UK to Exempt Gulf Citizens from Entry Visa as of 2023

The GCC ambassadors and British Home Secretary at the Bahrain Embassy in London. (SPA)
The GCC ambassadors and British Home Secretary at the Bahrain Embassy in London. (SPA)
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UK to Exempt Gulf Citizens from Entry Visa as of 2023

The GCC ambassadors and British Home Secretary at the Bahrain Embassy in London. (SPA)
The GCC ambassadors and British Home Secretary at the Bahrain Embassy in London. (SPA)

Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) nationals will be exempted from the visa requirements to enter the UK as of 2023 and benefit from the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme.

The ambassadors of the GCC countries in London met with British Home Secretary Priti Patel at the Bahraini Embassy. They lauded the British government's decision to exempt GCC citizens from entry visas and implement the new ETA system starting next year.

During the meeting, officials discussed the friendship between the UK and the GCC member states.

The ambassadors stressed the importance of the security and safety of GCC citizens in the UK, calling on the Home Secretary to raise the level of security response to repeated incidents targeting Gulf citizens in the UK.

Patel underscored the British government's interest in boosting cooperation between the security services, expressing the UK's aspiration to deepen cooperation with the GCC in all fields.

The British minister stressed the security authorities' keenness on the security and safety of all residents and visitors, adding that the concerned authorities are working to increase security and respond to reports of crimes.



Expo 2030 Riyadh Registration Dossier Receives BIE Final Approval at Paris General Assembly

Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly. (SPA)
Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly. (SPA)
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Expo 2030 Riyadh Registration Dossier Receives BIE Final Approval at Paris General Assembly

Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly. (SPA)
Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly. (SPA)

Expo 2030 Riyadh's Registration Dossier has received final approval during the Bureau International Des Expositions (BIE) General Assembly in Paris, marking the final step in confirming the Kingdom as the official host country for the upcoming Expo. As part of the proceedings, BIE handed over the World Expo flag to Saudi Arabia's delegation.

Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly, which included Saudi Ambassador to France Fahad bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaily, and other officials.

The Registration Dossier serves as a comprehensive blueprint, highlighting Saudi Arabia's vision of hosting an exceptional Expo that reflects its ambitions towards innovation and global collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion, Al-Sultan extended his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their continuous support in the Kingdom's hosting of this landmark global exhibition.

“The approval of the Registration Dossier in record time highlights the Kingdom's leadership on the global stage and underscores the world's confidence in Saudi Arabia's vision and capabilities. It also reflects the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the teams involved in preparing and reviewing the Registration Dossier,” he stressed.

“This milestone marks a significant step forward in the Kingdom's journey to deliver an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the World Expo, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.”

Riyadh is the first Expo host to complete and submit its Registration Dossier in such a short timeframe, almost half the time usually required for this kind of dossier. The approval of the Registration Dossier unlocks the next phase of formal preparations for Expo 2030 Riyadh, which includes extending official invitations to international participants through diplomatic channels.

Set to take place from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh will be one of the largest Expos ever, held on a six million sqm site. The site is designed to welcome over 40 million visits through world-class infrastructure, hospitality venues, and cutting-edge facilities. The site will ensure an unforgettable experience for all participants and visitors, with a target of more than 195 participating nations.

The approval of the Registration Dossier underscores Saudi Arabia's readiness to deliver a world-class Expo. With its bold vision, strategic planning, and unwavering support from the Kingdom's Leadership, Expo 2030 Riyadh is poised to be a landmark event that inspires progress, fosters innovation, and leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.