MAK Developers

Imagine you land in Dubai, enjoy a few days in the city, then fly to Riyadh, Doha, or Muscat using one visa. Soon, this will be possible.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) plans to launch a unified Gulf tourist visa that will make travel between Gulf countries easier. The new visa, inspired by Europe’s Schengen system, will allow visitors to explore six nations with a single entry permit.

The visa will include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait. Officials across the Gulf confirm that the pilot phase will start in the final quarter of 2025. Full implementation could follow in early 2026.

This plan will boost regional tourism, attract global investors, and strengthen economic unity across the Gulf. For many, it will turn the Gulf into one of the most connected travel regions in the world.

What Is the Unified Gulf Tourist Visa?

The unified Gulf visa, also known as the GCC Grand Tourist Visa, will make travel across the Gulf much easier.

Travelers can visit any of the six GCC countries with one permit. They will not need to apply for separate visas each time. The process will take place online through a single digital platform.

The visa will allow travel for tourism, business meetings, and family visits. It will not permit holders to work or stay long-term. According to officials, the visa will likely be valid for 30 to 90 days.

GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al Budaiwi said in September 2025 that digital systems are almost ready. The pilot launch will begin before the end of this year. Once tested, the visa will expand to all Gulf countries.

When Will It Launch?

In June 2025, UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri confirmed that the GCC countries had approved the visa system.
The pilot phase would start in the last quarter of the year. After a successful pilot, the full rollout will follow in 2026.

Officials from the GCC tourism committee say this project will make the region more competitive and attractive to travelers. Each country will maintain its own security checks and entry systems, but visitors will travel between them without new visa applications.

Why This Visa Matters?

Easier Travel for Visitors

The unified visa will make travel smooth and simple. Visitors will spend less time on paperwork and less money on multiple applications. They can plan one Gulf trip that includes several countries in a single itinerary.

Travel experts say it will help airlines, hotels, and tour companies design new multi-destination travel packages. This convenience will bring more visitors to the Gulf and increase regional tourism spending.

A Big Boost for Gulf Tourism

The Gulf is already one of the fastest-growing tourism regions in the world. According to reports, GCC countries attracted more than 68 million international visitors in 2024, earning about 110 billion US dollars in tourism revenue.

With the unified visa, experts expect these numbers to rise by at least 20 percent in the first year. Hotels, airlines, restaurants, and shopping centers will all benefit from this growth.

What Does it Mean for Investors in Dubai?

For investors, this change is an opportunity. Dubai already serves as the Gulf’s travel and business center. The new visa will make it even stronger.

More tourists will mean more hotel bookings, restaurant visits, and shopping activity. Investors in tourism, retail, and real estate will gain from this rise in visitor spending.

Dubai aims to reach 40 million hotel guests per year by 2031. The unified visa supports that goal. It positions Dubai as the gateway to the wider Gulf.

Business leaders say this initiative shows how the region is moving together to attract global investment. It signals long-term growth, stronger regional cooperation, and higher investor confidence.

Unified GCC Visa Requirements

Although the system is not yet active, travelers can start preparing now. Officials have shared key details about what to expect:

• Applications will happen online through one digital platform.
• You will need a valid passport, recent passport photo, proof of accommodation, and travel insurance.
• You must show a return ticket and proof of enough funds to support your stay.
• Each country will keep its own security and entry checks.
• The visa will be for tourism and short visits only.

Before applying, travelers should check the latest rules from the official GCC website or tourism offices once they go live.

Key Figures to Consider

• In early 2025, the UAE welcomed 7.15 million international visitors, a 7 percent increase from 2024.
• Saudi Arabia recorded 30 million inbound visitors in 2024 and expects 70 million international tourists by 2030.

Analysts expect the unified visa to strengthen Gulf economies and lift overall tourism revenues in the coming years.

Bigger Picture

This visa is more than a travel plan. It is a symbol of Gulf unity and progress. It will make it easier for people to move, invest, and connect across borders. 

It also fits perfectly with the Gulf’s wider economic goals. Countries are diversifying beyond oil and building new industries in tourism, culture, and investment.

For Dubai, this moment marks a major step toward becoming a true global gateway. The city will remain the starting point for most visitors and a central hub for trade and travel. 

Investors who understand this shift will see clear opportunities. More people, more movement, and more connections mean more business for everyone.

Final Thoughts

The Schengen-style Gulf Tourist Visa will change how people experience the Gulf. It will make travel smoother, encourage regional unity, and open new doors for investment.

For tourists, it means one visa for six beautiful countries. This marks the beginning of a new era for travel, tourism, and business in the Gulf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the Schengen Style Gulf Tourist Visa?
It is a single visa that lets travelers visit all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries using one permit.

Q2: When will it launch?
The pilot program will begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with full rollout expected in early 2026.

Q3: How long will it be valid?
The visa will likely allow stays of 30 to 90 days, depending on the traveler’s plans.

Q4: Who can apply for it?
Non-GCC nationals who want to visit the Gulf for tourism or family trips can apply when the system opens.

Q5: How does this affect investors in Dubai?
It will increase tourist arrivals, boost spending, and create new opportunities in Dubai’s real estate, retail, and service sectors.