Saturday, August 24, 2024 The Middle East (ME) is set to boost its tourism sector with the introduction of a new Schengen-style single visa, allowing seamless travel across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. This unified visa, expected to launch between 2024 and 2025, marks a significant step in regional integration, making it easier for tourists to explore the diverse cultural and historical attractions of the Gulf. The initiative aligns with the Gulf Cooperation Council’s goal of enhancing inter-regional tourism, driving economic growth, and positioning the Middle East as a leading global tourism hub.
The Middle East is on the brink of a significant transformation in its travel and tourism industry with the scheduled launch of a Schengen-style tourist visa in December 2024. This new visa is poised to redefine the region’s tourism landscape by allowing seamless travel across the six nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The introduction of this visa is a landmark moment for the GCC, as it aims to simplify travel for both residents and visitors, making it easier to explore the diverse and rich cultural heritage that the Middle East has to offer.
The Schengen-style visa is a groundbreaking development for the GCC, comprising the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. These nations, collectively known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), have long been renowned for .