14 July 2025

The Upcoming GCC Unified Tourist Visa: A Game-Changer for Travel and Investment

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A major transformation is coming to the Gulf region — the soon-to-be-launched GCC Unified Tourist Visa, officially named GCC Grand Tours. This new visa will allow residents and visitors to move freely between six countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

What Does the GCC Grand Tours Visa Offer?

  1. Seamless travel across six GCC nations

  2. Simplified application process

  3. Lower costs compared to applying for individual visas

  4. Expected validity of 30 to 90 days

  5. Likely options for single-country or multi-country access

Who Will Be Eligible?

While official requirements haven’t been published yet, UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, hinted that the visa will cover both citizens and residents of GCC countries, not just nationals. That means your Emirates ID might soon unlock six countries — not just one.

Current Challenges for UAE Residents

Today, non-citizen UAE residents face different visa requirements for each GCC country. For example:

  1. Saudi Arabia: visa required for residents

  2. Oman: only accessible for certain professions without sponsorship

  3. Bahrain and Kuwait: require eVisas or visas on arrival

  4. Qatar: entry rules vary by nationality

This fragmented system is expected to be replaced by a much more unified and efficient process.

How Is the UAE Preparing for the Surge in Tourism?

The UAE is already ahead of the curve. As part of the visa rollout, the country is developing:

  1. A connected tourist route across all seven emirates

  2. Etihad Rail — a new passenger train linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai

  3. Improved highways and travel infrastructure

Boosting Regional Tourism and Real Estate

The visa aims to grow the entire Gulf’s tourism economy, and that means more demand for vacation rentals, serviced apartments, and short-term stays — especially in Dubai.

For investors, this is a key moment. The increase in regional mobility will directly impact real estate returns in tourism hotspots.

Capitalize on the Opportunity with SPI Dubai

At SPI Dubai, we believe the GCC Unified Visa will redefine travel, tourism, and real estate investment across the region.

Looking to invest in a high-demand property ideal for short-term rentals? Want to tap into the rising tourist flow from six GCC countries?

📩 Reach out to our team at SPI Dubai — we’ll help you find and invest in the best real estate opportunities in the UAE.