The Emirati passport has been ranked as the eight most powerful passport in the world. The passport climbed up one spot in the global ranking of passports in a matter of just 15 days after the UAE government signed the visa-waiver agreement with Serbia and Paraguay on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly.
Currently, the UAE passport shares its position with Bulgaria and Romania, and Emirati citizens can travel to 157 countries visa free.
The UAE vision is to place its passport in the list of world’s top 5 most powerful passports by 2021 and looking at the progress, it seems totally attainable. The UAE passport was placed in the 23rd spot in February this year and has climbed 15 spots on the list since then.
Currently, the number one spot on the list is being shared by Singapore and Germany.
Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, South Korea and the USA are in second place.
Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Japan, the UK, Ireland and Canada tie at third place.
According to the Passport Index report, “The UAE’s dedication and vision has given it a solid foundation upon which to build its future. Its unparalleled advancement is due to progress in technological, educational, investment and infrastructure realms.”
The UAE passport is the most powerful in the GCC region followed by Kuwait and Qatar.