GCC expats can now get a Kuwait tourist visa on arrival at all airports and border ports with valid passport and 6-month residency/ File In a major policy shift benefiting millions of Gulf expatriates, Kuwait now allows foreign GCC residents to obtain tourist visas on arrival, without prior application or embassy procedures, lifting long-standing restrictions […]
GCC-Stat is the unified statistical center for Gulf countries, providing reliable data to support coordinated economic and social development/ Image: File A new report from the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) highlights key social and infrastructure achievements across GCC nations. It reveals that all households within […]
In 2024, non-oil sectors made up 77.9% of nominal GDP and 70.6% of real GDP across the GCC/ Image: FIle The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies showed steady growth in 2024, with rising contributions from non-oil sectors offsetting a decline in oil output. Real GDP rose 3.3% in the fourth quarter, backed by strong performance […]
Streamlined eVisa process aims to attract GCC-based travellers and boost regional tourism/Representative Image TL;DR: Kuwait reopened its improved e‑Visa portal in January 2025, allowing certain GCC‑based residents to apply online or obtain visa‑on‑arrival. Eligible applicants must hold a GCC residency of 6+ months, a valid passport, and work in specified professional categories such as doctors, […]
GCC governments poised for growth rebound as the World Bank projects 3.2% regional GDP growth in 2025/Representative Image TL;DR: GCC real GDP growth projected at 3.2% in 2025, rising to 4.5% in 2026, up from 1.7% in 2024. Growth fueled by easing OPEC+ supply cuts and robust expansion in non-oil sectors particularly private consumption, investment, […]
Healthier meals, fusion menus, and premium food imports are defining how Gulf residents eat in 2025/Representative Image TL;DR: GCC consumers are shifting toward healthier, experience-led dining, favouring plant-based, functional, and fusion cuisine. Technology is reshaping dining from digital menus and loyalty apps to cloud kitchens and delivery-first models. The region’s appeal for culinary tourism is […]
GCC nationals can drive in the UAE with their home licences as visitors but must exchange them upon gaining residency/ Representative Image TL;DR GCC nationals can drive in the UAE using their home country licence while visiting. Once a GCC national becomes a UAE resident, they must exchange their licence. License exchange is done via […]
GCC residents can now buy and sell shares directly on Tadawul, replacing indirect access and boosting regional investment opportunities/ Image: (File) Saudi Arabia now allows GCC residents to directly invest in its main stock market, Tadawul. Previously, Gulf investors could only access the main market via indirect swap agreements. New rules let former residents of […]
Oman’s scenic landscapes and affordable living make it the top GCC destination for cost-conscious residents in 2025/ photo: pixabay Oman has been named the most affordable country to live in across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for 2025, according to the latest Cost of Living Index released by data platform Numbeo. The Sultanate stands out […]
The Schengen-style GCC unified tourist visa, approved by Gulf states, will allow travelers seamless access to all six member countries with a single entry permit/ Image generated by AI for illustrative and cretive purposes The long-anticipated GCC unified tourist visa has officially been approved and will be rolled out in the near future, according to […]
