The UAE passport has secured the 8th position in the Henley Passport Index 2025, placing it among the top 10 most powerful travel documents globally. Emirati citizens now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries and territories, highlighting the country’s enhanced international standing. This ranking reflects years of strategic diplomatic efforts and global partnerships.
Over the past decade, the UAE passport has seen a dramatic rise in mobility, climbing 34 spots from 42nd to 8th place. It now stands alongside passports from countries like Canada and Estonia. The transformation from a document granting access to only 35 destinations to one of the most globally mobile passports illustrates a remarkable shift in international relations.
In comparison, the UK passport holds 6th place, Australia is ranked 7th, and Qatar ranks 47th. Saudi Arabia is in 54th place, followed by Bahrain at 55th and Oman at 56th. Lower in the rankings are the Philippines (72nd), India (77th), Jordan (84th), and Pakistan (96th). Henley & Partners CEO Dr. Juerg Steffen emphasized that passports today reflect diplomatic strength and the importance of global mobility in a changing world.
