Representative Image: Dubai city - amazing city center skyline and famous Jumeirah beach at sunset, United Arab EmiratesThe long-anticipated unified GCC tourist visa—often compared to Europe’s Schengen system—is moving closer to launch, with a pilot phase expected by the fourth quarter of 2025, according to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council.
Al Marri confirmed the development in remarks to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), describing the initiative as a “strategic step towards deeper regional integration” that will enhance the Gulf’s collective appeal as a single tourism destination.
Jassim Al-Budaiwi, GCC Secretary-General, had earlier confirmed the visa is in its final approval phase, with applications soon available via a digital platform
