UAE named in top 10 in Henley Passport Index
Well, get busy with your travel plans because the UAE has just soared into the top 10 of the world's most powerful passports, grabbing the 8th spot.
The coveted Henley Passport Index ranking reveals that UAE passport holders can jet off to 184 countries and territories without the hassle of a visa — talk about a golden ticket.
The Henley Passport Index ranks all the world's passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without a prior visa.
Let's rewind a bit.
The UAE passport has been one of the biggest climbers in the past decade, moving up 34 places from 42nd to 8th. The UAE shares the top 10 spot with Canada and Estonia.
And this massive rise is no accident.
The UAE's strategic diplomatic moves and tireless negotiations have paid off, transforming its passport into a formidable travel companion. What started as a humble passport allowing entry to just 35 destinations is now a powerhouse of global mobility.
The world's most powerful passports
Other passports of note to the Dubai population include the UK passport, which is ranked in 6th place, ahead of the Australian passport in 7th.
The Russian passport ranks in 46th, alongside the Turkish passport, and one place ahead of Qatar which is one slot above South Africa.
Saudi Arabia shares 54th place with Guyana and Vanuatu, placing one ranking higher than Bahrain. The Omani passport is one place below in 56th.
The Philippines shares 72nd spot with Mongolia and Sierra Leone with visa-free access to 65 countries.
India shares 77th position with Burkina Faso, the Ivory Coast and Senegal with visa-free access to 59 countries.
The Jordanian passport is 84th, the Egyptian is 85th, Lebanon is 89th, Iran is 91st, Bangladesh is 94th and Pakistan is 96th.
Curious about the top 10? Here's the latest lineup:
Rank Country Visa-Free Destinations 1 Singapore 193 2 Japan, South Korea 190 3 Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain 189 4 Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden 188 5 Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland 187 6 United Kingdom 186 7 Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, Poland 185 8 Canada, Estonia, UAE 184 9 Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia 183 10 Iceland, Lithuania, United States of America 182
Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, said: 'Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it's a reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships.
'In an era of growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever.'
Looking for things to do in Dubai?
10 one-of-a-kind cafés to escape the summer heat
Extra cool spots to spend the day
How to enjoy a luxe three-course dinner at Atlantis The Royal for only Dhs295
This is not a drill
7 low-key Dubai activities for when your social battery is running low
Zero small talk required
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Time Out
Unlock Singapore's insider gems on your next getaway
1. Burnt Ends For fine dining with an approachable, meaty twist This isn't your backyard barbecue – Burnt Ends turns up the heat with a slick open kitchen concept, where you can watch the chefs char, smoke, and sear juicy meats on its custom four-tonne, dual cavity oven and elevation grills. The menu changes daily, so every visit feels like a fresh new flavour trip, earning them a spot on the World's 50 Best and Asia's 50 Best Restaurants – and a feature on top fine dining picks in Singapore. 2. National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore For elevated local flavours in an art gallery Helmed by the doyenne of Peranakan cuisine, Violet Oon, National Kitchen is a love letter to Singapore's rich culinary heritage. It's also the perfect pit stop after exploring the artworks at National Gallery Singapore. Treat yourself to her famed beef rendang in an elegant dining hall steeped in charm or head to the verandah for local bar bites, sunset cocktails, and sweeping views of the city skyline. 3. HighHouse For sunset cocktails with the best aerial views Take your sundown plans sky-high – 61 floors up, to be exact – at HighHouse. Enjoy panoramic skyline views, a tasty menu of bites and cocktails, plus a rotating lineup of live music and DJs. Plush booths and dining tables line the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Marina Bay and the Padang. Time Out tip: head up to Nova, pick for Singapore's highest rooftop bar, for a next-level view with your nightcap. 4. Singapore Botanic Gardens For a lush, UNESCO-worthy stroll A crown jewel in Singapore's green scene, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens is a lush escape packed with gems. Feed black Australian swans at Swan Lake, journey through the Evolution Garden, or explore the world's largest orchid collection – including the iconic Vanda Miss Joaquim – at the National Orchid Garden. Weekends bring rainforest tours and concerts by Symphony Lake, while kids can run wild at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden. 5. Skyline Luge Sentosa For a thrilling ride down the tracks or above the trees It's no mystery why the Skyline Luge is a firm crowd favourite – and it's ranked on list of top attractions for families and thrill-seekers. Buckle up for a ride that's part go-kart, part toboggan. Grab the kids or your thrill-seeking mates and race down four action-packed tracks, each packed with hairpin bends, tunnels and speedy slopes through Sentosa's lush greenery. When you hit the bottom, hop on the Skyride for sweeping views of the Singapore skyline and South China Sea. 6. ArtScience Museum For interactive, otherworldly art exhibitions Blending art and science under one futuristic lotus-shaped roof, the ArtScience Museum pulls off a tricky balancing act with special, interactive displays and creative workshops for the curious. Its permanent exhibition Future World: Where Art Meets Science, created with Japan's teamLab, has just had a glow-up, featuring brand-new immersive works alongside crowd-favourite interactive installations and dreamy soundscapes. The unique building recently made it onto list of most Instagrammable museums, and it's worth a gawk on the outside, too. 7. The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore For a luxe stay in a heritage landmark The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore makes its grand home in two restored icons – the neoclassical Capitol Building and Venetian Renaissance-style Stamford House. Right in the heart of the civic district, it's the ideal crash pad for museum-hopping downtown. Expect lofty corniced ceilings, dramatic archways, and street-facing windows in its plush rooms. It's also one of top-rated heritage hotels, with five-star service to match. Don't miss 15 Stamford by celeb chef Alvin Leung, where Asian flavours get a bold, globe-trotting twist in a glam, Art Deco-inspired setting. 8. The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore For a waterfront base near iconic attractions Perched on the edge of Marina Bay, The Fullerton Bay Hotel is a knockout – and not just because of the postcard-worthy views. The grand lobby, set in the historic Clifford Pier, stuns with its soaring arches, while every room offers a front-row seat to the bay. Make the most of it with the Bay View room, which has a bathtub positioned perfectly to soak in those skyline views. You're also minutes from icons like the Merlion and Esplanade, but don't rush off – the rooftop pool and bar deserve your time too. 9. Ya Kun Kaya Toast For breakfast done the Singaporean way A true Singapore icon, Ya Kun Kaya Toast has been fuelling mornings and afternoon kopi breaks since 1944. Step into one of its retro-style coffee shops and order up the OG combo, featuring crisp bread slathered with rich kaya and a slab of butter, paired with soft-boiled eggs and a strong cup of kopi. It also tops the list of must-try local breakfasts, and once you taste it, you'll know why. 10. Jigger & Pony For award-winning, local-inspired cocktails A stalwart of Singapore's bar scene, Jigger & Pony ranks an impressive fifth on the World's 50 Best Bars 2024 list – and it's a consistent top pick for craft cocktails. It nails the art of the classic cocktail, adding just the right touch of reinvention. Favourites like the espresso martini and yuzu whisky sour still shine, while the new Embrace menu brings bold surprises like the savoury Peanut Alexander and herbaceous Basil Smash. 11. MARQUEE Singapore For a party with an indoor Ferris wheel and slides When it comes to throwing a big bash, no one does it quite like MARQUEE – Singapore's largest nightclub. Tucked inside the iconic Marina Bay Sands, this supersized club sprawls across 2,300sqm and three towering levels, with 30-metre-high ceilings and an actual indoor Ferris wheel overlooking the dancefloor. Bring your best moves: resident DJs and global heavyweights keep the beats pumping on a cutting-edge Funktion One system. 12. Explore more with There's plenty more in Singapore to discover, so let and be your go-to travel companions. From user-approved attractions to top-rated stays and curated itineraries just like this one, everything you need for an unforgettable vacation is right at your fingertips. Whether you're in the mood for city thrills, cultural deep dives or a bit of both, helps you explore Singapore – and beyond – with confidence and ease. Find out more here.
Time Out
4 hours ago
- Time Out
Three Australian stays have earned a spot on the global best luxury hotels list for 2025
If you've recently won the lottery (or just feel like a baller), a) we're jealous and b) we've got your next getaway sorted. A new list of The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth has just dropped, and three of Australia's most exclusive properties were featured in 2025. The annual list is carefully curated by Robb Report ' s 'Travel Masters' – a panel of 26 luxury travel specialists who spend their days recommending the world's finest stays to some of the most discerning clients. Each expert submitted their top five picks, comprising both dazzling newcomers and old favourites across regions like Europe, America, Africa, Asia and, of course, Oceania. While only the global top ten were ranked, the remaining luxury hotels were grouped by region – and Australia claimed three of the top four spots for Oceania. The first Australian luxury hotel featured was Mt Mulligan Lodge – an underrated wilderness retreat in Outback Queensland. With a strict cap of just 28 guests at once, this majestic eco-property sits on an expansive 28,000-hectare cattle station beneath the striking silhouette of its namesake tabletop mountain. Robb Report 's Travel Masters praised Mt Mulligan Lodge for being one of the rare luxury outback retreats that welcomes children, offering plenty of activities, including quad biking, sunrise hikes, paddle boarding, barramundi fishing and starlit degustations. From a staggering $12,045 per night, the newly opened Pelorus Private Island was the second Australian hotel included in the top 50. Rising from the turquoise coral seas near the Great Barrier Reef off Queensland, this ultra-exclusive resort is accessible only by helicopter charter or private yacht. True to its name, the island hosts just one residence made up of five luxurious suites. Every stay on Pelorus includes personalised meals prepped by a private chef, s steady stream of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and fresh island coconuts, and exclusive use of the whole island with experiences like snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking and reef excursions. Wouldn't that be nice? Rounding out the trio of Australia's best luxury hotels is Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island. Reopened in 2024 after being incinerated by wildfires, this dramatic oceanfront retreat was reborn with 25 ultra-premium suites, each angled perfectly towards the Southern Ocean. Robb Report touted it as 'the epitome of Australian contemporary coastal style and a luxurious gateway to uniquely Australian nature and wildlife experiences…Not only are there spectacular Southern Ocean views from every room, but exclusive signature experiences included in every stay, like guided cliff top walks, stargazing, sundowners and canapes served with the local kangaroos.' You can check out Robb Report 's pick of the ten greatest luxury hotels on Earth here. 😱
Time Out Dubai
11 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
Travelling to Thailand from the UAE? New rule you need to know regardless of visa status
New travel rules are in, here's what to know before heading to Thailand Jetting off to Thailand from the UAE? There's a new must-do before take-off. Thailand has rolled out its new Digital Travel Arrival Card (TDAC), an online form that all travellers – yes, even if you're visa-exempt – now need to complete before arrival. The free digital card replaces the old physical arrival card, and you'll need to show confirmation to immigration officers when you land. The form needs to be filled out within 72 hours of your arrival and can be submitted either solo or as part of a group if you're travelling with family or colleagues. It's quick to complete and available on the Thai Immigration Bureau's official website. While the travel card is mandatory for all non-Thai visitors, it is not a visa and does not change any existing visa processes you need to go through prior to travelling. The updated travel card was introduced in May 2025 and aims to convert the formality into a paperless system. Phuket (Credit: CanvaPro) So, if Thailand is on your radar this summer, make sure you: Fill out your TDAC online within the required timeframe Download or save the confirmation slip for arrival Double-check your travel route and if any travel warnings are in place Keep an eye on embassy alerts while you're there For most travellers, it's business as usual – but it always pays to be prepared. Keep your documents in order, stay aware of the latest updates and you'll be all set for a smooth touchdown. Looking for things to do in Dubai? 10 one-of-a-kind cafés to escape the summer heat Extra cool spots to spend the day How to enjoy a luxe three-course dinner at Atlantis The Royal for only Dhs295 This is not a drill 7 low-key Dubai activities for when your social battery is running low Zero small talk required
