Page 631 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 ( Part 2)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are also working on a GCC Grand Tours Visa project
which will allow foreign tourists to explore all the regional countries on a single visa – similar to a
Schengen visa.
However, it is not clear whether the UAE will link the 14-day tourism itineraries with a new visa
dedicated to these tourists under the “UAE Grand Tours” project.

Under the project, there will be year-round promotion, particularly in international tourism markets.

“We, at the Emirates Tourism Council, work in cooperation with our partners in the public and
private sectors, and we are keen to develop the national tourism system through strategic initiatives
and innovative projects,” said Al Marri.

Al Marri said the UAE has prioritised this sector in sustainable development plans and adopted
advanced policies and strategies.

The UAE’s tourism sector performed well in 2024 as hotel revenues grew 3 per cent and occupancy
hit 78 per cent, placing it among the highest regionally and globally. Hotel guests grew 9.5 per cent
year-on-year in 2024 with the entry of 16 new hotels into service.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-grand-tours-discuss-14-day-tourism-itinerary-for-7-
emirates