China implements trial visa-free policy for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain

China launched a trial visa-free policy on Monday for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, expanding the members to China's unilateral visa-free "circle of friends" to 47 countries.

From June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, ordinary passport holders from these four countries traveling to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, exchanges or transit for up to 30 days will not be required to obtain a visa for entry.

With the new policy, China now offers visa-free access to all six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is expected to boost the economy and relations.

"A new policy like this is very exciting. Because it's the ease of access and already we've seen a lot of exciting movement from the [Belt and Road] Initiative. I think we'll see a lot more visitors from Saudi and Kuwait, we've already seen that year on year with a 25 percent increase, and what the Chinese anticipation from all the data that we've seen, there will be, hoping, a predicted increase of 40 to 50 percent visit from the GCC nationals," said Peggy Li, managing partner of SPS Affinity, a service centric global strategy and communications consultancy headquartered in Dubai.

"Currently 22 direct flights a week between Saudi and China are bound to increase with the new regulations. The surge in demand is complemented by China being a Halal-friendly destination and offering a variety of traditional and Islamic cultural experiences. Shanghai's Nanjing Road, Beijing's Wangfujing Street and Chengdu's Taikoo Li are big attractors. Also, with China being the world's factory, a surge in business travel will benefit China's world class Expo industry," said Dr. James Morgan with Jadarah Consulting, a management consulting firm based in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

It's not just one-way traffic. Gulf states' national carriers, working with Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern are increasing direct flights from their capitals to more Chinese cities such as Shenzhen and Hangzhou. GCC nations are hoping the move will also spark more inbound tourism from China.

"This visa would make it easier for movement. People can start in UAE and then drive to Oman or vice versa, they can start in Oman and then continue their trip via road to UAE and then back to their destination - for this example, China. So for us, this ease of movement is extremely important and then cost wise on the travel itself, it makes a lot of sense," said Shabib Al Maamari, managing director of Visit Oman, a digitally native travel booking gateway of Oman.

China implements trial visa-free policy for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain

China implements trial visa-free policy for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests