“The Gulf region witnessed the arrival of 43 million tourists in 2022, achieving the targeted average of 40-50 million tourists with the implementation of the unified Gulf tourist visa approved by the Gulf Cooperation Council. Saudi Arabia stands out as the most attractive Arab destination, hosting approximately 18 million visitors since the beginning of 2022, according to statistics published by the World Tourism Organization. This initiative follows the directive from the GCC Supreme Council to implement the unified Gulf tourist visa and authorize interior ministers to take necessary actions.”
“The statistical breakdown reveals that the UAE welcomed 14.8 million tourists, Bahrain hosted 4.3 million, Qatar received 2.9 million, Oman saw 2.3 million, and Kuwait welcomed 203,000 tourists. The Schengen Agreement contributes significantly to facilitating the movement of tourists and visitors among GCC countries, enhancing the role of tourism as an economic growth driver and opening new investment opportunities in the tourism sector for all member states.