UAE Passport Climbs to 8th Globally, Remains Strongest in Arab World
Country makes significant gains in travel freedom, rising 34 ranks in Henley Index over the last ten years
SRINIDHI S VASANJul 23, 2025, 11:10 AMThe United Arab Emirates now holds the most powerful passport in the Arab world and ranks eighth globally, according to the Henley Passport Index’s mid-year 2025 report, marking a historic achievement in global mobility for the region.
This milestone reflects the highest ranking ever secured by an Arab nation and highlights the UAE’s impressive rise on the international stage. Emirati citizens can now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 destinations worldwide, a direct result of the country’s strategic foreign policy and expanding diplomatic influence.
In a striking display of progress, the UAE has climbed from 42nd place in 2015 to 8th in 2025 — a jump of 34 positions in just a decade. This makes it one of the most remarkable upward movements in the history of the Henley Passport Index.
The Index, widely recognised as the authoritative source on passport strength, ranks countries based on the number of destinations their citizens can access without a prior visa. It draws on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), supplemented by Henley & Partners’ own research.
The UAE’s rise is largely credited to its active pursuit of visa waiver agreements across the globe. A landmark deal with China — which now grants visa-free access to citizens of all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — is among the latest developments to boost the UAE’s passport strength.
UAE’s Rise Reflects Broader Strategy
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, commented on the broader implications of the 2025 rankings, stating that global mobility dynamics are shifting.
“Traditional leaders in travel freedom are gradually losing ground in an increasingly multipolar world,” Dr. Kaelin said. “Emerging economies like the UAE are leveraging diplomatic engagement and liberalised visa regimes to expand their global influence.”
The UAE’s strong showing in the passport rankings underscores its larger ambitions — to position itself as a global nexus for commerce, travel, and international diplomacy.
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