A new historic achievement for UAE as the countries passport has become the strongest passport in the world and now ranks number one globally. The achievement coincides with ‘Year of Zayed’ & UAE’s 47th National Day, adding to UAE’s numerous accomplishments in various domains.
“This achievement is a true reflection of the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father of the UAE. Thanks to Allah Almighty, the UAE passport has been ranked 1st globally, an achievement which reflects our right approach and future vision”.’’ said minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
To mark the announcement, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa tower was lit up with images of UAE passports and a giant number one.
According to the latest Passport Index produced by Arton Capital, UAE passport holders are able to visit 167 countries without securing a visa in advance – 113 countries visa-free and 54 using visas on arrival.
It just beat last year’s top passport, Singapore.
In 2017, the UAE announced an go-getting goal of enlisting itself among the five most powerful passports in the world by 2021 ..However the country has achieved this goal three years before the deadline.”
All the credit for the big achievement is because of the prompt signing of new visa arrangements with other countries this year, including four agreements which came into effect on December 1.
The UAE passport was in 27th position in December 2016 and had risen to fourth place at the end of October.
167 nations without the requirement for pre-visa necessities would now be traversable by an UAE passport holder, which is 84 percent of the total number of nations. Singapore seconds the list with 166 nations.
Arton’s Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of countries the holder can enter without a visa or obtaining it upon arrival.It ranks the documents of 193 countries and six regions.
The UAE has signed deals for visa-free entry to countries including Guyana, Tonga and Ireland this year.
India placed itself at 67 in Global passport power rank, according to Arton’s Passport Index.
