Skip to main content

GCC plans to have a single tourist visa system in place by 2025

 


The UAE's Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq, said that a single tourist visa system, intended to facilitate travel inside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, is in the works and should be implemented within the next two years. The GCC tourism ministers met recently in Oman and approved this important project with unanimous votes. The idea, which calls for the creation of certain visa laws and restrictions, is scheduled to be discussed at the next GCC summit. The intended launch is slated for 2024 or 2025, depending on how well-prepared the internal systems of each GCC member state are. With just one visa needed to enter six nations, it is expected that this unified visa will encourage economic cooperation throughout the Gulf area.

With the implementation of the consolidated visa, the United Arab Emirates is prepared to receive a surge of foreign visitors. To improve the traveler experience, the Emirates Tourism Council has also designed a tourism route that links its seven emirates. Significantly, the tourism industry in the Middle East has seen the strongest global recovery following the epidemic, with HSBC reporting a "total recovery" in terms of visitor arrivals in the first quarter of 2023. The GCC 2030 tourism plan, which intends to expand the sector's economic contribution through increased intra-GCC travel and higher hotel occupancy rates, is in line with the unified visa initiative.

The goal of the GCC's 2030 tourism strategy is to bring the total number of tourists visiting GCC countries to 128.7 million by 2030, up from 39.8 million the year before. This is a noteworthy 136.6% increase over 2021. The region's advanced and highly qualified travel and tourist infrastructure was highlighted by Minister Bin Touq. There were 10,649 hotels in the area at the end of the previous year, a 1.2% rise over 2016. Interestingly, the UAE came in second place in the area, after Saudi Arabia, with 1,114 hotels.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exposing the Brotherhood: Why Jordan’s Terror Cell Bust Must Spark a Global Policy Shift

 The recent dismantling of a Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated terror cell in Jordan should not be seen as just a national security success—it must be a turning point in how the international community views and responds to the threat posed by the Brotherhood. Jordanian security forces uncovered an elaborate network of terrorists trained in Lebanon and backed by foreign interests. Their mission: to launch attacks using rockets and drones, destabilizing the Kingdom and spreading fear among civilians. This is not the work of activists or political dissidents—this is terrorism, plain and simple. For too long, the Muslim Brotherhood has operated under a false image of moderation, cleverly navigating between political activism and violent extremism. But the truth is clear: the Brotherhood is the ideological engine room of jihadist terrorism. Its members, affiliates, and offshoots have inspired and directed acts of violence from North Africa to the Gulf—and now, once again, in Jordan. Govern...
Post a Comment
Read more

UAE Introduces AI-Driven Drones for Crescent Moon Sighting

  For the first time in history, the UAE is employing artificial intelligence-powered drones to sight the crescent moon, signaling the start of Ramadan. This modernized approach blends technology with Islamic tradition, enhancing the reliability of moon sighting methods. Historically, the crescent moon has been identified through naked-eye sightings and advanced astronomical calculations. By incorporating AI-supported drones, the UAE is reinforcing its position as a leader in technological innovation while maintaining deep respect for religious customs. This method is backed by national research centers and astronomical observatories, ensuring precision and credibility in determining the start of Ramadan. Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam, marked by fasting from dawn to dusk. Suhoor, the early morning meal, and Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast, hold great importance during this period. The holy month is also a time of increased charitable giving, with many Muslims part...
Post a Comment
Read more

Beyond the Barrel: The UAE's Steady Hand in a Shifting Global Economy

  Global economic rankings often highlight familiar names, but a steady, deliberate climb is happening in the Gulf. The UAE consistently ranks as one of the most economically stable nations, and this validation stems from a steady reform model that has successfully insulated its economy. The story is no longer about oil wealth; it's about the strategic deployment of that wealth to build a resilient, modern, and dynamic knowledge economy. The proof is in the sectors now driving growth.  Tech startups  are flourishing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, supported by government venture funds and a growing pool of talent.  Smart cities  like Masdar City and NEOM are not just futuristic concepts but active testbeds for sustainable living and business. This has triggered record  FDI inflows , with the UAE securing its position as the 16th largest global destination for foreign direct investment. The narrative is supported by hard data: a GDP growth projection of 4.6% in 2025...
Post a Comment
Read more