The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship announced on Monday night that 3,354 children of Emirati women married to foreign fathers will be granted Emirati citizenship by the UAE Government.
According to UAE law, children born to Emirati women married to foreign men take the nationality of their father at birth. In 2011, a new law made it possible for those children to apply for Emirati passports when they turn 18.
However, under recent changes made to citizenship laws, mothers can apply to have Emirati citizenship for their children when they turn 6.
The Identity and Citizenship Authority said on Monday night the 3,354 applications met the requirements and will be given Emirati passports.
The UAE Passport is now ranked as the number one best passport in the world allowing holders to enter 167 countries visa-free and 50 countries with visas issued on arrival.