Can a unified visa reshape regional tourism in the Gulf?

The move for a single GCC tourist visa works in accordance with growing efforts for regional integration and suggests increased appetite for collaboration across the Gulf states. 

Current estimates suggest that the visa could result in an increase of 26 billion USD in local spending by 2030, with 22 million additional tourist arrivals within the region. 

While each nation is in the process of executing their respective economic diversification plans, facilitating international tourism as a way to promote economic growth and sustainability is a win for all. 

This also provides significant opportunity for cross-border collaborations and regional approaches for companies within the hospitality and tourism sector.

A sub group that is particularly important to tap into is expats residing in the region, who may be encouraged to travel regionally rather than internationally as a result.

Business implications

Despite strong potential for economic growth across the Gulf, increased inbound traffic will not impact each Gulf country in the same way. 

The UAE stands to benefit the least: with Dubai leading regional travel with over 7 million overnight visitors in the first quarter of 2025, it is unclear whether a unified tourist visa will meaningfully impact current numbers besides boosting Abu Dhabi and Dubai as entry points for other destinations.

On the flip side, other places like Oman can benefit hugely. With a tourist offering that differs significantly from other destinations in the Gulf, Oman should leverage the visa’s introduction to boost its efforts to become a global hub for eco-tourism. 

Vision 2040 aims to attract 11 million tourists into Oman annually, with a strong focus on doing so by investing in cultural preservation and innovating offerings.

One such example is its introduction of Integrated Tourism Complexes, that combine residential and tourist-focused residential developments and allow foreigners to own property. 

The regional effectiveness of the unified tourist visa’s ability to meet each nation’s tourism goals will depend on how well it is complemented by investments in other areas including supporting infrastructure and transport.

National and regional branding

Some analysts have described the visa as being modelled after Europe’s Schengen visa.

However, the Schengen visa was a tool for unifying a common European identity based on shared values while also facilitating travel to countries with wide ranging and varied tourist opportunities. 

To model its success, GCC states will need to be clearer on the global stage about where the parameters between their similarities and differences lie.

While projecting a united front through efforts including a unified visa serves to further Gulf states’ goals, this will need to be supplemented by strong national branding efforts. 

This is particularly relevant in the case of Kuwait, which is less competitive as a tourist destination compared to neighbouring Gulf countries.

Strengthening Kuwait's global brand through investment in marketing, while also capitalising off existing events in the GCC’s calendar (including international sporting events, conferences, and religious pilgrims) can effectively encourage longer, multi-destination stays. 

What comes next

In the long-term, piloting a unified tourism visa is likely to become a precursor for other similar initiatives.

Particularly important is a unified business visa that would contribute to each Gulf state’s economies in more diversified ways, while also boosting trips that combine business and leisure.

As the need for foreign direct investment intensifies across the Gulf, pushing for reforms that create an enabling environment for business can impact individual GCC states more meaningfully.

Another desirable outcome will be using a regional tourism visa as a bargaining chip when securing visa free travel for Gulf citizens. Negotiations for a visa waiver for GCC nationals traveling to the Schengen area are currently underway.