UAE passport is world's most powerful once again: How to get a UAE passport
The UAE passport has topped the Arnot Capital Global Passport Power rankings in 2024. This is the fourth consecutive year that the UAE has claimed top spot.
So what exactly does it mean to be the most powerful passport in the world? Well, it means that Emiratis are able to travel visa-free to 133 countries, can claim visa-on-arrival in a further 47 nations and only need to arrange pre-approved visa in 18 countries.
UAE passport holders benefit from a Schengen visa waiver which allows visa-free travel to 26 European countries as well as visa-free travel to the five other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The annual power ranking looks at how easy it is to travel between countries using each passport.
European countries make up the majority of the top 30 countries with Spain placing in second, Finland in third and France in fourth.
You have to get down to 21st position before you'll find another non-European country with South Korea placing highly, Japan is in 25th and New Zealand in 28th.
Passports of note for people living in Dubai include the UK in 32, the Philippines in joint 66th, India in joint 70th and Pakistan in joint 91st.
How to get a UAE passport
A UAE passport is not an easy one to get, however.
One of the ways you can get a UAE passport is by being a UAE citizen. Citizenship is only open to a select few non-nationals but it is possible to get a hold of.
Non-nationals who could get UAE citizenship can be:
Investors
Doctors and specialists
Inventors
Scientists
Intellectuals and individuals with creative talents
If you are a dependent wife of an Emirati citizen you may also qualify for a UAE passport.
And, finally, if you are a newborn baby (and what newborn baby isn't reading this?) of UAE citizens then you can also get a UAE passport.
You might also like…
12 fantastic road trips across the GCC
Fill up the tank and go
Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities
Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables
Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital
Peel back the layers of time
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out Abu Dhabi
12 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
UAE passport is world's most powerful once again: How to get a UAE passport
It's official. The United Arab Emirates has the most powerful passport in the world. The UAE passport has topped the Arnot Capital Global Passport Power rankings in 2024. This is the fourth consecutive year that the UAE has claimed top spot. So what exactly does it mean to be the most powerful passport in the world? Well, it means that Emiratis are able to travel visa-free to 133 countries, can claim visa-on-arrival in a further 47 nations and only need to arrange pre-approved visa in 18 countries. UAE passport holders benefit from a Schengen visa waiver which allows visa-free travel to 26 European countries as well as visa-free travel to the five other Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The annual power ranking looks at how easy it is to travel between countries using each passport. European countries make up the majority of the top 30 countries with Spain placing in second, Finland in third and France in fourth. You have to get down to 21st position before you'll find another non-European country with South Korea placing highly, Japan is in 25th and New Zealand in 28th. Passports of note for people living in Dubai include the UK in 32, the Philippines in joint 66th, India in joint 70th and Pakistan in joint 91st. How to get a UAE passport A UAE passport is not an easy one to get, however. One of the ways you can get a UAE passport is by being a UAE citizen. Citizenship is only open to a select few non-nationals but it is possible to get a hold of. Non-nationals who could get UAE citizenship can be: Investors Doctors and specialists Inventors Scientists Intellectuals and individuals with creative talents If you are a dependent wife of an Emirati citizen you may also qualify for a UAE passport. And, finally, if you are a newborn baby (and what newborn baby isn't reading this?) of UAE citizens then you can also get a UAE passport. You might also like… 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
Flydubai to add 12 aircraft in 2025 but still 20 short of goal
Flydubai will receive 12 new aircraft this year, though it remains 20 planes behind its original delivery projections, the airline's chief executive said Thursday. The Dubai-based carrier has taken delivery of seven Boeing 737 MAX 8s in 2025, with five more expected before year-end, bringing its fleet to 93 aircraft. In a report on Khaleej Times, CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the deliveries are part of a backlog that has been delayed in recent years, impacting the airline's expansion plans. Airlines in the UAE and globally have faced delays in aircraft deliveries, with Flydubai noting last year that Boeing's updated schedule had significantly affected its growth strategy. Despite the challenges, Flydubai has added 11 new destinations this year, including Antalya, Al Alamein, Damascus and Peshawar. Four more European destinations — Chisinau, Iasi, Vilnius and Riga — are scheduled to launch between September and December, expanding the carrier's network to more than 135 destinations in 57 countries. Financing for the first seven aircraft delivered this year has come from a mix of Islamic financing through Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, conventional debt from the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah, and sale-leaseback agreements with JP Lease Products & Services and JLPS Ireland Limited. Al Ghaith said the additional aircraft will help the airline open new routes, optimize operations and strengthen Dubai's role as an international aviation hub.
What's On
a day ago
- What's On
Emiratis can now renew their UAE passport up to one year before expiry
Starting August 18, 2025, Emiratis can renew their UAE passport up to one year before the expiry date. Previously, the limit was just six months. How it works The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) says the new rule applies to any passport with 12 months or less left. Renewals can be done easily through the ICP smart services platform, without visiting a service centre in person. The digital process makes it faster and more convenient for everyone. Why this change? Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, chairman of the authority, says the move is all about making life easier for citizens. With the new rule, people can plan trips well in advance, avoid last-minute passport problems, and complete official paperwork more efficiently. It also encourages the wider use of digital identity services. Al Shamsi adds that this step strengthens the UAE's reputation for efficient government services and sets a benchmark for the region. UAE passport power The UAE passport is ranked one of the 10 strongest in the world in 2025, reflecting the country's growing influence on the global stage. It allows Emirati citizens to travel to 184 countries without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival, making international travel faster and more convenient. This is a significant improvement from previous years and highlights the passport's increasing strength and value. Here's the recent progress in global rankings: 2022 and 2023: Ranked 15th 2024: Ranked 11th 2025: Ranked 8th The steady rise in ranking shows how the UAE has invested heavily in improving mobility for its citizens, making it easier for them to travel for business, education, or leisure. It also reflects the country's strong diplomatic relations worldwide, which continue to open doors for Emiratis across the globe. Experts say this trend is likely to continue, further solidifying the UAE passport as a symbol of national pride and global connectivity. This move makes UAE passport renewal easier, quicker, and more efficient, while also highlighting the country's commitment to high-quality government services and improving citizens' everyday lives. Image: What's On Archive > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
