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From 35 to 184: UAE passport strength reflects nation’s rising influence
Its strength is driven by extensive visa-free and visa-on-arrival agreements, including the Schengen countries
- PUBLISHED: Thu 4 Dec 2025, 11:55 AM
- By:
- Ajanta Paul
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Like the skyscrapers in its cities that reach for the sky, the UAE’s growth story has been nothing short of extraordinary. Although a small Gulf nation, it stands as a regional political powerhouse, propelled by rapid economic growth from diversification, increased foreign investment, major infrastructure projects, and strong security and stability.
The UAE’s rise is also reflected in the growing strength of its passport, which has steadily advanced in global rankings. As the nation extended its influence and deepened international relations, its passport became one of the world’s most powerful. This symbolises the country’s maturity and global standing.
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The UAE passport consistently ranks among the strongest in the world across major global indexes.
As of mid-2025, Arton Capital places it at No. 1 with a mobility score of 179, while the Henley Passport Index ranks it 8, offering visa-free access to 184 destinations. Its strength is driven by extensive visa-free and visa-on-arrival agreements, including the Schengen countries.
A decade ago, things looked very different. UAE passport holders could enter only about 35 countries without applying for a visa in advance, placing the passport 42nd on the global index. Now, the picture has transformed. The UAE has broken into the world’s top ten, making the biggest jump ever recorded in the index’s 20-year history.
It’s the only Middle Eastern nation to appear in the global top 10, now standing alongside long-established passport powerhouses such as Canada, Estonia, and several EU countries. The UAE is the first Arab nation whose citizens enjoy a visa waiver to the 34 EU countries.
UAE’s big leap in passport ranking
This rise didn’t happen by chance. It’s the outcome of sustained diplomacy, new strategic partnerships, and a long list of negotiated visa waivers across regions. And while it certainly makes international travel easier, it also signals the UAE’s expanding influence in global affairs, economic cooperation, and international connectivity.
Back in 2015, UAE passport holders could visit only 35 countries without a prior visa. That number had jumped to 184 in 2025, a rise of 34 positions and the biggest improvement ever recorded in the Henley Passport Index’s history.
How the UAE passport grew
In 2017, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) launched the UAE Passport Force initiative to place the State's passport on the list of the five most important passports in the world by 2021.
The ministry stepped up diplomatic moves towards greater openness to the world through the exchange of visits and contacts at the highest levels, as well as the regular holding of joint committee meetings. Over the past decade, the UAE has secured dozens of visa-waiver agreements, particularly with countries across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. These partnerships have dramatically increased global mobility and strengthened the overall value of the UAE passport.
This progress is largely driven by diplomacy to establish strategic political, economic, commercial, cultural, scientific, and educational, as well as health relations and partnerships that contribute to enhancing the State’s status at the international level. Now, the UAE is among the top worldwide, placing it alongside traditional passport leaders and making it the only Middle Eastern nation to break into the global top 10.
How expats residents benefit
Home to over 190 nationalities, the UAE continues to attract professionals, investors, and wealthy individuals from around the world. With a population of more than 11 million, over 80 per cent of residents are expats. Nearly one in five expats wants to stay in the country permanently, citing high quality of life, safety, security, and ease of settling in.
While the UAE passport’s strength primarily benefits Emiratis, the country’s international standing also makes life easier for expats. UAE’s reputation as a diplomatic and economic hub often helps in smoother, convenient international travels for many residents.
Visa for travel: Countries with strong ties to the UAE often offer easier entry procedures or visa-on-arrival options for residents. These diplomatic relationships make immigration processes smoother, as many nations view the UAE as a trusted partner.
Enhanced access to global hubs: Good international relations give UAE residents better chances to secure travel authorisations, business visas, and tourist permits across major regions such as Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Business and professional mobility: Expat professionals often enjoy faster processing for business travel, conferences, and short-term assignments due to the UAE’s status as a hub for international companies with regional headquarters and its strong global connectivity.
The UAE continues to deepen global diplomatic ties, secure visa-waiver agreements, and expand its international influence, benefiting both citizens and residents while reinforcing its position as a leading hub for connectivity, opportunity, and modern living.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.