The United Arab Emirates has achieved a remarkable diplomatic milestone, with its passport evolving from a regional travel document into one of the world’s most powerful instruments of global mobility. Current indices reveal the extraordinary transformation: the UAE passport now offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 global destinations, positioning it among the top ten globally and earning the top spot on Arton Capital’s ranking with a mobility score of 179.
This ascent represents the most significant improvement recorded in the two-decade history of the Henley Passport Index. The journey from just 35 visa-free destinations in 2015 to the current 184 marks a dramatic 34-position leap that reflects the nation’s growing international stature. The UAE stands as the first Arab nation to secure visa-free access to all 34 European Union countries and remains the only Middle Eastern presence in the global top ten, now ranking alongside established passport powerhouses like Canada and Estonia.
The transformation stems from strategic diplomatic efforts initiated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ UAE Passport Force initiative in 2017. This comprehensive program focused on establishing new partnerships across political, economic, commercial, and cultural spheres. Through sustained diplomacy, high-level exchanges, and negotiated visa-waiver agreements particularly with European, Asian, and Latin American nations, the UAE systematically enhanced its global connectivity.
Beyond benefiting Emirati citizens, this diplomatic achievement improves mobility for the country’s substantial expatriate population. With over 80% of the UAE’s 11 million residents being expats representing 190 nationalities, the strengthened passport facilitates smoother international travel procedures, business mobility, and enhanced access to global hubs. The nation’s reputation as a diplomatic and economic center often translates into easier entry procedures and visa-on-arrival options for residents traveling internationally.
This passport evolution mirrors the UAE’s broader emergence as a regional powerhouse driven by economic diversification, foreign investment, major infrastructure projects, and notable security stability. The enhanced global mobility symbolizes the country’s mature international standing and its successful integration into the global community through strategic relationship-building and diplomatic excellence.