The UAE and Bahrain have begun the pilot phase of a new GCC “one-stop” travel system designed to let Gulf citizens move between member states without repeating entry procedures. The initiative marks a major step toward streamlined regional mobility and is expected to expand gradually across all GCC countries.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi said the rollout reflects broader progress on regional cooperation, including advancements in defence coordination. These include five joint military points, an intelligence centre, enhanced air-force collaboration and an upgraded early-warning network.
On Schengen visa exemptions, Al Budaiwi said approval remains dependent on European authorities, and no timeline has been set for granting visa-free access to GCC nationals.
