At the Arabian Travel Market's opening day on Monday, UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri announced that visitors will be able to visit all six GCC states and stay in the region for more than 30 days with the new Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) unified Gulf tourist visa, which will be called the "GCC Grand Tours."

He said, “In a significant move aimed at simplifying travel logistics and fostering tourism, the Gulf Cooperation Council has given the green light to a unified tourist visa that will allow travellers to visit all six countries. Through the GCC Grand Tours, that we are working on and aiming to finish, will allow tourists to spend more than 30 days in the region.”

According to the Minister, this will make travel to the region more convenient and affordable for tourists. It will also increase activity and employment numbers in the region, explained the Minister.