A major shift in regional travel is on the way. Pakistan is preparing to launch its first-ever international ferry service, offering a new and more affordable option to connect with the UAE and other Gulf countries.
As for now, airlines dominate this route. But for many travellers — especially those visiting for work or pilgrimage — a ferry could mean a lower-cost, more accessible option. Once operational, the ferry service will provide an alternative to air travel, which is currently the only commercial travel option between Pakistan and the GCC, including the UAE.
The new service is expected to serve several groups:
- Tourists and workers from South Asia seeking economical travel
- Religious pilgrims headed to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj
- Visitors to Iran and Iraq, where up to 1 million Pakistani nationals travel each year for religious reasons
The ferry service also comes at a time when Gulf countries are preparing to launch a unified tourist visa, a Schengen-like system that would allow easier travel between all GCC nations.
Stay tuned for updates — and get ready to explore the Gulf. It’s getting easier with all these upcoming projects.
