Land connectivity with neighbouring countries from the Sultanate of Oman offers cheaper travel options to citizens and residents.
With flight fares exorbitant even for short distances, any new alternative options will be always welcomed for short travel within the GCC.
It may be noted that the Sultanate of Oman shares a land border with the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
"Flight charges to the GCC countries are way expensive, so bus services are important as the GCC plans unified tourism visa and other tourism strategies in the coming months," said Sanjit Mukherjee, who wishes to travel to all GCC countries from Oman.
"Just simplifying the visa process is not enough, there should be better and affordable connectivity too," said another expatriate who cannot afford to travel by air.
Bus services between the capital and the UAE cities have been operational for years, but it came to a complete standstill as restrictions were imposed during the Covid pandemic.
But in recent times, several measures have been taken to improve connectivity.
Some travel operators told the Observer that there is a big scope for non-chartered scheduled services, which can be managed with cooperation from the private sector.
The first international bus route from the Musandam Governorate to the Ras al Khaimah (RAK) emirate in the UAE started in October this year.
The service was launched based on the directives of the leadership of both countries to enhance tourism movement and facilitate the movement of individuals, both residents and tourists by road. Travel time is around three hours.
Mwasalat also launched last year the Muscat-Al Buraimi- Abu Dhabi service passing through the city of Al Ain, with one trip per day.
Mwasalat also signed an agreement with Capital Express of Abu Dhabi for passenger services between Al Buraimi and Al Ain.
Recently, an agreement was signed with Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) to operate daily bus trips between Muscat and Sharjah, though details of the bus schedule are yet to be released.
Currently, a private operator has scheduled multiple daily services between Dubai and Muscat.
According to some sources, there will be bus services this year connecting the cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using the Empty Quarter road.
It may be noted that work is in progress for the development of a passenger and freight rail network between Suhar and Abu Dhabi.
GCC residents have to pay an RO5 visa on arrival fee for Oman and should also provide a valid Residency ID and passport.
Oman residents will be required to get an e-visa or visa on arrival (barring exceptions) multi-entry or single entry before the start of the trip.
Citizens of the GCC countries can travel without an entry permit.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
