Khalid Jasim Al Midfa of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority (SCTDA) said at the Arabian Travel Market that the system for implementing the unified GCC tourist visa will be operational by the end of 2024, facilitated by the collaboration of regional countries.

"By the end of this year, the whole system will be in place. (We) are working day and night and e-service is a vital part of it. We don't want to complicate things for people and also maintain the same security level. It will be a very good initiative and we will see a positive outcome for regional economies," said Al Midfa.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy in the United Arab Emirates, said the regional tourist visas would be called GCC Grand Tours. These visas will enable tourists to spend more than 30 days within the six countries comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). "This will make travel to our region more convenient and affordable for tourists."