In a new historic achievement, the UAE passport has become the strongest passport and now ranked first globally. The exceptional achievement on December 1, 2018, coincides with the ‘Year of Zayed’ and country’s 47th National Day, and is added to country’s numerous accomplishments in various domains. The UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has surpassed all expectations after accomplishing this achievement.
Ranked 1st by Passport Index
It was ranked first by Passport Index, an interactive online tool that provides users with insights on passports with the ability to compare and rank the world’s passports. The ranking is based on freedom of movement and visa-free travel to passport holders.
Visa Free Travel for Emiratis
The UAE passport holders can travel to 167 countries without the need for pre-visa requirements, which is 84 per cent of the number of countries listed in the index. In December 2016, the UAE passport ranked No. 27 but it rapidly notched higher to No. 4 in October 2018. Then it skyrocketed to No. 3 on November 8 enabling Emirati citizens to fly to 163 countries without securing a visa prior to departure. It left behind Singapore and Germany, whose citizens can travel visa-free to 165 countries. But to mark the country’s 47th National Day, four more countries were added to the UAE list on December 1, 2018, eventually making UAE world’s Number 1 passport.
Historic Achievement
The achievement is historic for the Emirates. Basically, it coincides with the Year of Zayed and country’s 47th National Day. Indeed, the success is added to country’s numerous accomplishments in various domains. It reflects the county’s civilized face, respect and appreciation at both regional and international levels. This success was achieved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted: “On the glorious UAE National Day, our achievements are getting doubled. The Passport Index has just ranked the UAE passport as Number 1 globally, with visa-free entry to 167 countries worldwide. Congratulations to the UAE and its people and big thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s teams led by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed”.
احتفالية البرج الأعلى بالجواز الأقوى في دولة تعشق الرقم ١ #الجواز_الإماراتي_الأول_عالمياً pic.twitter.com/vtsTGGwuxJ
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 1, 2018
