Latest news with #AlBudaiwi
Dubai Eye
a day ago
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
GCC welcomes efforts for two-state solution amid Saudi-French conference
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Al Budaiwi, has reaffirmed the regional body's support for the creation of an international coalition to implement efforts aimed at resolving the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution. The comments were made during a high-level conference on the two-state solution, led by Saudi Arabia and France, at the UN headquarters in New York. Al Budaiwi said that GCC foreign ministers held a meeting on the sidelines of the conference, discussing the latest humanitarian situation in Gaza, Israel's 'policy of starvation' in the enclave. Al-Badawi called for regional and international efforts to lift the siege on the Palestinian people and allow the urgent and unrestricted entry of all humanitarian and relief aid. The UAE had earlier issued a statement welcoming the conference and France's intended, landmark recognition of Palestinian statehood which is set to "reinforce efforts by the international community to advance the two-state solution." In his opening remarks, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning, stressing that the two-state solution - described as the only credible path to peace - has reached 'a breaking point' and is now 'further away than ever.' Guterres called for the conference to serve as 'a pivotal turning point' and a rare opportunity to make irreversible progress, rather than 'another exercise in well-meaning rhetoric.' Israel's ally the United States, however, called the UN conference a "publicity stunt" that would "embolden Hamas, and reward its obstruction and undermine real-world efforts to achieve peace." The UN head added that the "creeping" annexation of the occupied West Bank is illegal and must cease, describing the developments as part of a systematic erosion of the foundations of peace in the Middle East. The Israeli Knesset last week passed a non-binding resolution for the annexation of the occupied West Bank - a move described as a violation of several UN Security Council resolutions and considered invalid. Hours after the motion, the Israeli government allocated an additional $274 million for settlement projects in the West Bank. A joint statement by 12 Arab and Islamic countries, including the UAE, said that Israel has 'no sovereignty' over the occupied Palestinian territory and the vote has no legal effect on the status of the territory, adding such Israeli actions only fuel the growing tension in the region.
Observer
6 days ago
- Politics
- Observer
GCC urges international community to act urgently on Gaza
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has voiced its condemnation and strong denunciation of the continued unjust, inhumane, and illegal siege imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the Gaza Strip and their prevention of the entry of all forms of humanitarian aid. In a statement today, the GCC Secretary General Jasem bin Mohammed Al Budaiwi emphasized that the siege has resulted in a worsening humanitarian catastrophe, manifested in the spread of famine and the depletion of food and medical supplies, in a flagrant violation of the provisions of international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions, human rights principles, and in clear defiance of the international community. Al Budaiwi affirmed that the GCC holds the Israeli occupation authorities fully responsible for the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip, including the policy of forced collective starvation pursued by the occupation forces against our brethren in Gaza. "This constitutes a full-fledged war crime that requires urgent accountability from the international community, he stressed. Moreover, he called on the international community, including all its states, institutions, and organisations, to take immediate and serious action to stop this brutal siege, halt the machine of killing and starvation, ensure the entry of urgent humanitarian aid, open the crossings without delay, and save the lives of innocent people from a certain catastrophe. Additionally, the GCC Secretary General reiterated the firm stance of the GCC states in supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to a dignified life, freedom, and self-determination, and to achieve a just and lasting peace in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Fintech News ME
04-07-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Gulf Cooperation Council to Launch Unified Tourism Visa for Member States
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to introduce a unified tourism visa, as announced by GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi on Wednesday (July 2). According to The Gulf News, Al Budaiwi commended the collaborative efforts of the Gulf states in progressing the initiative, which aims to facilitate easier travel across the region. Once implemented, the single visa will allow tourists to move freely between the six GCC member countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. 'The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen integration and cooperation,' said Al Budaiwi. He added that the move aligns with broader plans to modernise the region's travel infrastructure and to support economic growth through tourism. The new visa, officially named the GCC Grand Tours Visa, was approved in November 2023 during the 40th meeting of GCC interior ministers in Oman. The initiative draws parallels to the Schengen visa in Europe and represents a notable step in the Gulf's efforts to diversify its economies, attract international visitors, and encourage intra-regional tourism. Although the final details have yet to be confirmed, the visa is expected to allow travel to all six member states with a single application. It will reportedly be valid for tourism and family visits, available exclusively through an online portal, and offered with a validity period likely ranging from 30 to 90 days. Applicants may also have the option to apply for a visa covering a single country or all six. The scheme is expected to reduce the cost and administrative burden compared to applying for separate visas for each country. Requirements for applicants will likely include a valid passport with at least six months' validity, a completed online application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, proof of accommodation such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter, travel insurance that includes medical coverage, evidence of sufficient funds such as bank statements, and a return or onward travel ticket. Once launched, applicants will be able to submit their information through an official website, select their visa type, upload the required documents, pay the relevant fees online, and receive their e-visa via email. A printed or digital copy will be needed for airport procedures.
Gulf Insider
03-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Unified Visa for Gulf Countries Launching Soon
A unified tourism visa for visitors to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman will be launched soon, according to GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi. In a statement by the GCC Secretariat, Al Budaiwi expressed gratitude to member nations for efforts to realise the unified tourism visa. After it is introduced, non-GCC visitors to the region will be able to move freely between the six nations using a single visa. The announcement came, following the 39th meeting of heads of GCC Interior Ministries' passport departments. Al Budaiwi said that the measures would help realise the visions of the Gulf leaderships, adding that involved parties were keen on keeping up with the latest technologies, as well as growing and rapid global security demands. Once approved, the unified Gulf tourist visa will allow its holders to visit six GCC countries, focusing on attracting and retaining tourists within the region to enhance economic integration. Further details and a launch date are yet to be announced, but reports have claimed it will be valid for between 30 and 90 days and be valid for tourism or family read: UAE-India Airfares Drop To 'Unusually Low Levels' After July 8, Say Travel Agents
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: Long-awaited unified GCC tourism visa coming soon, confirms GCC Secretary General
The GCC Grand Tours Visa, approved in November 2023, will soon allow visitors to travel across all six member states with a single application.(Representative Image) The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will soon launch a unified tourism visa that allows travelers to visit all six member states with a single application. The announcement was made on Wednesday by GCC Secretary General Jassem Al Budaiwi, who praised the joint efforts of Gulf countries to improve regional mobility and grow the tourism sector. Speaking during an official announcement, Jassem Al Budaiwi stated: 'The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen integration and cooperation.' He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the long-term strategic goals of the Gulf's leadership to modernise regional travel infrastructure and expand non-oil sectors through increased tourism. The visa, officially titled the GCC Grand Tours Visa, is modeled after Europe's Schengen visa and aims to enable seamless travel across: United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Qatar Bahrain Kuwait Oman The unified visa will allow tourists to travel freely across these six nations without the need for separate visa applications, making the region significantly more accessible to international visitors. Al Budaiwi highlighted that the new visa system is being developed with a strong focus on technology and security, stressing that member states are 'keen on keeping up with the latest technologies, as well as growing and rapid global security demands.' The visa was formally approved in November 2023 during the 40th GCC Interior Ministers' Meeting, which was held in Oman. The approval followed months of intergovernmental coordination and consultation among tourism, immigration, and security departments of all six states. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo According to Al Budaiwi, the move is not just a tourism initiative but part of a broader regional transformation aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenues and positioning the GCC as a global tourism and investment hub. Features of the GCC Grand Tours Visa While final implementation details are still being finalized, available information outlines the following expected features of the GCC Grand Tours Visa: Key Features Single visa for six countries Online-only application process Valid for tourism and family visits Likely validity: 30 to 90 days Options to select single-country or unified access Lower cumulative cost compared to applying for six separate visas This structure is designed to significantly reduce travel barriers while enhancing visitor experience across the region. Application Process and Required Documents Though the system is not yet live, officials have shared a tentative list of documents and steps expected to be part of the application process. Likely Required Documents Valid passport (minimum 6-month validity) Completed online application form Recent passport-size photo Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter) Travel insurance (including medical coverage) Proof of sufficient funds (such as bank statements) Return or onward travel ticket Expected Application Process Visit the official GCC visa website (to be announced) Select visa type: one-country or unified six-country visa Fill in travel details and upload supporting documents Pay the visa fee online securely online Receive e-visa via email Print or store the e-visa digitally for travel The unified visa is expected to boost regional tourism, attract international visitors, and support sectors like aviation, hospitality, and travel services. By simplifying access, it encourages longer stays and multi-country trips across the Gulf. The move also aligns with Gulf nations' broader push to become leading global tourism destination
