Al-Amn Magazine

multifaceted initiatives to fortify Qatar’s position as an attractive tourist destination. The strategy also emphasizes alignment with local traditions, economic viability, and environmental sustainability. Moreover, it prioritizes preserving Qatar’s Arab and Islamic identity, promoting family values, and enhancing social cohesion. Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022-2026 In 2021, the Bahraini government launched the Economic Recovery Plan to achieve financial sustainability and economic stability by 2024. One of the key pillars of this plan is the Priority Sectors Plan, which includes the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026. This strategy aims to increase the contribution of tourism to the GDP from 7 percent in 2021 to 11.4 percent in 2026. Moreover, it seeks to increase the number of annual tourists to 14.1 million. Oman’s National Tourism Strategy In early 2016, Oman launched its National Tourism Strategy, with the aim of increasing international arrivals, boosting tourism’s contribution to GDP, and generating job opportunities for both internationals and Omanis. The vision also aims to make Oman one of the most important destinations for tourism by 2040. Kuwait 2035 Vision Historically renowned for its economic prosperity fueled by oil wealth, Kuwait is currently directing significant efforts towards diversification, with tourism emerging as a key focus. The Kuwait 2035 Vision outlines a strategic roadmap for sustainable growth and economic expansion, with tourism playing a central role in this effort. Key developments and investments In line with their respective visions, countries across the GCC region have committed to developing their tourism infrastructure, investing billions of dollars in mega-projects and developments. Under the directive of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Vision 2030 economic reform plan launched with dozens of ambitious new projects that would help achieve the Kingdom’s goals. A major development currently underway in Saudi Arabia is The Red Sea, a 28,000-square- kilometer area that is home to over 90 islands, beaches, and desert dunes. The Red Sea is also home to the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. Upon completion in 2030, the destination will offer 8,000 rooms in 50 hotels and 1,000 residential properties. UAE’s major developments In the UAE, several developments have shaped the country’s landscape including the Yas Bay Waterfront development, valued at $3.3 billion. This year, Dubai also approved plans for the emirate’s longest 6.6km beach at Jebel Ali. The beach will cover an area of 330 hectares and will include two areas. It will have a 5km sandy beach that Nakheel will develop and a 1.6km mangrove beach that Dubai Municipality will develop. GCC region’s race to expand airports In a bid to boost its tourism sector, the GCC region has not only invested in mega-projects but also advanced its aviation sector. Countries in the region have set ambitious goals for the tourism sector to help reduce their dependence on oil. The aviation industry plays an essential role. The UAE and Qatar have invested heavily in their airports in recent decades. More recently, Saudi Arabia expanded its investments in airports to increase capacity to support the anticipated population and tourism growth. Unified visa Similar to the Schengen visa, which allows its holder to travel and move freely between the European Union countries, the tourism ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) approved last year the GCC unified tourist visa, during their seventh meeting held in the Sultanate of Oman. The unified visa would allow its holder to visit the six GCC countries and extend the duration of their visit to these countries for more than 30 days. It is expected to enter into force soon, depending on the readiness of the internal systems of the countries. The GCC countries intend to launch the unified tourist visa by December 2024, which will help the region attract about 129 million visitors by 2030.