic growth, positioning the region as a leading tourist destination globally.
