Policy expected to boost trade relations and 'people diplomacy' with Gulf states

Fatima Ahmed was returning to Bahrain from the ITB Shanghai tourism trade event in May when China announced it had extended its visa-free policy to four more Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC, countries, including hers.

She said she was optimistic this would open boundless opportunities for the Gulf nation.

Ahmed, managing director at Ibn Firnas Travel and Tourism in Bahrain, told China Daily that her company is doing well in the Chinese market with a "decent clientele "from Shanghai and Guangzhou.

READ MORE: China's visa-free trial for GCC nationals hailed as boost to bilateral ties

"So the news of the free visa for the Bahrainis to go to China was very well received by everybody."

On May 28, China announced it was extending its visa-free policy to four GCC countries — a policy it first extended to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar in 2018.

From June 9, passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman will enjoy the same privilege, which now covers the entire GCC region.

China's inbound tourism has maintained a strong momentum in recent years.

In 2024, about 132 million inbound tourists visited China, with total spending reaching $94.2 billion, recovering to 97.2 percent and 93.5 percent of the 2019 levels, respectively, Xinhua News Agency reported in May.

Jehad Amin, president of the Association of Bahrain Travel and Tour Agents, or ABTTA, told China Daily that the news could change the industry.

China is a very popular destination, Amin said, adding it is not a destination that you need to market a lot.

"The ABTTA is in continuous talks with airlines to have accessible ticket rates for travelers, which is to also protect travel segments that range from five-star hotels to three-star accommodations.

"It's a matter of finding the right formula that will encourage tourists to go and visit because China is very big," he said, noting there is a lot to see and many cities to visit.

Khaled A Mahdi, a former secretary-general of Kuwait's Supreme Council for Planning and Development, said the decision could not have been better timed.

After recently setting up Nexus Global Advisory in Kuwait, Mahdi is planning to visit China before the end of the year.

He said his consultancy focuses on building relationships with Chinese businesses and helping them operate in the GCC.

"I see it coming naturally in the way things are escalating to the positive side in the relationship and the bridges between China and the GCC countries," Mahdi told China Daily.

"I have to say this is a very smart move. This is a genius move, honestly, given the geopolitical situation … I can see this move is very effective. It actually contributes more to what I call 'people diplomacy'. And it will reflect positively on what I see right now around the world," Mahdi said.

Removing barriers

He said this latest development would not only remove barriers but also add value for businesses, adding he expects more airlines to consider China as a destination.

Peggy Li, managing partner at SPS Affinity, a service-centric global strategy and communications consultancy based in Dubai, UAE, said she would "very much encourage the ideas of doing more exchange programs" with the younger generation beyond the commercial perspective.

Li noted that the GCC countries have a large proportion of youngsters among their populations, adding that each has its own different priorities and directives.

The International Statistical Institute World Statistics Congress 2025 noted that over 50 percent of local populations were under 25.

ALSO READ: China to trial visa-free policy for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain

Umer Karim, an associate fellow at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, told China Daily that Beijing's enhanced visa policy decision showed "the political, economic, and strategic significance of the region in China's broader statecraft".

"But also this shows how the Chinese government wants to increasingly become a key market for Vision 2030-related collaborations and investments," said Karim, referring to the Saudi government's economic diversification plan.

"Well, it's great timing, really. China is going the right way by opening up, by making it easier for people to visit China and to visit a member of BRICS," said Jasim Husain, a former member of the Bahrain parliament.

"China is a leading member of BRICS, so people can see the other major economies of the world," Husain said.

Contact the writer at jan@chinadailyapac.com