Bahrain has been designated the Gulf’s first hub for the new GCC “one-stop” travel system, a landmark initiative that will streamline cross-border movement and strengthen regional integration. Approved by the GCC this week, the system will allow Gulf nationals to complete all travel, passport, customs, and security procedures at their point of departure—eliminating repeated checks on arrival.
The pilot phase begins in December, connecting Bahrain and the UAE. Under the new model, a Bahraini traveler departing from Manama to Dubai will finish all exit and entry procedures in Bahrain and directly enter Dubai as though arriving on a domestic route. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi said the system will cut waiting times, ease airport congestion, and enhance coordination and security across all six member states. If successful, it will eventually expand to the entire GCC.
The announcement comes as Bahrain prepares to host the 46th GCC Summit. Al-Budaiwi visited the Kingdom to inaugurate the new GCC Pavilion at the Bahrain National Museum, which showcases the evolution of Gulf unity—from early foundations to today’s digital and economic integration. Highlights include an immersive VR experience of the long-anticipated GCC Railway Project linking all Gulf states.
The exhibition also spotlighted major achievements in trade and business cooperation. GCC companies can now open branches across member states with full national treatment, import and export goods without local agents, and operate under unified trade policies. Citizens enjoy equal rights in company ownership, stock trading, and investment—key steps toward building a single Gulf market.
Digital integration remains a core pillar. GCC states are developing unified smart services, an ethical AI framework, and cross-border e-government systems. A unified digital portal is being rolled out to allow citizens to access services anywhere in the region, regardless of residency.
As Gulf leaders prepare to meet on December 3, the momentum behind economic, technological, and mobility integration is positioning the GCC as a modern, connected regional bloc—and Bahrain as a central hub in this new phase of unified Gulf cooperation.
