Pack your bags, jet-setters. The Gulf is about to become your next ultimate multi-stop getaway, no extra paperwork needed.  A UAE minister has officially confirmed that a Schengen-style unified tourist visa for all six GCC countries is finally happening.

“The single GCC visa has been approved and should be rolled out soon,” revealed UAE’s Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri at a press event.

That means with one visa, you’ll be able to hop between Dubai’s skyscrapers, Oman’s mountains, Qatar’s museums, Bahrain’s beaches, Saudi Arabia’s mega projects, and Kuwait’s culture scene, all in a single trip.

Say Hello to the GCC Grand Tours Visa!

Nicknamed the “GCC Grand Tours Visa”, the new system is being compared to Europe’s Schengen visa, and yes, it’s that big of a deal.

Forget applying separately for each country. This new visa will give you free rein across the Gulf, making travel cheaper, faster, and way more fun.

Work Hard, Play Harder

Experts say the visa could spark a leisure boom, where business travellers stay longer to explore the region. Think quick meetings in Riyadh, followed by a weekend in Dubai or Muscat.

Plus, it’s expected to supercharge:

• Tourism across all six countries
• Job creation in hotels and travel
• Billions in tourism spending
• New resorts and attractions on the way!

Gulf Tourism Is Already on Fire

The Gulf isn’t just bouncing back from the pandemic — it’s booming:

• 68.1 million visitors in 2023
• $110.4 billion in tourism revenue
• 42.8% increase in arrivals vs pre-Covid

In the UAE, tourism supported 833,000 jobs in 2022, and this number is expected to reach 1 million by 2030.

Dubai’s Still the Star of the Show

Dubai is leading the regional tourism charge with 7.15 million visitors in just the first four months of 2025, up 7% from last year. And once the unified visa kicks in, expect those numbers to skyrocket.

When Can You Use the Visa?

While there’s no official launch date yet, the visa has cleared its biggest hurdle, government approval. It’s now in the hands of the Ministry of Interior and key stakeholders.

As regional airspace disruptions affect flight paths across the Middle East, the UAE has swiftly activated an emergency operations plan to keep airport services running smoothly and ensure traveller safety.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed it has increased staffing across all UAE airports, deploying qualified teams around the clock. These efforts are part of a coordinated response to recent airspace closures in neighbouring countries that have forced airlines to reroute flights.

To minimise disruption, the ICP is working closely with strategic partners and airport operators to fast-track procedures, provide real-time updates to passengers, and ensure immigration and customs processes continue seamlessly.

Authorities have also rolled out support services for delayed travellers, including logistics assistance and access to information desks.

“The safety and service experience of passengers remain our top priority,” the ICP said in a statement, urging travellers to stay updated through official channels.

The UAE’s swift action underlines its commitment to operational readiness and reinforces its reputation as a global travel and logistics hub, even in the face of unexpected regional challenges.

Commuters using Emirates Road are experiencing increased congestion as Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) undertakes a major infrastructure upgrade. The project includes road widening, interchange upgrades, and the installation of smart traffic systems across key parts of the city.

Traffic diversions are currently active in the Sharjah-bound direction of Emirates Road, specifically between the Dubai–Al Ain Road interchange and the Ras Al Khor–Al Awir Road interchange. These closures, which began on June 9, will last until August 30, 2025.

The RTA has deployed traffic management systems, road signage, and safety measures to help motorists navigate the affected areas. However, delays are expected during peak hours, especially in the morning and evening commutes.

As part of the broader campaign to modernise Dubai’s road network, the upgrades aim to increase capacity, reduce travel time, and enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians. The project also includes improvements to pedestrian crossings and connectivity with public transport.

The RTA encourages commuters to use alternative routes or opt for public transport, including the Dubai Metro and intercity bus services, to help ease pressure on affected roads.

Live traffic updates and route suggestions are available on the RTA app, website, and social media platforms.