The United Arab Emirates has launched an innovative new project aimed at significantly reducing airport waiting times across the country.
Announced on Monday, February 16, the UAE has begun a trial of the One-Point Air Travellers Project in collaboration with Bahrain.
The initiative allows pre-departure clearance for citizens of the two Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, enabling travelers to complete passport control at a single checkpoint before their journey. For instance, an Emirati flying from DXB would only go through immigration and security in Dubai, with no additional screening required upon arrival in Bahrain.
The project uses biometric verification systems, advanced surveillance technologies, e-gates, and passenger data processing to verify documents ahead of arrival at the destination.
This streamlined process is expected to shorten airport queues, improve passenger flow, and standardize border procedures across the GCC.
The first phase will be implemented at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport. While no immediate plans have been announced for Dubai International Airport, a successful trial could see the system expanded to DXB in the near future.
One-Stop Travel Project vs. GCC Grand Tours Visa
The UAE-Bahrain one-stop travel system should not be confused with the broader GCC Unified Travel Visa, often described as a Schengen-style visa for the Gulf. The GCC visa, set to launch in 2026, will allow easier travel between Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
While the one-stop travel pilot is likely to apply only to nationals of the UAE and Bahrain, the wider GCC visa will be available to residents and tourists across the region.
In November, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism, stated that the unified Gulf travel visa is expected to launch next year, following four years of collaboration among the six GCC countries.
Currently, GCC citizens can already travel visa-free within the region, but the GCC Grand Tours Visa will allow millions of foreign nationals living in the Gulf to move freely. It will simplify visa applications, likely offer longer validity, and reduce costs compared to obtaining six separate visas.
The plans for the GCC Unified Tourist Visa were officially approved in late 2023, following a unanimous vote by Gulf Cooperation Council ministers at a meeting in Oman.
