The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will launch the pilot phase of its unified tourist visa in late 2025, according to UAE Economy and Tourism Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri.
The visa will allow travelers to move freely across all six GCC states – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait. Al Marri called it a “strategic milestone” that strengthens integration.
Al Marri confirmed the visa will roll out in phases before full implementation. While no exact date is given, however, the final clearances are reportedly underway.
In June, Al Marri told Khaleej Times that approval for the visa had already been secured. The Ministry of Interior and other key stakeholders are reviewing its final procedures.
Details about the visa’s cost and duration are not yet announced. However, industry leaders expect the project will reshape the Gulf tourism sector and significantly improve regional GDP growth.
The initiative is also likely to encourage religious tourism, particularly in Saudi Arabia, and support the growing “bleisure” trend that combines business visits with leisure travel experiences across member states.
READ: How to apply for new 6 in 1 GCC tourist visa
Tourism experts believe that all GCC countries will benefit, although the UAE and Saudi Arabia may capture the majority share of visitors due to their established tourism infrastructure and broader global connectivity.
In 2024, UAE hotels received 3.3 million tourists from GCC states, equal to 11 percent of overall guests. Most visitors came from Saudi Arabia, followed by Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Al Marri highlighted that the tourism sector’s expansion, noting that by mid-September 2025, the UAE had issued 39,546 new commercial licenses in tourism-related sectors, representing a 275 percent increase since 2020.
This growth, combined with the new visa initiative, signals stronger cooperation across GCC economies. Officials hope the project will enhance competitiveness, attract global travelers, and make the Gulf region a unified tourism hub.
