UAE Joins Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain to Transform Regional Travel with a New Travel System to Boost Tourism and Revenue Across the Middle East From This Year: Everything You Need to Know

Published on February 5, 2026

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In 2026, UAE joins Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain in transforming regional travel with a new travel system aimed at boosting tourism and revenue across the Middle East. This initiative is centered around the GCC Grand Tours visa, which streamlines travel across these countries by offering a unified visa for all six nations. By simplifying the entry process, the system ensures smoother travel experiences for visitors, encouraging more tourism to the region. With this new visa system in place, these countries are expected to see an increase in tourist arrivals, particularly from international travelers, while benefiting from increased economic activity and strengthened regional connectivity. The unified travel platform and its benefits are expected to significantly boost the Middle East’s tourism sector in 2026 and beyond.

Saudi Arabia: A Thrilling Destination for Global Travelers

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Saudi Arabia has taken a massive leap forward in 2026, transforming from a land of future projects to a fully live destination brimming with luxury, adventure, and culture. The country’s ongoing developments are now open to global thrill-seekers and luxury travelers alike. February 3, 2026, marked the opening of Qiddiya City, home to the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster—Falcons Flight—a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing focus on extreme tourism. This is just the beginning, as the kingdom continues to unveil remarkable experiences for all types of travelers.

Additionally, AMAALA, Saudi Arabia’s ultra-luxury wellness destination located on the Red Sea coast, welcomed its first guests in February, marking a significant shift towards “regenerative” tourism. Aimed at high-end wellness tourism, AMAALA promises visitors rejuvenation amidst stunning natural landscapes. Meanwhile, Riyadh’s Mukaab, the world’s largest indoor destination, is set to change the tourism landscape with its vast architectural ambition. Tourists can now take guided tours through the massive construction site, offering an exclusive look at the future of urban design.

These innovations position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in attracting tourists looking for a blend of adventure, culture, and luxury, generating substantial revenue for the tourism sector. The country’s extensive development in infrastructure, alongside the GCC Grand Tours visa, makes it more accessible than ever before.

• Steps to Visit: Apply via the GCC Grand Tours visa platform, with fees ranging from $100–$150. Make sure to use biometric gates and take advantage of the new digital visa system for easier access.
• Boost to Tourism: Saudi Arabia’s innovations and strategic development of luxury experiences will elevate it as a must-visit destination in the Middle East.

United Arab Emirates: Smart and Seamless Travel

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The UAE, known for its innovative architecture, futuristic cities, and luxury experiences, is at the forefront of revolutionizing tourism in the Middle East. With Dubai leading the way, the UAE is transforming its travel infrastructure with smarter borders and specialized visa categories. As of February 3, 2026, Dubai International (DXB) has activated 122 next-gen smart gates that use biometric recognition to clear passengers in under five seconds, making travel through the UAE faster and more efficient.

In addition, the UAE introduced the AI Specialist Visa and Maritime Tourism Visa in February 2026, catering to the growing demand for technology and cruise tourism. These new visa classes are designed to target high-demand sectors, such as tech professionals and the booming cruise tourism industry. With the opening of the Beirut E-Visa Center, travelers from Lebanon can now access faster 48-hour visa processing, facilitating quicker travel to the UAE.

The combination of cutting-edge technology and streamlined visa processes will undoubtedly boost the UAE’s tourism revenue. The introduction of the GCC Grand Tours visa further expands opportunities for tourists to visit the UAE, making it a more accessible and appealing destination for travelers across the globe. With these advancements, the UAE continues to be a leader in Middle Eastern tourism, offering an unmatched blend of luxury, tech, and innovation.

• Steps to Visit: Apply for the GCC Grand Tours visa through the centralized digital portal, ensuring biometric entry and smooth transitions through the UAE’s smart gates.
• Boost to Tourism: The UAE’s commitment to seamless travel and futuristic experiences will drive even more international visitors to its high-tech cities.

Qatar: The 2026 Tourism Capital of the Gulf

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Qatar, named GCC Tourism Capital for 2026, is positioning itself as the Middle East’s cultural hub, with Doha at the heart of this transformation. Hosting its first-ever Art Basel Qatar (Feb 5–7, 2026) signals Qatar’s strong pivot towards high-end cultural tourism. As an established leader in sports tourism following the 2022 World Cup, Qatar is leveraging its infrastructure to host prestigious events such as the “Finalissima” (Argentina vs. Spain) in March 2026.

Incorporating Heritage Tech into its tourism strategy, Qatar uses its World Cup infrastructure to enhance visitor experiences through new GCC Grand Tours digital app integration, linking travel seamlessly between metro systems and tour destinations. Qatar is becoming a cultural destination with a focus on contemporary art, design, and heritage, attracting affluent travelers from around the world.

These initiatives help Qatar build a unique tourism ecosystem, catering to high-end tourists seeking luxury cultural experiences and sporting events. Qatar’s ability to integrate technology with culture and heritage sets it apart as a premier destination for tourists.

• Steps to Visit: Travelers can apply for the GCC Grand Tours visa, facilitating easy travel across Qatar and other participating countries with a unified digital experience.
• Boost to Tourism: Qatar’s growing emphasis on cultural tourism, high-end art events, and advanced infrastructure will attract tourists seeking unique and luxurious experiences.

Oman: The Eco-Tourism Sanctuary of the Gulf

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Oman is emerging as a serene and eco-conscious alternative to the bustling, tech-heavy Gulf cities. Known for its unspoiled landscapes, Oman is positioning itself as the ideal destination for “slow travel”, focusing on natural beauty, wellness, and sustainable tourism. The launch of The Malkai, a new luxury travel concept, offers guests exclusive 10-day journeys across the Al Hajar mountains and desert dunes in private Land Rover Defenders. This ultra-luxury experience introduces a new way to connect with nature and culture while ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Oman is also expanding its role in the cruise tourism industry, with significant investments in its ports, such as Khasab and Salalah, which now rival European summer itineraries. Additionally, the introduction of Green Tourism zones in the Dhofar region ensures that Oman remains committed to sustainability, with strict guidelines on building heights and an emphasis on botanical conservation.

By positioning itself as a slow travel destination, Oman is tapping into the growing demand for eco-friendly tourism, attracting travelers who value environmental conservation and unique natural experiences. The GCC Grand Tours visa further simplifies access to Oman, making it an even more appealing destination for those seeking a quieter, more nature-oriented Middle Eastern experience.

• Steps to Visit: Apply for the GCC Grand Tours visa, which grants easy access to Oman and other GCC countries, allowing for eco-friendly, slow tourism experiences.
• Boost to Tourism: Oman’s eco-tourism initiatives will attract environmentally conscious travelers, making it a sought-after destination in the Gulf.

Kuwait & Bahrain: The Regional Connectors of the Gulf

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Kuwait and Bahrain are playing crucial roles as regional connectors within the GCC’s tourism landscape. Kuwait, with its expanding aviation network, is strengthening its position as a transit hub for the new GCC Grand Tours visa holders. The introduction of 11 new routes by Kuwait Airways for Summer 2026, including destinations like Mykonos and Zurich, positions the country as a key stopover point for travelers heading to other Gulf countries or Europe.

Bahrain, a pioneer in the digital visa space, is fully synchronized with the UAE’s Two-Country Corridor pilot, allowing seamless travel between Manama and Dubai. As the first nation to implement a complete visa watchlist synchronization with the UAE, Bahrain is enhancing regional travel flow, making it easier for visitors to move between neighboring Gulf states.

Both Kuwait and Bahrain are set to benefit from increased connectivity and streamlined travel under the GCC Grand Tours visa, drawing more visitors to their tourism sectors. The expansion of air routes and smart border systems will make these countries critical transit hubs, boosting tourism revenue through seamless travel experiences.

• Steps to Visit: Apply for the GCC Grand Tours visa, which allows travelers to seamlessly explore Kuwait, Bahrain, and other GCC countries with ease.
• Boost to Tourism: The expansion of regional connectivity and seamless travel systems will increase tourism revenue, positioning Kuwait and Bahrain as essential Gulf travel hubs.

In 2026, UAE joins Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain to transform regional travel with a new travel system. This initiative aims to boost tourism and revenue across the Middle East by offering a unified visa for easier travel.

Conclusion

UAE joins Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain in transforming regional travel with a new travel system designed to boost tourism and revenue across the Middle East. This unified system, centered around the GCC Grand Tours visa, will simplify the visa process and encourage more international visitors to explore the region. By enhancing connectivity and streamlining travel across these six countries, the initiative will not only boost tourism numbers but also create substantial economic benefits for each nation. With this innovative travel system in place, the Middle East is poised to solidify its position as a leading global tourism destination in 2026 and beyond.