The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is poised to enhance regional tourism with the rollout of the 'GCC Grand Tours,' a unified tourist visa, by the end of this year. Announced during the Arabian Travel Market 2024, this initiative aims to simplify travel across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, allowing visitors to explore the region for more than 30 days on a single visa.

UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, emphasized the visa's potential to streamline travel logistics and foster tourism growth across the GCC. "This significant step will simplify the travel process for tourists, making it more convenient to explore the rich cultural heritage and modern attractions across the GCC countries," he stated.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority, highlighted the operational readiness of the visa system, asserting, "By year-end, the whole system will be operational. Extensive efforts are underway to ensure a seamless introduction of this initiative."

The 'GCC Grand Tours' visa is designed to attract more tourists by offering extended travel opportunities within the region. This initiative is expected not only to increase the length of stay and average spend per tourist but also to boost employment opportunities in the travel and tourism sector.

The introduction of this visa is a strategic move to position the GCC as a connected and accessible travel destination, enhancing the overall visitor experience and contributing positively to the region's economic growth through tourism.