The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are working together to introduce a unified tourist visa, according to the UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri.

The implementation of this visa is expected to showcase the diverse tourism destinations within the GCC, attract longer stays from tourists, and position the region as a leading choice for both regional and international travelers.

Minister Al Marri shared this information following a meeting at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh on April 28 and 29.

The GCC countries have been diligently collaborating for over a year to establish a single tourist visa, similar to the Schengen visa system.

The visa will be rolled out once all member countries have successfully set up their respective entry systems, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for foreign tourists visiting the region.

The official announcement is still to be announced; however, it is anticipated that the unified tourist visa will be launched either later this year or in the following year.

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Minister Al Marri emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism development in the region, considering the environmental and social challenges it faces. He called for the enhancement of regional and global tourism infrastructure to ensure the sector’s sustainability, which significantly contributes to the economies of GCC countries and supports numerous job opportunities.

Furthermore, Minister Al Marri highlighted the need to upskill the tourism workforce and improve their performance and expertise to address the challenges of sustainable tourism.

The UAE has implemented sustainable tourism practices, including eco-friendly accommodation, wildlife conservation, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

National initiatives and strategies, such as the ‘National Tourism Strategy 2031,’ have been launched to support these efforts.

According to a recent report by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the UAE experienced remarkable growth in its tourism sector in 2023, with a 26% increase compared to 2022 and a 14% surpassing of 2019 levels.

The sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP amounted to Dh220 billion, equivalent to 11.7%. It is projected to reach Dh236 billion in 2024, accounting for 12% of the country’s GDP.

The tourism sector provided 809,000 jobs in 2023, representing 12.3% of the total labor market.

With a predicted 5% growth from 2022, the number of jobs is expected to reach 833,000 in 2024.

The UAE boasts 1,235 hotels with a total of 210,000 rooms available for guests and visitors.