8 reasons why the UAE passport is gaining in strength

UAE passport holders have plenty of reasons to celebrate as the country’s passport has seen a significant rise in global rankings. According to the 2024 Passport Ranking by Get Golden Visa, the UAE passport has surged from 15th place in 2023 to 8th in 2024, marking it as one of the fastest-growing in terms of strength.

This enhanced passport power allows Emirati citizens visa-free access to 187 countries.

A major factor behind this growth is a bilateral agreement signed in 2015 between the European Union and the UAE. This agreement allows UAE citizens to stay in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

“The Schengen visa waiver significantly boosted the UAE’s mobility, making it the first Arab nation with visa-free access to 26 European countries,” said Murat Coşkun, managing partner at Get Golden Visa, in an interview with Gulf Business.

Get Golden Visa ranks passports based on criteria such as visa-free travel, ease of entry into other countries, and the global reputation of the passport. In the 2024 ranking, the UAE passport is tied for 8th place alongside Estonia, just behind Lithuania (7th) and the US (6th).

Leading the ranking are the passports of France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, and Spain, all tied for the world’s most powerful.

Coşkun highlights eight key reasons for the UAE’s rapid advancement:

1. Visa-Free Access

The UAE passport grants access to 187 countries, with 45 offering eVisa or visa-on-arrival options. Major destinations like Canada, Brazil, and the Schengen Area in Europe are included. The 2015 Schengen visa waiver played a crucial role in this expansion, making the UAE the first Arab nation to enjoy such extensive benefits across 26 European countries.

2. Tax Efficiency

The UAE’s tax-friendly environment is particularly appealing to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). The absence of personal income tax allows residents to retain more of their earnings, and the lack of capital gains tax makes the UAE a prime destination for investors and business owners.

3. Economic Influence

The UAE’s diversified economy, powered by sectors like oil and gas, finance, tourism, and technology, is key to its global influence. In 2023, the UAE ranked second globally for greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) project announcements, with 1,323 projects—a 33% increase from 2022, according to the World Investment Report 2024 by UNCTAD. This followed a record $22.7 billion FDI inflow in 2022, the highest in the GCC.

4. Balanced Foreign Policy

The UAE’s strategic diplomacy and balanced global relationships enhance its standing. Strong ties with both the US and China, along with agreements like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India, have strengthened its economic influence, boosting bilateral trade to $60 billion annually.

5. Early Post-COVID Recovery

The UAE was among the first to relax travel restrictions post-COVID, leading to a swift tourism recovery. Expo 2020 Dubai, held in 2021, attracted over 24 million visitors, significantly boosting the economy and reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a resilient nation.

6. Golden Visa Programme

Launched in 2019, the UAE’s Golden Visa programme offers long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. By 2024, over 44,000 Golden Visas had been issued, attracting global talent and investment, contributing to economic diversification and innovation.

7. World-Class Infrastructure

The UAE’s advanced infrastructure, including top-tier transportation, healthcare, and digital connectivity, is a major draw. Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest, handled over 86 million passengers annually pre-pandemic. The country’s commitment to infrastructure is evident in its rapid post-COVID recovery.

8. Strategic Location and Air Connectivity

Situated between Europe, Asia, and Africa, the UAE serves as a key hub for international trade and travel. With airlines like Emirates and Etihad connecting to over 250 destinations worldwide, the UAE’s location and connectivity make it an ideal base for multinational companies and global business operations.

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