Unified GCC tourist visa: System will be in place by end of 2024, UAE official says

The GCC unified tourist visa system is set to be implemented by the end of the year, according to Khalid Jasim Al Midfa of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority (SCTDA). Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market, Al Midfa emphasized the importance of an efficient e-service system to simplify procedures while maintaining security standards. He expressed optimism about the positive impact of this initiative on regional economies.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, also highlighted efforts with GCC partners to launch the unified visa, aiming to showcase the diverse tourism offerings of GCC countries. Al Marri believes this move will attract more tourists and position the region as a leading destination.

Al Midfa mentioned collaborations with large tourist operators and companies to offer comprehensive regional packages. Talks with hotels and airlines are underway to establish partnerships, facilitating business opportunities in the tourism sector.

Once the GCC single tourist visa is implemented, combined packages from companies and tourist operators are expected to follow automatically. The focus is on extending visitors' stays in the UAE and across the GCC, aligning major events to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Private sectors will introduce leisure and business travel packages post-launch of the single tourist visa, promoting seamless travel experiences across the region. Bahrain is also working on integrated regional packages, collaborating with Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries to promote the entire region as a unified destination.

1. What is the GCC unified tourist visa system?

   • The GCC unified tourist visa system is a collaborative effort among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to implement a single tourist visa for the region.

2. Who mentioned that the system will be launched by the end of the year?

   • Khalid Jasim Al Midfa of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority (SCTDA) mentioned that the GCC unified tourist visa system will be launched by the end of the year.

3. What event was Khalid Jasim Al Midfa speaking at?

   • Khalid Jasim Al Midfa was speaking at the Arabian Travel Market.

4. What is the goal of implementing the GCC unified tourist visa?

   • The goal is to simplify visa procedures for tourists while maintaining security levels and promoting tourism across the GCC countries.

5. Who emphasized the importance of e-service as part of the visa system?

   • Khalid Jasim Al Midfa emphasized the importance of e-service as part of the visa system.

6. What did Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri say about the GCC unified tourist visa?

   • Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri mentioned efforts with GCC partners to launch the unified visa and its potential to attract more tourists to the region.

7. How will the unified tourist visa benefit regional economies?

   • It will contribute to highlighting diverse tourism destinations, attracting more tourists, increasing hotel guests, and boosting the regional economy.

8. What type of packages are being planned for tourists?

   • Comprehensive regional packages that cover multiple GCC countries are being planned for tourists.

9. Who is involved in discussions to create partnerships with hotels and airlines?

   • Khalid Jasim Al Midfa mentioned that discussions are underway with hotels and airlines to create partnerships.

10. What is the role of the private sector in rolling out combined packages?

    • The private sector will play a role in rolling out combined leisure and business travel packages once the single tourist visa is launched.

11. How does Bahrain plan to promote regional tourism?

    • Bahrain is working on integrated regional packages and collaborations with other GCC countries to promote the entire region as a unified tourist destination.

12. What is the significance of aligning major events in the GCC?

    • Aligning major events ensures there are no scheduling conflicts and enhances the overall tourism experience for visitors.

13. What organization's headquarters are based in Dubai?

    • The International Cricket Council's headquarters are based in Dubai.

14. How many hospitals are there in Dubai, and what are their types?

    • Dubai has 28 hospitals, comprising 6 public and 22 private institutions.

15. When did Dubai implement mandatory health insurance?

    • Dubai implemented mandatory health insurance in 2015.

16. What are the names of some prominent Dubai newspapers?

    • Some prominent Dubai newspapers include Dar Al Khaleej, Al Bayan, Gulf News, and Khaleej Times.

17. What are some major events in Dubai's sports calendar?

    • Major events in Dubai's sports calendar include the Dubai Tennis Championships, Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, and the Dubai World Cup horse racing spectacle.

18. What are some traditional Emirati attire mentioned?

    • Traditional Emirati attire includes the "abaya" for women and the "kandurah" or "dishdasha" for men.

19. How many public schools does the Ministry of Education oversee in Dubai?

    • The Ministry of Education oversees 79 public schools in Dubai.

20. What is the role of Dubai's education regulator, KHDA?

    • KHDA plays a pivotal role in enhancing school quality through inspections and ratings, with several schools rated Outstanding or Very Good.

Source : Khaleej Times