The ranking marks a significant rise for the UAE, which has climbed from 62nd to 9th position, over the past 18 years
The UAE has secured a spot in the top 10 of the world’s most powerful passports, according to the Henley Passport Index released on Tuesday.
The UAE now ranks 9th, with its passport allowing visa-free access to 185 countries and territories.
A meteoric rise
The ranking marks a significant rise for the UAE, which has climbed from 62nd to 9th position since the index’s inception in 2006.
Over the past 18 years, the UAE has added 152 destinations to its visa-free access list, a testament to the country’s focused and strategic efforts in enhancing its passport power.
The Henley Passport Index highlights the UAE as a prime example of what can be achieved through dedicated and strategic diplomatic initiatives. The report notes that the UAE’s rise in the rankings is the result of deliberate efforts by the government to forge strong diplomatic ties and negotiate favourable visa waiver agreements.
In 2006, Emirati citizens could travel visa-free to just 35 destinations.
By 2024, this number has surged to 185, representing a 429 per cent increase. This expansion has not only improved travel freedom for Emirati citizens but has also positioned the UAE as a global hub for business, tourism, and investment, noted the report.
It added that the economic benefits of this strategy are evident, with the UAE’s GDP per capita increasing, its tourism sector flourishing, and its status as an international business centre solidifying.
A focused approach
Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, remarked, “The strength of a nation’s passport has become a critical indicator of its global influence and economic potential. Governments can strategically enhance their passport power, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for their citizens and economies.”
“The ability to travel visa-free to a wide array of destinations is no longer merely a convenience — it’s a powerful economic tool that can drive growth, foster international cooperation, and attract foreign investment.”
The UAE’s journey to enhancing its passport power underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to international relations. The government has prioritised diplomatic outreach, strengthening ties with nations worldwide, which has facilitated visa waiver agreements and opened doors for increased trade, cultural exchange, and geopolitical cooperation.
Furthermore, the UAE has leveraged its strategic location and economic strengths to position itself as an indispensable partner in global affairs. By developing world-class infrastructure, fostering a business-friendly environment, and promoting tourism, the country has become an attractive destination for both leisure and business travellers.
This has, in turn, strengthened its bargaining position in visa waiver negotiations.
A direct co-relation
The Henley & Partners research has consistently shown a strong correlation between a country’s visa-free score and its economic prosperity. Nations with higher visa-free scores tend to enjoy greater GDP per capita, increased foreign direct investment, and more robust international trade relationships.
The UAE has also excelled in implementing progressive immigration policies, attracting skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs from around the world through streamlined visa processes and visa-on-arrival programs.
For the third consecutive year, the UAE is set to take first place as the world’s leading wealth magnet, with a record-breaking 6,700 millionaires expected to make the country their home by the end of the year, according to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024.
This influx includes high numbers from India, the wider Middle East, Russia, Africa, and an increasing number of Uk expatriates and Europeans.
Henley & Partners emphasises that enhancing passport power is an ongoing process, requiring continuous efforts in navigating the shifting global mobility landscape influenced by geopolitical events, economic trends, and security considerations.
Recent global developments, such as Namibia revoking visa exemptions for non-reciprocal countries, Nigeria’s stance on reciprocal measures, and Brazil’s upcoming visa requirements for Australian, Canadian, and American travellers, underscore the importance of reciprocity in visa policies.
The world’s most powerful passports
Singapore has reclaimed its title as the world’s most powerful passport, now allowing visa-free access to 195 destinations, according to the latest Henley Passport Index.
Previously, Singapore shared the top spot with six other countries. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain are now jointly in second place with access to 192 destinations.
Seven countries—Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden—are in third place, each with access to 191 destinations.
The UK remains in fourth place, alongside Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland, with a score of 190.
The US has dropped to eighth place with access to 186 destinations, continuing its decade-long decline.
Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, with access to only 26 countries, the lowest score in the index’s 18-year history.
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