The GCC is reshaping global mobility through diplomacy. Over the past decade, Gulf passports have climbed the world rankings through deliberate statecraft: long-term visa-waiver negotiations, global economic partnerships, investment migration programs, and a shift toward open, outward-facing economies.

The UAE’s rise from 38th to 7th exemplifies this strategy: mobility is no longer just a travel benefit, but a tool of soft power, signaling reliability, stability, and international trust.

What we’re seeing is not just easier access to borders, it’s the GCC establishing itself as a confident and connected global bloc.