Around 75 million tourists visited Gulf countries in 2025: GCC chiefIn 2025, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reported welcoming around 75 million tourists, marking a 4.3% annual increase. Tourism spending reached $180 billion, significantly higher than $87 billion in 2020. The GCC also saw over 20 million entry-level tourists, a 3.6% rise from the previous year. The sector contributed $254 billion to the GCC economy, representing 11.4% of GDP, surpassing the global average of 10.3%. Jasem AlBudaiwi, GCC Secretary-General, highlighted efforts to create an interconnected tourism investment ecosystem across aviation, infrastructure, hospitality, technology, and entertainment. He emphasized the importance of coordination, citing successful responses to recent travel disruptions through collaborative initiatives like the Air Traffic Management Emergency Coordination Team.
Bias read (Center): The article presents data and statements from the GCC Secretary-General regarding tourism growth and economic contributions without overtly favoring any political ideology. While the topic involves government-led economic development, the framing remains neutral, focusing on factual reports and the閣
One visa for 6 Gulf countries: GCC chief says scheme will launch 'soon'The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to introduce a unified tourist visa that would allow travelers to visit all six member states, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, with a single permit, akin to the Schengen visa model. Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi announced this during a security and history dialogue in Riyadh, though he did not provide specific details such as launch dates, costs, or application processes. The visa was approved by GCC tourism ministers in October 2023 and interior ministers in November 2023, with implementation progressing through various stages. Earlier reports indicated that the UAE's Minister of Economy had confirmed approval in June 2025, but no final timeline has been released. The initiative aims to enhance regional integration and position the Gulf as a unified tourism destination. Albudaiwi also highlighted related efforts like the UAE-Bahrain 'One-Point Air Travellers' project, which allows streamlined border crossings for GCC citizens.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual updates on a planned GCC initiative without overtly favoring any political ideology. It provides balanced reporting on the progress of the visa program and related infrastructure projects, citing official approvals and statements without emphasizing ideological stances.
AE
