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The GCC states offer 837 tourist sites collectively, and the UAE leads the region with 399. With this rise in tourism in the GCC, the countries, in September, had announced plans to create a joint tourist visa applicable to all and streamline travel logistics.  

Now, they have unanimously agreed to push forward the Unified Gulf Tourist Visa as per an announcement by Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, during the 40th meeting of the GCC Interior Ministers in the Omani capital, Muscat.

The system is expected to come into effect between 2024 and 2025 across the six-nation bloc. 

Described as a testament to the unity and cooperation of GCC leaders, Al Budaiwi said that the move will be an achievement for the Gulf states. 

The Gulf interior ministers also launched an electronic system linking traffic violations across GCC countries.

Al Budaiwi said linking traffic violations electronically between the GCC countries is one of the initiatives that will contribute to achieving traffic safety goals. He further noted that the newly established system will deliver a wide range of unified traffic services to citizens across the GCC countries.

“This achievement requires maintaining a high level of national security and ensuring the deterrence of any threats that could impede the region’s continued progress,” said Al Budaiwi.