10 Reasons Why the UAE Passport is Gaining Prominence Fast

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) passport has been making headlines lately, not only for its increasing strength but also for the numerous opportunities it provides to its holders, including visa-free access to numerous countries and the high quality of life in the UAE.

As global mobility becomes more crucial in today’s world, the UAE passport is rapidly climbing the ranks of the world’s most powerful travel documents. This Pacific Prime Dubai article looks into the remarkable ascent of the UAE passport and the reasons why it has become a symbol of prestige.

The UAE Passport is Moving Up the League Tables Fast

When it comes to international travel, the strength of a passport is often measured by the number of countries its holders can access without a visa or with a visa on arrival, and the UAE passport has surged from 15th place in 2023 to 8th in 2024 according to Get Golden Visa’s Passport Ranking.

This leap is one of the fastest advancements in passport strength globally, allowing Emirati citizens visa-free access to 187 countries.

Central to this remarkable progress was a bilateral agreement with the European Union in 2015 granting UAE citizens visa-free entry into the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, making the UAE the first Arab nation with such access.

In the Global Passport Power Rank 2024, the UAE passport was ranked No.1 globally, with the ability to access 179 destinations without the need for a visa or needing only a visa on arrival. This ranking reflects the success of the UAE in enhancing international mobility for its citizens.

These and similar rankings underscore a larger trend: the UAE is emerging as a global hub for business and tourism, significantly bolstered by its passport’s newfound strength.

10 Reasons Why the UAE Passport Has Become So Prestigious

The number of visa free countries is one important measure of the prestige of a passport, but there are other factors to consider such as economic stability, growth prospects, tax laws, infrastructure quality, educational opportunities, business environment, and overall quality of life.

Here we list our top 10 reasons why the UAE passport is so sought after.

1. Visa-Free Travel to Numerous Countries

Arguably the most compelling benefit of the UAE passport is its extensive visa-free travel privileges. Holders can access 187 countries without the need for a visa before they board the plane. This broad access facilitates not only leisure travel but also business opportunities as well.

2. Strategic Diplomacy and Global Relations

The UAE has invested heavily in building strong diplomatic ties worldwide, and this balanced foreign policy has helped it maintain relationships with major global powers. The resulting stability has also solidified the UAE’s status as a top destination for foreign investments and tourism.

3. Economic Stability and Growth

The UAE’s diversified economy has contributed greatly to the prestige of its passport. With key sectors like finance, tourism, and technology driving growth, the country has become a focal point for foreign direct investment. This economic vigor enhances the value of the passport.

4. Tax Efficiency

The UAE is known for its friendly tax environment, particularly for high-net-worth individuals. The absence of personal income tax and capital gains tax makes it an attractive destination for expats and investors alike.

5. Golden Visa Program

Introduced in 2019, the Golden Visa program allows foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals to obtain long-term residency in the UAE. With over 44,000 Golden Visas issued by 2024, this initiative has attracted talent and investment on a grand scale.

6. World-Class Infrastructure

The UAE has state-of-the-art infrastructure, particularly in transportation and healthcare. Dubai International Airport handles millions of passengers annually, making it a key transit hub. The UAE’s top-notch infrastructure enhances the overall experience for passport holders.

7. High Quality of Life

The UAE offers a high standard of living, characterized by modern amenities, safety, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The country’s cities are known for their luxury, comfort, convenience, and innovation, making it a desirable destination for expats.

Further reading: The Best Places to Live in the UAE for Expats

8. Educational Opportunities

The UAE is home to several world-renowned universities and educational institutions, such as:

• Ajman University
• Canadian University Dubai
• The British University in Dubai (BUiD)

The passport provides access to high-quality education, attracting students from around the globe. This emphasis on education signifies a commitment to personal and professional development, and signals to top global companies there will be no shortage of talent in the UAE.

9. Attractive Business Environment

The UAE has made itself a leading business destination, thanks to its pro-business policies and strategic location. The ease of doing business, coupled with a supportive regulatory framework and corporate tax rates that are among the lowest globally, makes it an ideal place for entrepreneurs.

10. Enhanced Global Perception

The international perception of the UAE has evolved significantly over the past few years. As the country continues to host international events and attract global talent, the UAE passport is increasingly seen as a symbol of success and opportunity.

This enhanced global image boosts the prestige of the passport, making it a sought-after document for those looking to expand their horizons.

Pacific Prime Dubai is Here for You

The UAE passport’s rapid ascent in global rankings reflects a broader narrative of the country’s growth and strategic initiatives. With its long list of visa free countries, favorable economic environment, and high quality of life, the UAE passport has become a coveted asset for many.

But to make the most of your experience in the UAE, you’ll also need a health insurance plan that has a large network of service providers, offers favorable service payment arrangements, and comes from an insurer with a reputation for fairness. For that, Pacific Prime Dubai is your ideal partner.

With 20+ years of experience in insurance, we can tailor the right plan for you, whether you are looking for international health, expat health, maternity health, property & casualty, or other kinds of insurance. Moreover, you can be sure our recommendations will offer the best value for money.

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Martin Lee

Content Creator at Pacific Prime Dubai

Martin is a writer and translator with over 10 years of experience. He writes articles and blog posts, creates infographics and videos, translates between Chinese and English, and more. Skilled at explaining complicated concepts in layman’s terms, Martin believes the gold standard of translation is attained when the translated text is not only accurate, but also reads like an original text. Martin holds a degree in Economics from the University of London, UK.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.

In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.

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