Unified GCC Tourist Visa Nears Launch, Aims to Boost Regional Stays
The long-anticipated unified GCC visa is finally nearing rollout, two years after it was first approved. The new visa will allow travelers to move freely among any Gulf Cooperation Council country — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — under a single permit.
GCC Secretary General Jassem Al-Budaiwi said the visa would be launched 'soon' following a meeting with the bloc's interior ministries this week.
The initiative was first floated in May 2023 during a conference in Dubai, where ministers from across the Gulf signaled their intent to replicate the European tourism model and encourage seamless, cross-country travel. Official approval came in October 2024.
Tourism Benefits
Since its announcement, tourism leaders across the region have repeatedly pointed to the visa's potential to transform visitor flows.
At a Dubai tradeshow in May 2024, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE's Minister of Economy, said the visa would unlock 'grand packages' lasting up to a month.
'The unified tourist visa will allow travelers to visit all six countries,' he said. 'Through the GCC grand tours we are aiming to finish, tourists will spend more than 30 days in the region.'
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority Chairman Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, speaking at the same event, added: 'One of the main aims is to extend the length of stay. In leisure, people can travel up to four weeks. We want them to combine their holidays across the GCC.'
Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, also welcomed the plans at the Skift Global Forum East 2023.
'This new Schengen-style visa is huge for [GCC] tourism and Ras Al Khaimah will see a huge benefit,' he said.
Phillips stressed the need for a unified mindset: 'There is nothing more important than a collaborative approach. We should compete collaboratively. In this part of the world, we want to be collaborative. That could mean visa processing, hotels, and airlines.'
At its core, the new visa aims to reduce barriers and make travel across the Gulf simpler and more appealing.
'We have to take away the burden of travel,' Phillips said. 'We want to find those friction points and eliminate them. Travel must be more accessible.'
A Unified Gulf
In October 2023, Al Marri told UAE state news that the visa is part of a wider strategy between now and the end of the decade. "This initiative is an integral part of the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, designed to elevate the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP through increased inter-GCC travel and elevated hotel occupancy rates, transforming the GCC into a pre-eminent global destination for both regional and international tourists."
He stated that the GCC joint tourism strategy "2023-2030" targets an annual increase of 7% in inbound trips to GCC countries, with a target of reaching 128.7 million visitors by 2030.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
'I'm An Ethical Travel Expert – Here's How To Avoid Overtourism On Your Next Holiday'
Following a bumper year for tourism in 2024, Hokuto Asano, first secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, told Fox News Digital that 'Overtourism is a new challenge for the Japanese community.' As a result, the country is reportedly considering a 'tourist tax' in some cities. But Japan is far from the only country that's been reconsidering its relationship to tourists recently. Spanish protests against over-tourism have led to some changes in cities like Málaga, the capital of Costa del Sol, which now prevents new holiday rentals from being registered. Similar protests have happened in various cities in Italy and Portugal, as locals say overtourism is inflating housing costs and eroding the 'essence' of some popular cities. HuffPost UK spoke to Michael Rozenblit, who co-runs the responsible tourism company The World Was Here First with co-founder Maggie Turansky, about how to avoid overtourism where you can. Rozenblit told us that 'there are many ways where travelling can be beneficial rather than detrimental to a destination' – but you have to consider the specific needs of the location you're visiting. 'If it is an incredibly popular destination already known to have a problem with overtourism, we'd recommend visiting a smaller, nearby city,' he shared. 'For example, instead of Barcelona, you could visit Girona. There, you can still experience unique Catalonian culture and cuisine without contributing to the absolute mass tourism that the capital sees.' He recommended visiting popular spots in the off-season if you can to avoid overtourism, and discourages patronising big-name chain hotels and short-term rentals (which can harm the rental market for locals). 'Opt to stay in a small, family-run accommodation option instead,' he added. 'If you like the convenience of staying in your own apartment, there are many guesthouses and B&Bs that also offer this or even have shared kitchen and laundry facilities.' On his site, Rozenblit said: 'We like to advocate for slow travel and we try to take our time and spend more days than most in the majority of places we visit. We like to ensure that we can fully appreciate a destination and we don't think we can do that if we only have a short period of time there.' So perhaps it's not surprising that he advised visitors to extend their stay if they possibly can. 'The longer you spend somewhere, the more you can get to know it and the more your money can benefit the local economy,' he told us. 'Stay in a more local-centric neighbourhood rather than right in the city centre - this can allow you to see how locals actually live in the city and it makes it easier to patronise small local businesses.' UK Holidaymakers Are Skipping Spain And Portugal For These 5 Budget-Friendly Destinations I'm A Travel Pro, These Are The Best Holiday Destinations To Take Kids And Teens (By Age) Don't Make These 7 Mistakes When Travelling With Kids And Older Adults
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Associated Press
Freight My Car Reports Seasonal Surge in UAE to Europe Vehicle Air Freight
Freight My Car confirms a notable increase in vehicle air freight bookings from Dubai to Europe during the summer season, driven by high-net-worth travelers opting for personal vehicle transport during extended overseas stays. Video: Freight My Car has reported a seasonal rise in demand for vehicle air freight services from the United Arab Emirates to various European destinations. The trend has been observed between May and August every year and reflects a growing preference among residents to travel with their personal vehicles during long-stay summer visits abroad. The Dubai-based logistics company confirmed a significant increase in summer air freight bookings. High-value vehicles, including luxury SUVs and performance cars, are being shipped via scheduled cargo flights departing from Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. Freight My Car offers complete vehicle transport support, including pickup, assistance with Carnet de Passage issuance, RTA documentation, pre-departure inspection, insurance coverage in Europe, customs clearance on arrival and delivery until doorstep. Transit times to Europe typically range from 48 hours to 5 days depending on the destination, carrier, schedules and space availability. The company maintains logistics partnerships in Europe to support smooth vehicle processing and final delivery. 'Clients value the familiarity and reliability of using their own vehicles abroad, especially when staying for extended periods,' said Sachin Manwani, CEO of Freight My Car. 'The growth reflects a broader shift in travel preferences among UAE residents who prioritize control and comfort during their seasonal relocations.' The majority of vehicle shipments are destined for France, Switzerland, Germany, and Spain, where many clients either own property or plan extended stays. These preferences are contributing to the demand for secure, high-speed international auto transport services. Once delivered, many travelers use their vehicles to explore Europe's scenic routes—from the coastal highways of the Cote d'Azur to the mountain passes of the Swiss Alps—taking advantage of the cooler summer weather and the comfort of familiar handling. Vehicles transported through Freight My Car arrive pre-cleared for road use, allowing immediate mobility upon arrival. Vehicle air freight is preferred among clients seeking reduced handling times and more control over arrival schedules compared to maritime alternatives. Air transport minimizes exposure to environmental elements and allows vehicles to reach destination airports in a matter of days, rather than weeks. This model is particularly useful for travelers attending seasonal events, relocating temporarily, or planning multi-country road journeys. Freight My Car has reported that clients increasingly request enclosed ground delivery in Europe to protect vehicle condition during final-mile handling. These specialized services are available through pre-booked carriers aligned with the company's European logistics network. To manage increased demand, Freight My Car has scaled operational capacity during peak summer months and is working with airline partners to secure additional flight slots for vehicle cargo. The company is also exploring options for additional European destination hubs, including Italy and Morocco, to meet anticipated client interest in new travel corridors. A notable trend observed in recent months includes returning customers scheduling multiple shipments annually—sending their vehicles to Europe in summer and back to the UAE in autumn. This indicates a pattern of seasonal mobility becoming a recurring routine among a segment of the UAE's high-net-worth population. The service is also seeing uptake from business travelers who maintain residences across both regions. Shipping a personal vehicle allows continuity in daily routines, particularly for clients with specific driving preferences, custom vehicle modifications, or high-dependency travel habits. Freight My Car's procedures are structured to ensure that each vehicle shipment is traceable, secure, and in compliance with regulatory standards. The company adheres to UAE export laws and destination country import rules, including emission compliance, roadworthiness, and registration protocols where applicable. The company continues to focus on strict logistics compliance and high-security handling of all vehicle shipments. Location: Media Contact Company Name: Freight My Car Contact Person: Rinkle Vaz - Public Relations Manager Email: Send Email Phone: +971-56-2444231 Address:Latifa Tower, Trade Center Area City: Dubai Country: United Arab Emirates Website: Source: Brand Push
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
I've been to more than 35 all-inclusive resorts. Here are 10 mistakes I always see first-timers make.
I've stayed at all-inclusive resorts around the globe and seen first-timers make the same mistakes. Check out water-sport rentals and amenities at sister properties — and pack an insulated travel mug. Don't go overboard with frozen drinks or fill your plate during the first pass at a buffet. Vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is very appealing for many travelers — and with good reason. Being able to budget before you arrive and not having to worry about toting around cash or credit cards can alleviate a lot of travel headaches. As a travel writer, I've been to dozens of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, the Maldives, and more. During my stays, I see guests overlook many details that could make their sojourns more enjoyable. Whether you're planning your first trip to an all-inclusive resort or this is already your preferred style of vacation, here are 10 mistakes to avoid. Not every all-inclusive resort is designed equally. Some have gorgeous pools and underwhelming beaches, or vice-versa. Some cater to families with dedicated kids' and teens' clubs and activities, but others prohibit guests under 18. I've stayed at resorts that run the gamut. The point is that having everything included in and of itself isn't necessarily enough of an appeal. Think about what you're looking for in a vacation, do your research, and look beyond the slick marketing and touched-up, wide-angle photos on the resort's website. The term "all-inclusive" doesn't mean what it used to. These days, some resorts offer upgraded rooms and suites in certain areas of the property, with perks that may include butler service and dedicated lounges, restaurants, pools, or beach areas for these VIP guests. Although spending more for these amenities isn't for everyone, they can bring a sense of luxury and civility to your vacation, especially if you're staying at a crowded resort where guests are forced to set out towels before breakfast to claim lounge chairs. You may have access to a slew of restaurants at your resort, but that doesn't mean you can roll up to the host stand and automatically get a table, especially at peak dinner times. Remember, everyone wants 7:30 p.m. To avoid disappointment, book tables for the popular spots right after you check in or before you arrive, if that's an option. Keep in mind that depending on how many nights you're staying, you may be entitled to only a limited number of reservations for the à-la-carte concepts, so choose wisely. My advice is to prioritize places that serve local cuisine. After all, you can get steak or pasta just about anywhere. All-inclusive resorts are often known for over-the-top buffets any time of day, with omelet and freshly-pressed-juice stations at breakfast and salad bars, local specialties, carving stations, and all the desserts at lunch and dinner. Grabbing a plate and reaching for the serving spoons before giving the area a look-see is a rookie move that can also lead to overeating and wasting food. Before tackling a buffet, take a walk around, as options can change not only from meal to meal but daily as well. And make it a point to take a spoonful of something you've never tried. I used to roll my eyes at resort guests who'd tote their travel mugs up to the bar to be filled with their beverage of choice. I thought they were being overly indulgent and exploiting the concept of "all-inclusive" — but now I think they're on to something. For one thing, insulated tumblers keep drinks colder for much longer and reduce the number of trips to the bar. Beyond that, they're more environmentally friendly than all those single-use plastic cups. If you're bringing your Stanley and asking the bartender to fill it, though, tip them for going above and beyond. Speaking of tipping, I'm aware that some all-inclusive resorts invite guests to "leave their wallets at home." But unless the property you're staying at has a strict policy against it, small tips can go a long way. Tipping the bartender at a crowded swim-up or lobby bar when you first order, for example, can result in quicker service for your second and third rounds. If you have a fabulous server at dinner, it's a nice gesture to leave them some cash on the table. And don't forget about the housekeeping staff, who keep your room free of sand and endlessly replenish your towels. Not all drinks at all-inclusive resorts are created equally. I often suggest a stop at the lobby bar, which tends to stock top-shelf liqueur. Upgrade your piña colada by requesting it with dark or aged rum instead of white, which gives it much more flavor. If you see Aperol or Campari on the back bar, you can be sure to get a decent spritz. Craft your own low-ABV libation by asking for sauvignon blanc or rosé mixed with club soda and a dash of simple syrup, garnished with a lemon wedge. Definitely try the local beer or wine if it's available. A piña colada is decidedly delicious — I like to have one mid-morning, which I half-jokingly refer to as a "breakfast smoothie." But if you keep hitting the swim-up bar to order blended concoctions, you're probably going to end up drinking a zillion calories and getting a stomachache or killer hangover to boot. If you're on a quest to keep the buzz going, maybe switch things up a bit with a spirit mixed with soda water or a wine spritzer. Don't forget to hydrate with actual water to counter the effects of all that heat and sunshine. Some resorts are part of sprawling complexes with several adjacent properties owned and operated by the same parent company. If your stay includes reciprocity (such as a "stay at one, play at three" policy), you'll get access to other facilities, including additional pools, fitness centers, beach areas, and restaurants. Making use of them is a great way to avoid boredom and make it seem as if your vacation includes stays at multiple hotels. Although Jet Ski, hoverboard, and parasailing rentals can be pricey, your all-inclusive may allow you to borrow simpler equipment such as stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, floats, and even Hobie-Cats at no extra cost. Still, I often see them lined up on the beach all day, barely being used. Consider signing the waiver, donning a life jacket, and just trying them. If you're staying at a place where these water sports are popular, add your name to the wait list first thing in the morning. Read the original article on Business Insider
