Latest news with #GulfCooperationCouncil
Campaign ME
11 hours ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
The price of influence: Why bartering needs a rebrand in the GCC
I sat across from two female powerhouses in the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) influencer marketing field, and one thing was clear – brands need to stop thinking of bartering as a budget hack and start treating influencers like true partners. Shifting influence With Saudi Arabia's average age at just 29 and more than 60 per cent of the Arab region's population under 30, the Gulf is a vibrant playground for youth-driven, creator-led content. GCC consumers crave content that resonates with their values, their families and their aspirations, not globalised campaigns that miss the mark. Currently, we're witnessing a seismic shift in marketing budgets – 76.5 per cent of CMOs are actively reallocating funds from traditional and other digital channels towards influencer marketing. This isn't a momentary fling; it's a transformation. #HardFacts Bartering in influencer marketing In a region where social media doesn't just thrive – it dominates – barter arrangements remain surprisingly common. According to a 2024 report from Influencer Marketing Hub, 28.2 per cent of brands in the Gulf still engage in barter-based partnerships. So, here's the question – if an influencer typically charges AED 2,000 for a post, why are we still offering a goodie bag in return? Does that make sense? For many brands, it still does. In the UAE, 59 per cent of brands allocate up to AED 250,000 annually for influencer marketing, yet over a third still prefer barter-based deals. As smarter ROI tools and audience analytics become more accessible, when will this paradigm shift? Influencer marketing is no longer a novelty; it's an essential brand touchpoint. The way we structure partnerships, especially barter deals, urgently needs to evolve. Last week, I sat down with influencer experts Nourhan Khalifa and Reem Haddad – part of MSL's PR & Influencer practice, led by Mary Smiddy – who know this landscape intimately. Our conversation kept returning to one word: value. Bartering isn't dead – but it needs a rethink Let's be clear—there's a place for bartering in influencer marketing. MSL's PR and Influencer practice recommends focusing on several key points: Value Alignment: The product or experience must accurately reflect the influencer's rate and relevance. Offering a product worth AED 150 to an influencer whose content typically generates AED 5,000 in engagement undermines the value of the partnership. Clear Deliverables: Define content formats, posting timelines and tagging expectations upfront. No grey areas—no assumptions. High-Quality Offering: If you're not offering payment, present something exceptional. Think exclusive experiences or limited-edition releases—not throwaway samples. Mutual Exposure: Ensure it's worth their while. Offer brand visibility, reposting support, or opportunities for future paid collaborations. Limited Availability: Position the opportunity as curated and exclusive. The barter should feel selective and thoughtful, not merely transactional. No Additional Costs: Influencers shouldn't have to cover expenses for your brand's exposure. Delivery, travel, props—it's all on you. Performance Follow-Up: Treat barters like a professional collaboration. Track performance, provide insights and nurture the relationship. The missed opportunity: Nano-influencers Mary Smiddy, Business Lead, MSL Consumer PR and Influencer practice, suggests that the best barter partnerships often happen with micro and nano influencers, especially when they're just starting out. At this stage, they genuinely appreciate meaningful collaborations with brands they trust, making it a win-win for everyone. The MENA region is home to over 13.2 million nano-influencers – but their potential remains largely untapped. Globally, nano and micro-influencers are prized for their authenticity and unparalleled engagement rates. Yet in the Gulf, the tendency to favour mid-tier and mega-influencers persists despite evidence showing that smaller creators cultivate deeper and more trusted connections. Necessary legalese An important note when considering barter deals is that many GCC markets now require influencers to obtain commercial licences for all collaborations, including barter arrangements. These licences come with fees, paperwork and renewal cycles, which ultimately push influencer rates higher. Brands that overlook this reality risk more than bad PR—they risk legal liability. First-party influence in a cookie-free world With the impending death of third-party cookies, brands are scrambling for alternatives. Influencers are the solution hiding in plain sight. These creators offer first-party psychographic data – insights into what people feel, trust and desire. It's a level of intimacy no algorithm can replicate. But you don't unlock that value with a smoothie bowl and a smile. You access it with respect, reciprocity and a long-term vision. The bottom line The barter model isn't broken. It's dangerously misunderstood. In the right context, with the right influencers and a strategic approach, bartering can be a gateway – not a shortcut. It's time for brands in the GCC to stop seeing bartering as a budget-saving tool and start treating it as a relationship-building strategy. Influencer marketing doesn't begin with transactions; it begins with trust. And trust—isn't that worth far more than a freebie? By Aimée Ramos, Senior Executive – Public Relations, MSL Group Middle East
The Diplomat
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Diplomat
China's Visa-Free Diplomacy
China now has the most liberal visa regime since the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. Will it last? In a notable policy change, China, despite its traditionally strict visa policies, has now opened its borders, granting visa-free entry to ordinary passport holders from 75 countries. Starting from June 9, citizens from four Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain – could enter China and stay for up to 30 days without a visa. Two other GCC members, the UAE and Qatar, have maintained reciprocal visa-free arrangements with China since 2018. This means that all six GCC countries now enjoy visa-free access to China. Earlier, on June 1, China granted similar privileges to the nationals of five South American countries – Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay – and two Central Asian states, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Ordinary passport holders from these countries can also enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. In most cases, China made these concessions unilaterally – and the list is expanding. China's visa-free diplomacy reflects a broader soft power strategy, aimed at enhancing its international image through increased people-to-people engagement. At the same time, the growing number of countries offering reciprocal visa-free or simplified procedures for Chinese travelers indicates two-way mobility. The trend of major relaxations in China's visa policies started in 2023-24. In late 2024, China offered visa-free expansions to Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan, with the visa-free stay extended from 15 to 30 days for citizens of these countries. In total, 75 countries now enjoy visa-free travel to China for stays of up to 30 days. These changes were accompanied by complementary efforts to boost international travel: improved tourism services, multilingual signage at major attractions, targeted promotional campaigns, and tourism cooperation agreements. Enhanced infrastructure – improved airports and railways – and the availability of digital translation tools have also made China a more welcoming destination. China's strategy is not just about recovering post-COVID-19 tourism levels; it aims to leverage visa-free travel for a broader economic rejuvenation. China's National Immigration Administration reported that during the first six months of 2025, 38 million foreign nationals made trips to or from China. This was a 30 percent year-on-year increase. Among them, 13.64 million were on visa-free entries, a 53.9 percent increase compared to last year. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, in 2025, China's tourism sector (both domestic and international) will contribute a record-breaking 13.7 trillion yuan ($1.93 trillion) to the national economy – the highest level ever, over 10 percent above pre-pandemic figures. The sector will also sustain 83 million jobs. Sluggish domestic consumption, despite efforts to stimulate consumer spending, has been a challenge for a long time. Chinese authorities view the visa-free policy, and the resulting boost in inbound international travelers, as part of the solution. Following the broad opening, China introduced incentives to encourage greater spending by travelers. Beijing facilitated departure tax refund services, encouraging more businesses to become tax refund shops and expanding the range of goods eligible for tax refunds. These measures make shopping in China more attractive to foreign tourists. High-tech items, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and drones, are among the products that will soon be eligible for tax refunds. To tackle the significant barriers for foreign payments, China expanded payment options, allowing certain foreign bank cards to be linked to WeChat and Alipay, China's ubiquitous digital payment services. But it's not all smooth sailing. International visitors to China face challenges in terms of internet access, with many global social media apps and websites blocked. Tourists may struggle to use Chinese alternatives that often lack English support and require a local phone number. However, foreigners using their home country's SIM card with international roaming can access the internet. Chinese telecom providers also offer SIM cards to foreigners that provide internet access, although the setup process may require extra steps. Despite the move to allow foreign cards to link up with WeChat and Alipay, paying for goods and services can still be challenging. Small vendors and local hotels may not accept foreign credit cards or cash, and many booking platforms and apps are available only in Mandarin. Additional difficulties include cumbersome ticketing processes, limited hotel options for foreigners (not all hotels are allowed to accept foreign visitors), and a general lack of English language support, especially outside major cities. For China, relaxed visa rules also bring a new set of challenges. Beijing worries about potential side effects like illegal immigration, security issues, including terrorism, transnational crime, overstays, a strain on services, and a loss of visa revenue. Perhaps due to these concerns, China's visa-free policy for most of the 75 countries is initially limited to a one-year trial. Based on this experience, Beijing will decide whether to keep the policy or tighten its borders once again. For now, China has the most liberal visa policy since the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. This indicates a shift from China's long-standing reputation as a tightly controlled, security-focused state with restrictive entry policies and high levels of suspicion toward foreign influence. Notably, China is opening its doors to other countries as the U.S. enforces stricter visa regulations, including outright bans on the citizens of certain countries. The visa liberalization is likely to support China's diplomatic efforts, especially in promoting people-to-people exchanges and showcasing its rich cultural heritage, while also bringing economic benefits. A newly welcoming stance to foreign visitors has the potential to significantly impact China's overall image in the world.
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The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
It's now easier to travel to popular Gulf nations on holiday - here's why
A new Schengen -style visa, the GCC Grand Tours Visa, is set to launch this year, making travel easier across six Gulf nations. This unified visa will allow non-Gulf nationals to visit Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates under a single permit. Approved by the Gulf Cooperation Council in 2023, the initiative aims to boost tourism, increase spending, and create jobs within the region. The visa is intended for tourism, short-term stays, or visiting family and friends, with an expected validity period of 30 to 90 days. Applications will be available online and are anticipated to be more cost-effective than current individual visas, though the exact price is yet to be outlined.
Observer
a day 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.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Where do Gulf countries rank among world's most powerful passports in latest 2025 Henley index?
The GCC nations have seen major passport gains, with the UAE ranking 8th globally and all six gaining access to China/ Image: FIle TL;DR UAE ranks 8th globally with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations, marking the strongest passport in the Arab and Islamic world. Qatar rises to 47th, driven by its entry into the US Visa Waiver Program , a first for any Arab nation, with access to 112 destinations. Saudi Arabia reaches 54th, gaining visa-free access to China, the UK, and Turkey, totaling 91 destinations. Kuwait holds 50th place with access to 100 destinations, but sees limited mobility growth in 2025. Bahrain and Oman rank 55th and 56th respectively, with access to 90 and 88 destinations, showing modest year-on-year improvements. All six GCC countries gained visa-free access to China in June 2025, enhancing regional passport strength. Gulf Passport Power: UAE Soars, Qatar Breaks Through, Saudi Steadies The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has rapidly transformed passport strength into a tool of soft power and diplomacy. The July 2025 Henley Passport Index ranks the UAE's passport 8th globally, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries, a historic rise from just 35 countries a decade ago, putting it close to traditional leaders like Singapore and Japan and marking unmatched progress for the Middle East . Other GCC states, like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have also boosted global mobility, reflecting deliberate investments in bilateral visa deals and citizenship reforms . Historically restricted by political and security issues, GCC passports now symbolize national ambition and diplomatic flexibility, aligning with broader global trends toward mobility and interconnected economies. The region's rise in passport power underscores the GCC's diplomatic clout and international ambition. UAE: Passport Powerhouse of the Arab World At the top of the Gulf passport rankings stands the United Arab Emirates, now ranked 8th globally. Emirati citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries, surpassing traditionally dominant passports such as those of the US and Canada. The UAE's meteoric rise, from 42nd place in 2015 to 8th in 2025, marks the largest leap in the two-decade history of the Henley Passport Index. This remarkable progress is driven by an ambitious foreign policy focused on visa-waiver agreements with regions including the European Union, China, Russia, and Latin America. The UAE is the only Middle Eastern country in the global Top 10, placing it alongside established leaders like Canada, Estonia, and several EU nations. Its passport is now the strongest in both the Arab world and the broader Islamic world . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Qatar: Strategic Breakthrough with the United States Qatar's passport has seen a significant leap in the latest global rankings, rising to approximately 47th place. The key catalyst behind this surge? A landmark agreement that makes Qatar the first Arab country to be included in the US Visa Waiver Program, effective December 2024. This agreement grants Qatari citizens visa-free entry to the United States for stays of up to 90 days, placing Qatar in an exclusive league of trusted international partners. This move further complements Qatar's growing diplomatic influence, marked by its role in hosting international mediations, global summits, and expanding relations with countries across Latin America and Asia. As a result, Qatar now enjoys visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 112 destinations, up from 108 in January 2024. This improvement has helped the country rise six spots in the rankings, from 53rd to 47th place globally. In recent years, Qatar's passport has consistently ranked in the mid-50s, with positions of 54th, 60th, 53rd, and 55th in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. Now, it holds second place among GCC countries, with the UAE maintaining the top position. Saudi Arabia: Quiet Progress with Key New Access The Saudi Arabian passport continues its gradual upward trend, now ranking 54th globally on the Henley Passport Index, with access to 91 destinations without requiring a prior visa. A major breakthrough this year came in June 2025, when China granted Saudi citizens visa-free entry, followed by similar agreements with Turkey and the United Kingdom. While Saudi Arabia's progress hasn't been as rapid as that of the UAE or Qatar, its steady approach, pairing domestic reforms with active international engagement, is showing results. The expansion of electronic visa systems and a growing tourism sector have further enhanced the kingdom's global standing. This year alone, Saudi Arabia added four new visa-free destinations. The agreement with China, in particular, marks a significant step in strengthening the passport's reach and influence. Kuwait: Stable, but Not Accelerating As of 2025, Kuwait's passport ranks 50th globally, according to the latest Henley & Partners report, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 100 destinations. While Kuwaiti citizens enjoy full visa-free movement within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), global mobility growth has been modest compared to regional leaders. Kuwait's slower progress is partly due to the lack of major new bilateral visa agreements in the past year. Its application for Schengen visa-free access remains pending, limiting further expansion. In contrast, countries like the UAE, ranked 8th with access to 184 destinations, and Qatar have advanced rapidly through active visa diplomacy. This highlights Kuwait's steady but cautious approach to enhancing passport strength, resulting in a relative lag behind its more proactive GCC peers. Oman and Bahrain: Modest Mobility, Regional Strength Bringing up the rear among GCC nations are Oman and Bahrain, ranked 56th and 55th respectively, according to the Henley Passport Index for July 2025. Bahraini passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 90 destinations, while Omani citizens can access 88 destinations, up from 86 in 2024. Both countries continue to benefit from strong regional integration through the GCC framework, though their global mobility remains more limited compared to leading regional peers. The Sultanate of Oman, in particular, continues its upward trend in international travel rankings, rising from 65th in 2023 to 60th in 2024 and now 56th in 2025. Bahrain has also made progress, climbing four positions from 59th in 2024 to 55th in 2025, reflecting modest yet steady improvements in global access. Notably, both Oman and Bahrain were included in China's sweeping visa-free expansion in June 2025, alongside several of their Gulf neighbors, further contributing to their gradual improvement in global mobility. China's Diplomatic Play: Visa-Free for All Six GCC States In a significant diplomatic and economic development, China extended visa-free access to all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, in June 2025. This decision reflects Beijing's broader push to deepen its geopolitical and economic ties with the Middle East through enhanced mobility, tourism, and bilateral cooperation. Previously, only UAE and Qatar citizens enjoyed visa-free entry to China. As of June 9, 2025, China has included Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain in this expanded policy, offering visa-free entry for up to 30 days for purposes including business, tourism, family visits, and cultural exchanges. This initiative is part of a one-year trial program running from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, and is expected to significantly boost tourism, investment flows, tech partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges between China and the Gulf region. It also positions China as a leading destination for GCC travelers and strengthens its strategic engagement in the Middle East. Intra-Gulf Mobility: A Regional Strength All six GCC countries continue to allow free movement of citizens across their borders, as per existing Gulf Cooperation Council protocols. This intra-regional mobility remains unaffected by global rankings and provides a strong baseline of movement for Gulf citizens, regardless of their international passport power. FAQ: Gulf Passports and the Henley Index (2025) Q. What is the Henley Passport Index? Ranks passports by number of destinations accessible without a prior visa; updated quarterly using IATA data. Q. Why is the UAE ranked higher than the US or UK? UAE signed 50+ visa deals, granting access to 184 destinations, more than the US or UK. Q. What is the US Visa Waiver Program, and why is Qatar's inclusion significant? Qatar is the first Arab country in the program, enabling visa-free US entry and boosting global rank. Q. Which countries offer visa-free access to all GCC nations now? China, Turkey, and Malaysia now allow visa-free entry for all GCC citizens, reflecting growing global trust. Q. Is GCC mobility affected by Henley rankings? No. GCC citizens enjoy free movement within member states regardless of their global passport rankings. Q. Are Saudi Arabia and Kuwait expected to rise further? Yes. Saudi reforms and Kuwait's Schengen talks could further boost passport strength in coming years. Q. Which Gulf passports remain the weakest in global mobility? Oman (56th) and Bahrain (55th) rank lowest in the GCC but continue gradual improvement.
