Watan – Dr. Sa’eed bin Sultan Al-Mashrafi, Assistant Director-General for Projects and Product Development at Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, announced the preliminary approval of a unified Gulf tourist visa. He expects an official proclamation soon.
He made this announcement during promotional workshops in Kuwait that the Omani Ministry organized. Through these workshops, the Ministry seeks to showcase Oman’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential to the wider Gulf market.
These workshops will run in four key Gulf states – Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE – until October 5th.
Speaking to “Al-Wisal” radio, Al-Mashrafi emphasized the shared vision of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. Together, they aim to craft a comprehensive Gulf tourism strategy for 2023-2030.
The unified Gulf tourist visa stands as a key component of this strategy. Al-Mashrafi mentioned that they have set its framework and are now consulting with relevant GCC authorities for a smooth rollout.
He believes this visa will revolutionize Gulf tourism and will soon unveil its benefits and broader objectives.
Choosing Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar (The Green Mountain) for discussions highlights its role in sustainable and adventure tourism. Al-Mashrafi also spoke about a recent promotional event on World Tourism Day, underlining Oman’s drive to emerge as a top destination for adventure tourism.
Importantly, the unified visa system will make travel even easier for GCC residents, building on the existing travel freedoms for GCC citizens.
The idea for a unified Gulf tourist visa first came up in October 2015. While planners initially targeted a 2016 launch, they faced some delays. Its resurgence, especially during Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup, showcases the Gulf’s dedication to regional unity and collaboration.