A visa similar to the Schengen visa for Gulf countries?

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, are currently examining the possibility of introducing a regional visa inspired by the Schengen model for tourists. This project, which aims to further stimulate economic growth, was announced by Bahrain's Minister of Tourism.

The announcement was made at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held in Dubai from May 1 to 4. Fatima al-SairafiBahrain's Minister of Tourism, said that the GCC countries were studying how to implement a unified visa. According to her, this initiative could materialize very soon, given that people traveling to Europe from abroad generally spend their time in several countries rather than just one. She emphasized the value this approach could bring to the region as a whole.

Visitors will be more satisfied by visiting several countries without restrictions, which will facilitate cross-border travel, by having a single package to visit different GCC countries.
Abdullah al-SalehDeputy Secretary General, Ministry of Economy, United Arab Emirates

It's worth remembering that Europe has introduced a Schengen visa system that allows travelers to move freely between 26 European countries. This system has greatly facilitated tourism and business in the region, contributing to economic growth. If the GCC succeeds in implementing a similar initiative, it could have a significant impact on tourism and the economy in the Gulf region.strengthening economic and cultural ties.

Implementing such a visa system will require considerable coordination and cooperation between countries. It remains to be seen how this project will be received by the international community, and what impact it will have on the tourism and economic landscape of the Gulf region. On the whole, it's a promising initiative which could transform the way people travel in the Gulf region and further stimulate economic growth.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia hosted 18 million of tourists, while the United Arab Emirates welcomed 15 million. Other GCC countries also recorded significant numbers of tourists, with 4.3 million for Bahrain, 2.9 million for Qatar and 2.3 million for Oman.

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