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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.

Announcements

Ajman to launch new Rental Dispute Resolution Centre under 2026 law

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Ajman has announced the establishment of a new Rental Dispute Resolution Centre, aimed at streamlining landlord-tenant disputes and strengthening stability in the emirate’s real estate sector.

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has issued Law No. (1) of 2026, formally creating the centre and replacing the existing rental disputes committee.

Clearer, Faster Rental Dispute Resolution

The new law introduces transparent and clearly defined mechanisms for reviewing and adjudicating rental disputes, with the objective of:

  • Protecting the rights of landlords and tenants
  • Enhancing confidence in Ajman’s property market
  • Supporting a stable and attractive investment environment

Jurisdiction and Scope

The specialised centre will have authority over all rental-related disputes between landlords and tenants, including:

  • Residential and commercial properties
  • Properties located within free zones

Cases will be handled using procedures aligned with recognised legal and judicial standards, ensuring fairness and consistency.

Boosting Market Stability

Officials said the new centre is designed to:

  • Speed up dispute resolution
  • Reduce litigation timelines
  • Ensure swift and effective justice

The move is expected to contribute to social and economic stability in Ajman’s leasing and real estate sector, while reinforcing investor confidence.






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Abu Dhabi updates traffic diversion rules, Darb tolls to boost road safety and efficiency

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The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has announced new amendments to Abu Dhabi’s traffic diversion regulations, aimed at improving traffic flow, safety and compliance at construction and roadwork sites across the emirate.

The updated framework strengthens oversight of traffic permits, enhances enforcement powers and introduces clearer procedures for emergency works.

Key Changes to Traffic Diversion Rules

Under the revised regulations:

  • Definitions related to traffic permits and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) have been updated to improve clarity
  • Traffic permits are non-transferable; any attempt to transfer a permit will render it invalid
  • Emergency works may proceed without prior permit approval, provided all road safety requirements are met
  • ITC must be notified before emergency work begins, and a formal permit application must be submitted within 24 hours if work exceeds 12 hours

Permit Suspension and Enforcement Powers

The amendments grant ITC expanded authority to:

  • Temporarily suspend issuing traffic permits based on site conditions or safety risks
  • Reject extension requests or cancel permits if requirements are not met
  • Take action against entities that exceed approved timelines or commit repeated administrative violations

The schedule of violations and fines has also been updated to reflect current standards, with conflicting older provisions officially repealed.

Training, Inspections and Compliance

ITC said the changes followed specialised workshops and training programmes for contractors, consultants and relevant stakeholders to ensure proper implementation of safety standards.

The Centre will continue inspection campaigns and field visits, with fines imposed on violators to:

  • Protect road users and workers
  • Maintain public safety
  • Safeguard road infrastructure

Changes to Abu Dhabi’s Darb Road Toll System

Separately, ITC (Abu Dhabi Mobility) confirmed updates to the Darb road toll system.

New Darb Toll Timings

  • Morning peak: 7am to 9am (unchanged)
  • Evening peak: 3pm to 7pm
  • Toll-free: Sundays and official public holidays

The Dh4 toll per gate crossing remains unchanged.

Removal of Toll Caps

The revised system removes:

  • Daily toll cap of Dh16
  • Monthly caps of Dh200, Dh150 and Dh100 for first, second and additional vehicles

Exemptions Remain

Existing exemptions continue for eligible groups, including:

  • People of Determination
  • Low-income families
  • Senior citizens and retirees

The Darb system is operated by Q Mobility, a subsidiary of ADQ, in coordination with relevant authorities.







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Entertainment

Dubai launches ‘Dubai+’ family streaming platform to boost digital media and creative economy

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Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new family-oriented digital media platform, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital media and the creative economy.

The approval came as Sheikh Ahmed chaired the Dubai Media Council’s first meeting of 2026 at Dubai Media, where members reviewed sector strategies and plans to strengthen content creation, innovation and local production capabilities.

What is Dubai+?

Dubai+ will offer a wide range of family-friendly content, bringing together:

  • Local and Emirati productions
  • Arab series and films
  • International entertainment

The platform reflects Dubai Media’s integrated digital ecosystem strategy, responding to shifting viewer habits and the growing demand for high-quality, on-demand digital content.

“We believe media is a strategic force that shapes awareness, supports development and builds trust,” Sheikh Ahmed said. 

Boosting Local Film and Content Production

The Council also reviewed plans to:

  • Enhance local production capabilities
  • Support cinema as a cultural and creative industry
  • Invest in programmes that drive creative and economic growth

Samr Al Marzooqi, Director of Films and Production at the Dubai Media Council, outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at showcasing Emirati and international talent while strengthening Dubai’s film sector.

Next Phase of Growth

Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said the next phase will focus on monitoring implementation and ensuring measurable outcomes across the sector.

Secretary General Nehal Badri added that priorities include encouraging private sector participation, accelerating content development, and investing in talent, advanced production technologies and future-ready capabilities.








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