“The Gulf Is One Hand”

TDT | Manama | Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com 

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has begun the pilot phase of its new one-stop travel system, starting with the UAE and Bahrain. The initiative is designed to make movement between GCC countries easier by removing the need for repeated entry procedures for citizens.

Officials confirmed that the system will be gradually expanded to all GCC member states, marking a major step toward smoother regional travel.

The announcement comes as Bahrain inaugurated the official media centre today for the 46th GCC Summit, which begins tomorrow in Manama. The opening was attended by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Nabeel bin Yacoub Al Hamer, His Majesty the King's Advisor for Media Affairs, and Minister of Information Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi.

Dr. Al Noaimi said Bahrain is proud to host the summit, noting that it reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Gulf cooperation under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He added that Bahrain’s media institutions are fully prepared to support local, regional and international coverage of the event.

During a tour of the media centre, officials reviewed the facilities and preparations in place to support journalists. Attendees praised the advanced setup and the efforts made to ensure high-quality coverage.

GCC Secretary-General Al Budaiwi reaffirmed the unity of Gulf states, stressing that the GCC operates with a shared foreign policy and common strategic goals. “The Gulf is one hand,” he said, highlighting the strength of regional cohesion. He also noted progress on the “Gulf Dome” project — a unified military framework aimed at strengthening collective defence.

Al Budaiwi provided updates on several defence initiatives, including the establishment of five joint military points, a regional intelligence centre, greater air-force coordination, and a modernised early-warning system. These measures, he said, reflect the GCC’s commitment to regional security.

On trade, he mentioned ongoing free-trade agreements involving Bahrain with Pakistan, South Korea and New Zealand. However, talks with the European Union remain challenging due to regulatory requirements.

Al Budaiwi also addressed questions about Schengen visa exemptions for GCC nationals, stating that the issue depends entirely on European authorities and that no timeline has been set.Dr. Al Noaimi said Bahrain’s media readiness ensures the full picture of this year’s summit can be conveyed — a summit he described as an important milestone in the GCC’s pursuit of deeper cooperation and prosperity.