Results for: Gulf Cooperation Council

Malaysia has announced an expansion of its visa-free policy, offering travelers from 134 countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), visa-free entry to enhance global connectivity and cultural exchange.

Starting December 1st, 2023, citizens from India and China, along with passport holders from ASEAN member nations, will be able to visit Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days. Additionally, individuals holding Macao Special Administrative Region Travel Permits can enjoy a 14-day visa-free stay, irrespective of their nationality.

GCC countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and UAE are eligible for a 90-day visa-free stay for tourism or business purposes.

Holders of passports issued by the jurisdictions listed below enjoy the privilege of visa-free entry into Malaysia for a period of 90 days:

– Schengen Agreement countries (including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Portugal, Czech Republic, and Poland)

– United States

– United Kingdom

– ASEAN member states (except Myanmar)

– Diverse regions such as North and South America, Europe, Africa, and multiple island nations

This policy aims to facilitate easier travel, enhance cultural exchange, and attract tourists and business travelers from around the world.

The ‘New Silk Road’ region, encompassing Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA), is poised for unprecedented growth and connectivity, significantly impacting travel and tourism. This area, home to 4.9 billion people and representing over 40% of the global economy, is experiencing economic diversification and increased collaboration, driven by strategic plans and regional initiatives. The report highlights six major themes driving this growth, including high energy prices, supply chain relocations, clean tech exports, and regional infrastructure development.

China’s sovereign wealth fund, China Investment Corp (CIC), has joined forces with Investcorp, the Middle East’s leading alternative asset manager, to establish a $1 billion fund for investments in companies across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and China. This marks CIC’s first investment in the Middle East and is a reflection of the growing economic ties between the two regions. The fund will target high-growth companies in sectors such as consumer, healthcare, logistics, and business services, and will also include Investcorp’s Saudi Pre-IPO Growth Fund that focuses on pre-IPO companies in Saudi Arabia.