Dubai Passport: From 35 to 184 Countries

The Success Story of the Dubai Passport: How the UAE Document Became One of the World's Strongest

In the past decade, the United Arab Emirates has undergone extraordinary development not only in economic but also in diplomatic terms. This progress is evident not only in the city's towering skyscrapers or the ever-new infrastructure investments but also in a much more practical yet symbolic area: the strength of its passport. For citizens of Dubai and other emirates, traveling is easier than ever before—and this is no accident.

At the Forefront of the World: From 35 to 184 Countries

A decade ago, the UAE passport allowed visa-free entry to only 35 countries. At that time, this ranked 42nd in the global passport index. By mid-2025, this number had risen to 184—propelling the United Arab Emirates to 8th place according to the Henley Passport Index and ranking it as the world's strongest passport according to Arton Capital. This is not just a statistic. It is the result of diplomatic efforts, conscious openness, and deepening international relations.

Strategic Diplomacy Behind the Scenes

The strengthening of the UAE passport is not a spontaneous process but a long-term international strategy. In 2017, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the so-called UAE Passport Force initiative, aiming to make the country’s passport one of the world's top five by 2021. This goal was not only achieved but surpassed.

As part of the program, high-level bilateral meetings, joint committee sessions were organized, and visa waiver agreements were signed with various countries from Europe to Asia to Latin America. The result: most countries in the world now offer either visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for UAE passport holders.

The Only Arab Country in the Top 10

The United Arab Emirates is the first Arab and Middle Eastern country whose passport has entered the top 10 strongest in the world. This does not merely signify the usability of the passport but also symbolizes the growing prestige and influence of the country. The UAE now stands alongside countries such as Canada, Estonia, or the largest European Union states—indeed, Emirati citizens can travel visa-free to all 34 EU countries.

How Do Expats Benefit?

Although the passport's strength primarily benefits Emirati citizens, foreign residents—who make up more than 80% of the country’s population—also feel the positive effects.

Thanks to strong international relations and trust, foreigners living in the UAE often obtain visas to other countries more easily, especially for business or tourist purposes. Many countries with strong diplomatic ties to the Emirates offer simplified visa procedures for UAE residents. The Dubai residency permit often serves as a reference, signifying reliable and orderly status for the authorities of that country.

Global Mobility and Business Benefits

The expat community in the Emirates—whether entrepreneurs, investors, or employees—benefits daily from the UAE’s global standing. Faster administration, simpler visa processes, more reliable partner perceptions—all these promote international business operations and professional mobility.

Moreover, Dubai-based companies often function as regional hubs, allowing their employees to travel to various parts of the world—and the UAE’s international network facilitates this seamless movement.

The Future: Continuing Openness and Global Presence

The UAE continues to work on negotiating new visa waiver agreements, expanding diplomatic presence, and forging new strategic alliances. As a result, not only does the Emirate's passport become increasingly valuable, but the entire country becomes more attractive as a place to live and as an investment destination.

The quality of life in Dubai, its stability, security, and infrastructure standards have already been outstanding—but the strengthening of the passport is another milestone, further reinforcing the UAE as a modern, open, and globally recognized nation.

Thus, the United Arab Emirates is not just building skyscrapers but shaping a future—where a passport signifies more than a document: it is an imprint of a nation’s prestige and ambitions.

(Source: Based on Henley Passport Index.)