GCC

Subterms

    Latest story

    125 Shares

    Major milestone: Official approval granted for common GCC tourism visa

    by

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    1 hour ago

    In a groundbreaking move, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have given the green light to a revolutionary GCC tourism visa, reminiscent of the Schengen model.
    This momentous decision was announced by Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, during a gathering of regional interior ministers at the GCC summit in Muscat, Oman, on November 8.
    Emphasizing the significance of this new visa, the Secretary General hailed it as a remarkable achievement for the region. He also stressed the need for the timely implementation of the GCC tourist visa within a specific timeframe.
    A recent statement by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, indicated that the unified tourism visa could become a reality by 2025. The minister explained that the rollout would be contingent upon the development of specific regulations and legislation. If all internal systems of the participating countries are prepared, the launch is anticipated between 2024 and 2025.

    | “أقرَّ أصحاب المعالي والسمو مواضيع هامة أبرزها:١- التأشيرة السياحية الخليجية الموحدة.٢- ربط المخالفات المرورية إلكترونيًا بين دول المجلس.٣- إعداد استراتيجية شاملة لمكافحة المخدرات.”
    |بيان الأمين العام معالي جاسم البديوي عقب الاجتماع الـ40 لأصحاب السمو والمعالي وزراء… pic.twitter.com/zo8OFXAs03
    — Hala FM | هلا أف أم (@Halafmradio) November 8, 2023

    The introduction of a GCC common tourism visa is set to revolutionize travel in the region. Once operational, visitors can utilize a single tourism visa to explore all six GCC states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
    This visionary initiative aligns with the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, aiming to boost the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP by fostering increased inter-GCC travel and raising hotel occupancy rates. The ultimate goal is to position the GCC as a premier global destination for both regional and international tourists, as articulated by the UAE Minister.
    The UAE’s Minister of Economy highlighted that this tourism visa is not only a simplification of travel logistics but also a catalyst for an upsurge in tourism across the region.
    This strategic move is poised to make regional travel more accessible and attractive within the next two years.
    For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: Feature Image: @visitdubai More

    More stories

    • 125 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      GCC nations set to unveil unified tourist visa by 2024-25

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      3 hours ago

      In a significant development for tourism in the GCC region, the UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al-Marri, has disclosed plans to introduce a unified Gulf tourist visa within the next two years. This visa will grant travelers access to all six GCC countries.
      The decision to launch this unified visa was unanimously agreed upon during the seventh meeting of GCC tourism ministers, which took place in Oman earlier this month. While the specifics and legislation for this initiative are yet to be finalized, the expected implementation timeframe is set between 2024 and 2025, contingent on the readiness of each GCC member state’s internal systems.
      Minister Al-Marri has also revealed that the UAE is gearing up to welcome international tourists in the wake of the unified visa’s introduction. Simultaneously, the UAE is diligently crafting a tourism route connecting its seven emirates.

      #GCC unified tourist visa to be introduced between 2024 and 2025: Al Marri tells WAM #WamNews https://t.co/K43AJqU080 pic.twitter.com/BYeSCKX3je
      — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) October 23, 2023

      Emphasizing the broader vision, Minister Al-Marri told Emirates News Agency (WAM), “This initiative is an integral component of the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, aimed at increasing the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP by fostering inter-GCC travel and bolstering hotel occupancy rates, thereby positioning the GCC as a premier global destination for both regional and international tourists.”
      Currently, the tourism sector contributes 14 percent to the UAE’s GDP, and the goal is to elevate this figure to 18 percent, aligning with the nation’s strategic tourism objectives.
      Furthermore, the GCC countries’ joint tourism strategy for the period 2023-2030 targets an annual increase of 7 percent in inbound travel to the region. Notably, the number of visitors to GCC countries surged to 39.8 million in the previous year, marking a remarkable 136.6 percent increase over 2021.
      With a single visa, tourists will gain the opportunity to explore the six-member Gulf bloc, which includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. According to Minister Al-Marri, the visa is on track for implementation in 2024 or 2025, pending the finalization of regulations and procedures.
      This forward-looking step mirrors the aspirations of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s 2030 strategy, which seeks to heighten the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram: Feature Image: @visitdubai More

    • 138 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      All you need to know about the first-ever Riyadh Fashion Week

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      3 hours ago

      The heart of the Saudi capital is set to come alive from October 20 to 23, as the first-ever Riyadh Fashion Week makes its debut.
      This four-day event promises a captivating blend of style and spectacle that’s bound to captivate fashion enthusiasts.
      With a carefully curated lineup featuring 16 runway shows, this event invites attendees to embark on a journey that delves into the burgeoning fashion identity of Saudi Arabia.

      Featuring over 30 designers presenting their collections from October 21 to 23, this ambitious endeavour aims to foster the vibrant local fashion scene and industry. It pledges to focus exclusively on local talent, setting it apart from many emerging style capitals.
      Notable designers, such as Yousef Akbar, Atelier Hekayat, Adnan Akbar, Tima Abid and many more will be part of this exciting showcase.
      Riyadh Fashion Week is hosted by the Saudi Fashion Commission, with a vision to expedite the growth of to local creatives and their sustainable craftsmanship.
      “Riyadh Fashion Week is the next step in our efforts to nurture the local fashion sector, led by emerging Saudi talents,” says Burak Çakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram: Feature Image: riyadhfashionweek More

    • 138 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Saudi Arabia visa on arrival: Which nationalities are eligible for it?

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      5 mins ago

      Saudi Arabia has introduced a significant change to Umrah visas, now offering visa on arrival to citizens from twelve additional countries.
      Effective from August 20, 2023, travelers from nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, various European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, Brunei, and China can obtain Umrah visas upon reaching the kingdom.
      This new system permits entry through air, sea, or land ports, enabling a 90-day stay in Saudi Arabia. These visas not only facilitate spiritual journeys but also promote family connections and tourism experiences.

      أداء العمرة عبر التأشيرة عند الوصول، للعديد من دول العالم. #في_القلب_يا_مكة pic.twitter.com/b6PaN2NiTz
      — وزارة الحج والعمرة (@HajMinistry) August 18, 2023

      This update allows travellers to explore the Kingdom and it’s rich heritage. To take advantage of this opportunity, eligible visitors must pay a $117 visa fee, which includes health insurance coverage. Those interested in applying for a visa on arrival can easily navigate the process on Saudi Arabia’s official eVisa website.
      What is Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage?

      Umrah, also referred to as the ‘lesser pilgrimage’ or ‘minor pilgrimage’, entails a visit to the Holy Ka’aba, the Sacred Home of God. This sacred practice is open to Muslims throughout the year. In Islamic terms, Umrah involves performing Tawaf around the Holy Ka’aba and Sa’i between the hills of Safa and Marwah while in a state of Ihram, signifying a sacred commitment.
      The core purpose of undertaking Umrah is to establish a connection with Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala – Glory to Him, the exalted), attain His pleasure, and reap the abundant rewards tied to this act of devotion. Through this spiritual journey, individuals cleanse their body, heart, soul, and mind from their past transgressions.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Feature Image: @visitsaudi More

    • 150 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      New Schengen-style visa for GCC countries will ease travel across the region

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      31 mins ago

      The Schengen-style approach will allow travellers to roam across all GCC countries in a hassle-free manner.
      Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. After this change is implemented, tourists from across the globe can plan a trip to all these countries without worrying about multiple visas.

      The important announcement came under light at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Bahrain said,”We see that happening very soon because we see people flying from abroad to Europe usually spending their time in several countries rather than in one country. We really saw the value this can bring not to each country but all of us.”
      Pointing to last year’s FIFA World Cup as a successful “test pilot” in terms of GCC collaboration, she further added, “We have huge opportunity, the effort is in how to unify all the countries in the GCC. We had 9.9 million visitors in 2022. How? There was one key initiative that year, we started to co-promote Bahrain as a unified destination with the GCC.

      With tourism becoming a major money-making arm across GCC, this initiative will further accelerate the revenue that travellers bring in.
      While there is yet to be an announcement about the offical implementation and the timeline, but so far, this unified effort feels like a step in the right direction.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

    • 113 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Saudi Arabia announces major visa update for GCC residents

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Varun Godinho
      2 hours ago

      With tourism increasing in Saudi Arabia, the latest regulations allow GCC residents to travel with ease into the country.
      Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has announced a new visa scheme that will be applicable to residents of GCC states, the US, the EU and the UK.
      The new visas which include single, as well as multiple-entry options will be valid for both tourism and performing Umrah within Makkah. The visa price starts at SAR300 (Dhs293), with an additional component payable for health insurance.
      As per the latest regulations, the ministry added that residents of the UK, us and EU shall be able to apply for a visa on arrival in the Kingdom.
      UK, US and EU residents who hold a passport with at least six months of validity can get their visa on arrival, while GCC residents are required to apply for an eVisa online.
      “The facilitation of a tourist visa for millions of GCC residents and the visa on arrival extension supports our ambition to welcome 100 million visitors a year by 2030, to the world’s biggest new leisure tourism destination. This is not just an announcement, it is an invitation and we are making it easier than ever for visitors to explore thousands of years of history and culture, unmatched natural landscapes, and a thriving entertainment sector,” said Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority.
      The ministry said that residents of GCC states, there are five other GCC member countries apart from Saudi which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE that can now apply for an electronic tourist visa (eVisa) to enter Saudi.

      In another significant development with regard to its visa offerings, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced the introduction of a new multi-entry visit visa to the kingdom for all those who possess a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Hayya card. Holders of the Hayya card can apply for the new Saudi visa online. Visas will allow for a 60-day stay in Saudi beginning 10 days before the tournament kicks off.
      Additionally, Saudi tourism eVisas are available to citizens of 49 countries. To read the full list and apply for the visa online go to visitsaudi.com
      This article was originally published on Business Traveller Middle East and has been repurposed here with permission.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Emirates Woman March Cover Shoot 2022  with Neom More