Schengen-Style Unified GCC Visa to Launch Pilot Phase in 2025

The much-awaited GCC Grand Tours Visa is set to launch a pilot phase in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to an article published by the United Arab Emirates’ Al-Ittihad newspaper. 

Released on July 21, 2025, the article features an interview with the UAE’s Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri. Minister Abdullah notes that the Unified GCC Tourist Visa is a pivotal step towards boosting tourism integration among the GCC countries. He also highlights that its implementation will enhance the region’s attractiveness as a tourism destination. 

The Tourism and Economy Minister revealed that the pilot run of the Unified GCC Visa will be launched in the last quarter of the year, ahead of its full implementation. 

Elaborating on the importance of the tourism sector to the UAE’s economy, Minister Abdullah shared that tourism contributes to 13% of the UAE’s gross domestic product (GDP) and is expected to grow to 17% in the coming years.  

The rise of tourism in the UAE is evidenced by the dramatic 9.5% increase in the number of hotel guests, from 28.08 million in 2023 to 30.75 million in 2024. He expects the figure to hit 33 million and for hotel revenue to increase by 7% in 2025. 

The volume of investments in the tourism sector has also been on the rise, from AED 28.8 billion in 2023 to AED 32.2 billion in 2024. Minister Abdullah projects that this figure will reach AED 35.2 billion in 2025.