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It was ranked #1 in the Global Passport Index, just in time for UAE National Day
3 December 2018
| Last updated on 4 December 2018
Image credit: Arab News
In what is a huge achievement for the country, the UAE passport has been ranked the world's most powerful..
Following a recent review, it has been confirmed that the UAE passport is the strongest passport in the world, according to the Global Passport Index.
Announced on 1st December, 2018, a day ahead of the country's 47th UAE National Day, news that the country's passport secured passport power rank #1 is a hugely significant achievement for the country and its citizens.
Knocking Singapore and Germany into joint 2nd place, the UAE passport offers holders visa-free entry to 167 countries world wide! 113 of these countries can be travelled to visa-free, and 54 require a visa upon arrival. Only 31 countries are left that UAE passport holders require a visa to visit.
SEE ALSO: All four UAE airlines performed an incredible flyby for UAE National Day
In 2017, the UAE passport ranked 24th, and in 2016 it ranked 27th - so to be ranked #1 for 2018 is a huge feat for the country.
“This achievement is a true reflection of the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father of the UAE,” said Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. “It also underscores what can be achieved through positive diplomacy, reflecting the UAE as a confident and engaged force at the global stage,” he added.
HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai also took to social media to share his delight, stating that the world “opens its doors to the people of the UAE”.
How does the UAE passport compare to other GCC passports?
Citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hold a passport that is ranked #54 - providing citizens with visa-free access to only 79 countries. Oman ranks #52 with 81 countries, Qatar ranks #48, Bahrain ranks 50th with 84 countries and Kuwait ranks #44 with visa-free entry to 96 countries in total.
International passports and their rankings
For 2018, the UK passport is ranked 4th, and allows holders visa-free entry into only 164 countries... It's tied in 4th place alongside Belgium, Austria, Japan, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Ireland and Canada.
US citizens have visa-free access to 165 countries as the USA passport is tied in 3rd place with Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Norway and South Korea.
