Schengen-style GCC Unified Tourist Visa covering 6 Gulf nations approved, to roll out soon: Report
Abu Dhabi: The long-anticipated GCC unified tourist visa has reportedly been approved and will be rolled out shortly. It will allow foreign tourists to visit all six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council — the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait — under a single entry permit, in a move reminiscent of the Schengen visa system in Europe.
“The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and waiting now to be implemented, hopefully, soon. Now, it is with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant stakeholders and they should look into it,” Khaleej Times quoted Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, as saying.
The idea of a unified GCC tourist visa, also referred to as the "GCC Grand Tours Visa”, has been under discussion for few years, aimed at enhancing regional tourism by simplifying travel procedures. Once implemented, it will allow travellers to visit all six Gulf countries under a single visa, removing the current requirement of applying separately for each destination, despite the countries being well-connected by air and road.
Data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf, and cited by Khaleej Times, shows the region attracted 68.1 million visitors in 2023, generating a record-breaking $110.4 billion in tourism revenue. This marks a 42.8 percent increase in tourist arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Industry experts reportedly believe that the unified GCC tourist visa will be a game-changer for the regional tourism sector and the broader economy. They anticipate significant benefits, including increased job creation, enhanced gross domestic product (GDP), and a rise in "bleisure" travel — a growing trend where business travellers extend their trips to explore neighbouring destinations for leisure.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
