Key Highlights:
- The launch of the Gulf tourist visa, known as the “Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Grand Tours” visa, modeled after the Schengen visa system, is scheduled for the end of 2024
- Schengen visas surpassed 10 million issuances, with over half a billion passengers welcomed in 2023
- The value added to the GDP from the travel and tourism sector of GCC countries has soared to $185.9 billion in 2023
Ever dreamed of exploring the rich heritage of the Arabian Peninsula without the hassle of multiple visas? Imagine a Schengen-like visa that opens the doors to all 6 Gulf countries. The launch of the Gulf tourist visa, known as the ‘Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Grand Tours’ visa, modeled after the Schengen visa system, is scheduled for the end of 2024.
This initiative aims to streamline travel across the 6 GCC nations: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Similar to the Schengen visa in Europe, it will enable visitors to explore these countries seamlessly with a single visa, potentially allowing stays exceeding 30 days. The announcement was made by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib, during the 44th GCC Summit held in Doha on December 5, 2023.
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The new visa framework will greatly benefit the UAE, especially Dubai, and Saudi Arabia. With Dubai’s renowned status as a global tourist hub and Saudi Arabia’s allure for religious pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah, a significant influx of tourists is projected between these influential nations.
How Schengen Shaped European Travel?
A Schengen visa allows third-country nationals 90 days of short-term travel privileges for tourism or business in 29 Schengen countries as per Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. Free movement aimed to let European workers live unrestrictedly in any EU state, with border controls within the Union eliminated.
In 1985, a pivotal moment occurred in Schengen, Luxembourg, with the signing of the Agreement on the Progressive Removal of Checks at shared borders, followed by the 1990 Convention implementing that Agreement. The Schengen Agreements began in 1995, initially with 7 EU nations. Currently, the Schengen Area includes most EU countries, except Cyprus and Ireland. Bulgaria and Romania joined as of March 31, 2024.
Schengen visas surpassed 10 million issuances, with over half a billion passengers welcomed in 2023, achieving 92% of 2019 activity levels, instrumental in bolstering the EU economy. Tourism constitutes nearly 10% of the EU’s GDP, employing approximately 22.6 million individuals.
Non-EU nationals working in Europe are entitled to equal treatment as EU citizens concerning working conditions and social security benefits, accessing social welfare, healthcare, and education at European institutions. Additionally, the Schengen visa facilitates family reunification under specific conditions.
| Schengen Visas | Issuances Surpassed 10 Million |
|---|---|
| Passengers Welcomed in 2023 | Over Half a Billion |
| Activity Levels (2023 vs. 2019) | 92% Achieved |
| Tourism Contribution to EU GDP | Nearly 10% |
| Employment in the Tourism Sector | Approximately 22.6 Million Individuals |
One Visa to See All the Gulf Has to Offer
The value added to the GDP from the travel and tourism sector of GCC countries has soared to $185.9 billion in 2023, reflecting an 8.5% growth compared to the $171.4 billion achieved in 2022. Forecasts suggest that the visa initiative will catalyze activity and job creation in the region.
Efforts, supported by governments, are underway to partner with hotels and airlines. Once implemented, the single tourist visa will boost integrated packages, making the region more appealing.
Bahrain Tourism CEO, Sarah Buhijji, emphasizes regional package development to unify the destination. Moreover, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to promote both countries as a single destination. Furthermore, Qatar’s Hayya portal now offers a special visa category for GCC residents, simplifying the application process. The visa-on-arrival for GCC residents costs QR 100 and allows for flexible travel plans.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) announced that UAE visit visas can now be extended once, for a duration of 30 days, for a fee of Dh750.
Details on the visa rules of other Gulf nations are forthcoming.
| Year | GCC Countries’ GDP Contribution from Travel & Tourism Sector (in $ billion) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $171.4 |
| 2023 | $185.9 |
UAE’s Tourism Masterplan: 7 Emirate Routes
The Emirates Tourism Council has devised a tourist itinerary spanning all 7 emirates of the UAE, strategically positioning the nation for seamless integration with the GCC. This initiative is in anticipation of the unified tourist visa’s full implementation, presenting a fresh and alluring tourism offering to enthrall global visitors in the Arabian Gulf region.
Currently, the tourism sector contributes 14% to the UAE’s GDP, with ambitions to elevate this figure to 18% to meet the nation’s strategic tourism goals. By the close of 2022, the GCC boasted a total of 10,649 hotel establishments, marking a 1.2% increase from 2016. Among these, the UAE ranks 2nd in the GCC with 1,114 hotel establishments. The collective number of hotel rooms in the GCC has reached 674,832, experiencing a 0.4% growth.
The GCC’s collaborative tourism strategy for ‘2023-2030’ aims for a 7% annual rise in inbound trips to GCC countries. The number of visitors to GCC countries surged to 39.8 million, indicating a remarkable 136.6% growth from 2021, with a target of 128.7 million visitors by 2030.
Across the GCC, there exist 837 tourist sites, with the UAE boasting 399 of them, establishing itself as the GCC leader in terms of tourist destinations. Moreover, the UAE hosts a majority of events and tourist activities within the GCC region, accounting for 73 out of 224 tourist events in the Gulf.
| UAE’s Tourism Growth Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| Tourism sector contribution to UAE’s GDP | 14% |
| UAE’s ambition for tourism sector GDP | 18% |
| Total hotel establishments in GCC (2022) | 10,649 |
| Growth in total hotel establishments (2016-2022) | 1.2% |
| Total hotel establishments in UAE | 1,114 |
| Total hotel rooms in GCC (2022) | 674,832 |
| Growth in total hotel rooms (2016-2022) | 0.4% |
Every Good Thing has its own Set of Challenges
Despite the potential benefits, significant policy changes always come with challenges. Presently, GCC countries impose varying visa requirements for different passport holders—some qualify for visas upon arrival, while others must apply and pay beforehand. Some can even enter without a visa.
Harmonizing these requirements will necessitate detailed ministerial engagement, technological alignment, and border coordination to establish a common application and processing system. Additionally, accommodating more visitors poses further challenges, such as ensuring sustainable tourism development, providing options for various budgets, and enhancing infrastructure and facilities to cope with increased holidaymakers and regional travelers.
Nonetheless, the potential gains for the GCC outweigh these concerns. For instance, Expo 2020 Dubai organizers welcomed over 24 million visits during the six-month world fair, a remarkable achievement amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel.
Just half a decade ago, Saudi Arabia barred leisure tourists, yet today, it’s immersed in an astounding $800 billion worth of tourism investment. In February 2024, the nation achieved a significant landmark, drawing in 100 million tourist visits, seven years ahead of projections.
Qatar shattered its tourism records in 2022, a remarkable achievement given its recent hosting of the FIFA World Cup. Interestingly, the event left several stadiums perfectly suited for massive concerts, adding to the nation’s allure.
Lastly, the head of Saudi Arabian tourism is keen on having Taylor Swift bring her tour to the Middle East. It’s not surprising; Swift’s Eras tour has a proven track record of boosting economies wherever it goes. However, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasized that attracting major events like a Swift tour will require regional cooperation.
“If we want to attract the Taylor Swifts of the world, collaboration is key, perhaps leading to an ‘Arabian tour’.”
This could mark a significant shift in how the Gulf region interacts with the global entertainment scene. It’s possible that a pan-GCC visa could become a reality, facilitating such collaborations.
