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Explore 6 GCC countries with a single visa: Schengen-style travel coming to the Gulf soon

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Imagine exploring all six Gulf countries with a single visa, no separate applications, no extra fees, just seamless travel. This vision is becoming a reality with the GCC Grand Tourist Visa, also known as the GCC Unified Tourist Visa, set to enter its pilot phase in 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.

The visa will simplify travel across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, offering a Schengen-style experience tailored for the Gulf.

Who Can Apply?
Residents holding a valid residency permit from any GCC country, with a passport valid for at least six months, will be eligible. Applicants must have no entry bans or watchlist restrictions in any member state. The digital application process is expected to streamline approvals, with processing times of 3–7 days.

Visa Validity & Fees
Though official details are pending, reports suggest the visa will allow 30–90 days of travel, with options for single-country or six-country access. Fees are estimated between Dh330–480, making it an accessible option for tourists and short-term visitors.

Why It Matters for Tourism & Economy
The GCC Grand Tourist Visa is more than a travel convenience; it’s a strategic step for regional integration. Industry experts predict it will:

  • Boost multi-country tourism, attracting longer stays and higher spending.
  • Generate thousands of jobs across hotels, transport, tours, F&B, and retail.
  • Support religious tourism, allowing pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia to extend their trips to other Gulf nations.
  • Simplify procedures by replacing multiple visa applications with a single permit.

With 3.3 million GCC nationals visiting the UAE in 2024 alone, including 1.9 million from Saudi Arabia, the visa is expected to drive record visitor numbers and strengthen the Gulf as a unified tourism destination.

Looking Ahead
The pilot phase will precede full rollout, with details on fees, duration, participating entry points, and application procedures to follow. For travellers, the GCC Unified Tourist Visa promises a seamless multi-country experience, while supporting economic growth and deepening cooperation across the Gulf.

Key Takeaways:

  • Single visa for UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
  • Validity: 30–90 days; estimated fee: Dh330–480.
  • Digital applications with faster approvals (3–7 days).
  • Boosts tourism, religious travel, and regional job opportunities.
  • Inspired by Europe’s Schengen system, simplifying Gulf travel.
  • Offers job seekers opportunities to explore Gulf companies.

The GCC Grand Tourist Visa is set to transform travel in the region, making it easier than ever to explore the Gulf’s rich culture, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Dh1,000 fine and 4 black points: Dubai Police issue warning on sudden swerving

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Dubai Police have issued a renewed and stern warning to motorists regarding the dangers of sudden swerving, labelling the manoeuvre as a primary catalyst for fatalities and severe collisions on the emirate’s high-speed roads.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, highlighted that while missing an exit or attempting a quick overtake may seem minor, the resulting “side-impact collisions, loss of vehicle control, and rollovers” are often life-altering.

The split-second danger

Recent monitoring by Dubai Police has recorded a surge in incidents where drivers changed lanes without indicators or ensured the road was clear. On high-speed corridors, these actions leave zero reaction time for surrounding motorists.

“Arriving late is far better than not arriving at all,” said Major General Al Mazrouei. “Missing an exit never justifies putting lives at risk. We urge the public to remain calm, use indicators correctly, and avoid impulsive decisions behind the wheel.”

The cost of a sudden turn

To deter risky behaviour, Dubai Police reminded the public of the strict penalties under Article 29 of the Federal Traffic Law. Motorists caught swerving suddenly face:

  • A Dh1,000 fine.
  • Four black points added to their traffic file.

Community vigilance: We are all police

Road safety is a shared responsibility. The public is encouraged to report dangerous driving behaviour via the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app or by using the “We Are All Police” service by calling 901.

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The Philippines guarantees unemployment cash benefits for Middle East overseas workers amid regional crisis

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As a 14-day ceasefire brings a temporary lull to regional conflict, the Social Security System (SSS) of the Philippines has issued a major reassurance to its 540,000+ active paying OFW members across the Middle East. SSS President Robert Joseph de Claro confirmed today that digital infrastructure remains fully operational, ensuring that displaced workers can access critical “Unemployment Benefits” and pension services regardless of the security situation on the ground.

Who qualifies?

With over 4,300 Filipinos already repatriated as of April 6, the SSS “Unemployment Benefit” serves as a vital bridge for those involuntarily separated from their jobs. To qualify, OFW members must meet the following:

  • Age: 60 years old or below.
  • Contributions: At least 36 monthly contributions, with 12 months paid within the 18 months immediately preceding the job loss.
  • Certification: Involuntary separation must be certified by the DMW (formerly POEA).
  • Timeline: Applications must be submitted via the My.SSS portal within one year of separation.

Recognising the difficulty of physical travel during the current conflict, SSS has launched a breakthrough Facial Authentication with Liveness Check for its pensioners. This allows retirees in the Middle East to complete their Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) via smartphone, eliminating the need to visit embassies or consulates.

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Heading to Abu Dhabi this weekend? What motorists need to know about road closures 

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Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced a series of temporary traffic modifications and partial road closures affecting major arteries in the capital starting today, Friday, April 10, through Monday, April 13, 2026.

The scheduled works will impact Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20), key routes connecting Khalifa City and Zayed City. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and plan for potential delays.

The closure schedule:

To minimise weekday disruption, the closures are concentrated over the weekend:

  • Friday, April 10 (2pm – Monday, April 13 (5am): The right lane on Al Fursan Street heading towards Abu Dhabi will be closed. Traffic flow will be maintained on the remaining open lanes.
  • Saturday, April 11 (12am) – Sunday, April 12 (11pm): A full closure of entry and exit points on Al Fursan Street will be in effect.

Guidance for motorists

Abu Dhabi Mobility has implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan. While diversions will be clearly marked with directional signage, authorities recommend the following:

  • Plan in advance: Use navigation apps to check for real-time congestion before departing.
  • Alternative routes: Utilise surrounding roads, including the main Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20) corridor, to bypass the affected zones.
  • Safety first: Adhere to posted speed limits within diversion zones to ensure the safety of road crews and fellow drivers.

These measures are part of ongoing scheduled works designed to improve the capital’s infrastructure and long-term traffic efficiency.

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