Sharjah seeks to become a key stop for GCC region travellers
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To leverage the unified GCC tourist visa, joint tourism campaigns, cultural exchanges, and cross-promotional events to boost its appeal.
The GCC region is steadily reinforcing its position as a global tourism powerhouse, with international arrivals reaching 73.64 million in 2023, according to GlobalData. Sharjah plays a key role in driving this growth and is now actively targeting the Indian market to further expand its tourism reach.
T3 connects with Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), to learn more about how the destination is positioned as a global tourism hub. He shared that tourism in the GCC, with Sharjah at the forefront, has continued to thrive despite increasing competition in the region. In 2022, the UAE ranked 4th globally in international tourist spending, according to the UN World Tourism Organization, with Sharjah recording impressive growth. In 2023, the emirate welcomed over 1.5 million hotel guests, a notable 11% increase, reflecting the success of its tourism sector.
According to Midfa, this growth aligns with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to double the number of hotel guests and boost the tourism sector’s GDP contribution to AED 450 billion by 2031.
“Sharjah’s ability to maintain its edge in the competitive GCC landscape can be attributed to its strategic approach of 'competing collaboratively,' fostering an ecosystem where mutual growth and innovation are prioritized,” shared Midfa. A key factor that sets Sharjah apart is its ability to offer premium experiences at accessible prices, making it an attractive destination for value-conscious travellers. This approach not only enhances the emirate’s appeal but also contributes to the overall growth of tourism across the GCC.
India fuels growth in the GCC & Sharjah
Speaking about India's contribution to this growth story, Midfa shared that Indian tourists account for over 10% of the emirate’s overall market share. Major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai consistently send a steady stream of visitors, underscoring India’s importance as a key feeder market for Sharjah.
“In 2024, Sharjah continued to see a positive response from the Indian market, further solidifying its status as a favored destination. Looking ahead to 2025, expectations remain high, with Sharjah continuing to leverage joint tourism campaigns, cultural exchanges, and cross-promotional events to further strengthen its appeal,” noted Midfa.
Strategic trade engagement plan
According to Midfa, the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) plays a crucial role in Sharjah’s India-focused initiatives by providing a platform to showcase the emirate’s diverse range of tourist and historical attractions. “It enables Sharjah to promote its unique cultural, heritage, and family-friendly tourism offerings directly to key stakeholders from India, one of its most important feeder markets”, expressed Midfa. At ATM, Sharjah aims not only to market its attractions but also to actively engage with industry professionals, tour operators, and travel agents, further strengthening its position in the Indian market.
“In terms of trade engagements for 2025, Sharjah is focused on expanding its reach through various strategic initiatives, including managing and issuing licenses for hotel establishments, tour operators, and tour guides, while ensuring that all tourism properties adhere to the highest standards”, added Midfa. The emirate is also prioritizing the delivery of training programs for industry professionals and providing marketing materials to support more effective promotion.
Unified GCC tourist visa set to boost inter-regional travel
“The introduction of a unified tourist visa system within the GCC in 2025 is set to dramatically transform regional travel, creating a seamless and efficient experience for travellers exploring the rich cultural and historical treasures across member Countries. By simplifying the visa application process and harmonizing regulations, this initiative will eliminate many barriers, making travel between GCC countries more accessible and convenient than ever before,” expressed Midfa.
For Sharjah, this development holds immense strategic importance. “Sharjah is poised to benefit significantly from the enhanced connectivity provided by the unified visa system. With easier access to the emirate, tourists from around the world will find it simpler to visit and experience Sharjah’s unique offerings,” shared Midfa. “This will undoubtedly lead to a surge in tourist numbers, as Sharjah becomes even more accessible to international travellers.”
Additionally, he shared that Sharjah is well-positioned to become a key stop for travellers exploring the wider GCC region. “The streamlined visa system will encourage tourists to include Sharjah in their itineraries, fostering a more integrated and seamless travel experience across the Gulf.”
Beyond tourism, the unified visa system is expected to foster significant economic growth for Sharjah, shared Midfa. “Increased tourism activity will likely create new investment opportunities in hospitality, retail, and other tourism-related sectors, enhancing the emirate’s overall economic landscape. With greater access to regional markets and an influx of international visitors, Sharjah will be well-positioned to strengthen its position as a premier cultural and tourism destination in the GCC.”