Saudi Arabia Benefits Most as the GCC Unified Visa to Launch Soon

The much-anticipated GCC unified tourist visa is scheduled for a trial launch at the end of this year, with complete implementation expected soon after. The proposal for a unified visa was first made in 2023 and formally approved later that year. According to GCC Secretary General Jassem Al-Budaiwi, the initiative is now close to completion. 

While all six nations are expected to benefit, analysts say Saudi Arabia stands to gain the most from the rollout.

The Kingdom is already a top destination for religious tourism and welcomes millions for Hajj and Umrah every year. The new visa could extend the length of stay for these visitors and promote travel to heritage and leisure sites like AlUla, Diriyah, and the future city of Neom. 

Experts believe that airports in Riyadh and Jeddah could serve as key stopover points and give travelers a chance to explore Saudi attractions before continuing to other Gulf countries.

Saudi Arabia has made tourism a national priority under its Vision 2030 agenda. Major projects like the Red Sea resorts, Qiddiya, and Trojena are being developed to increase international appeal.

Events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah and the multi-month Riyadh Season are helping to build a year-round tourism calendar. According to analysts, these investments give Saudi Arabia a clear edge in attracting regional and global visitors.

Ongoing infrastructure projects support this ambition. King Salman International Airport is under construction and will eventually handle 120 million passengers annually. Riyadh Air is also expected to launch operations this year to add more capacity and connectivity. On the ground, the upcoming GCC Railway will link Gulf cities with Saudi Arabia’s domestic rail network.

Tourism data shows strong momentum. A recent UN Tourism report found that Saudi Arabia’s international arrivals in the first quarter of 2025 were up 102% from the same period in 2019. Experts expect this surge to drive new demand for hotels, transport, and cultural experiences. Tech-driven platforms offering curated tours and wellness packages are also likely to grow.

As the Gulf moves toward a shared visa system, Saudi Arabia’s religious significance, its ambitious projects, and expanding infrastructure are positioning it as a major gateway for a new era of integrated tourism and commerce across the Middle East.