'One-stop' GCC travel begins trial run

THE UAE-BAHRAIN PILOT IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS A SYSTEM INTENDED FOR ALL SIX GULF STATES

- BY JUSTIN VARGHESE Your Money Editor

Travel within the Gulf is set to become smoother and more connected. The Gulf Cooperation Council last month approved the first phase of a “one-stop” travel system, starting with a pilot between the UAE and Bahrain. The initiative allows Gulf nationals to complete travel and immigration checks once, marking a significant step towards easier movement across the bloc.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi confirmed yesterday that the pilot is already operational between the two countries and that work is under way to expand the system to all member states. His remarks came ahead of the 46th GCC Summit, scheduled to take place today in Bahrain.

What the new system does

Under the “one-stop” model, citizens of GCC member states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — will complete passport control and security screening at a single checkpoint before departure. Those clearances will be recognised on arrival, removing the need for duplicate checks and reducing waiting times.