GCC Grand Tours Visa pilot set for Q4 2025: UAE Tourism Minister

UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, who sees that the GCC unified tourist visa represents a strategic step toward bolstering tourism integration among the GCC countries

The UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said the pilot launch of the GCC Grand Tours Visa is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, with full implementation to follow later, state news agency WAM reported.

He added that the initiative is part of a joint Gulf vision to develop the tourism sector and raise its contribution to the GDP of GCC economies.

Al Marri said the unified tourist visa represents a strategic step toward enhancing tourism integration among GCC countries. It will mark a qualitative leap for the tourism sector at both the GCC and regional levels, showcasing the diverse tourism assets of each member state and boosting the Gulf’s appeal as a unified regional destination.

According to Argaam data, the GCC Supreme Council approved the GCC Grand Tours Visa in 2023, aiming to facilitate the movement of tourists and visitors between member states.