The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries plan to launch a pilot phase for a unified tourist visa in the fourth quarter of 2025.
This initiative aims to simplify travel across member states and promote the Gulf region as a single, integrated tourism destination ahead of full implementation at a later stage.
Unified GCC tourist visa
The unified visa represents a strategic step towards deeper cooperation among GCC countries. By allowing tourists to move more freely across the Gulf, it is expected to strengthen the region’s attractiveness for international visitors and boost economic growth through tourism.
Tourism growth in the UAE
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, highlighted that the number of commercial licences in tourism, hospitality, aviation, air transport, aviation technologies, and digital tourism solutions in the UAE reached 39,546 by mid-September 2025.
This marks a 275 percent increase since 2020, reflecting the country’s continuous efforts to attract investment and develop these sectors.
Al Marri also emphasized ongoing initiatives to train Emirati talent, encourage investment in tourism-related fields, and support start-ups. In October, the UAE will host the “UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit” as part of the Future Hospitality Summit to enhance bilateral partnerships in tourism, hospitality, and aviation.
GCC visitor numbers
The UAE welcomed 3.3 million visitors from GCC countries in 2024, accounting for 11 percent of total hotel guests. Saudi Arabia led with 1.9 million visitors, followed by Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The unified tourist visa is expected to further facilitate travel for this important visitor segment.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
