Starting June 9, China is ushering in a new chapter in its relations with the Arab world by allowing citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain to enter the country without a visa. This decision expands an existing policy already in place since 2018 for citizens of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The move aims to strengthen cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in areas such as tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
Peggy Li, Associate Director at SPS Affinity, described the policy as “a clear sign of strategic alignment.” “We’ve already seen a 25% increase in visits from these countries over the past year, and Chinese statistics project growth to reach between 40% and 50%,” she explained. Citizens of GCC countries will be allowed to stay in China for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or personal reasons—signaling a significant shift in mobility dynamics between the regions.
The measure is expected to have a strong impact on key sectors of the Chinese economy. According to Dr. James Morgar of Jadarah Consulting, “With 22 direct flights per week between Saudi Arabia and China, an immediate increase in air connectivity is anticipated.” He also noted that China is becoming increasingly “halal-friendly,” with Islamic cultural offerings becoming more accessible for travelers from the Gulf. Cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu are emerging as major hubs for both tourism and business.
Retail and the exhibition industry are also likely to benefit. “China remains the factory of the world, and the rise in business tourism will undoubtedly boost events, trade shows, and international conferences,” Morgar added. For Gulf nations, the visa exemption also presents an opportunity to promote outbound travel from China to the region, thereby strengthening bilateral exchange.
From Oman, Shabib Al Maamari, Director General of Visit Oman, highlighted the logistical and economic significance of the policy. “It’s now easier to combine road trips between Oman and the UAE and continue on to China. The travel cost is reasonable, and the flexibility of regional border movement is vital for our citizens,” he noted.
This measure reinforces the growing alignment between China and the Middle East, driven in part by the Belt and Road Initiative. In this new context, the doors are open not only for tourism but also for deeper cultural dialogue between regions that share aspirations for mutual development and cooperation.
