November 20, 2008, DUBAI – The Swiss consul general has urged the GCC to adopt a single visa like the Schengen visa to allow travel throughout the GCC. Speaking to Gulf News, Gerhard Bruegger said, "I would encourage this sort of visa to be put in place without delay but, of course, it's a GCC decision.

"But if you look at what is happening here now, with the new ID card, it is a similar approach," Bruegger added. While Swiss entry into the Schengen area hasn't been finalised yet, Bruegger said it was "98 per cent likely" as Zurich airport is also preparing for it since a separate terminal is needed for Schengen travel.
Trade between Switzerland and the UAE remains good.

"Trade between Switzerland and the UAE is very good. The trade balance is positive in our favour, meaning we export more to the UAE than we import from the UAE," Bruegger said.

Swiss exports to the UAE hit AED 6.3 billion in 2007, whereas imports from the UAE were a little over AED 1 billion.