The UAE passport continues to make global headlines — and this time, it’s for holding its ground among the world’s strongest.
According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, the UAE passport has secured the fifth position globally, giving Emirati citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations worldwide.
For a country that thrives on global movement, trade, and travel, this ranking reflects more than prestige. It highlights how deeply connected the UAE has become to the rest of the world.
The Henley Passport Index is one of the most widely referenced global rankings, measuring how freely passport holders can travel without pre-arranged visas. And once again, the UAE finds itself in elite company.
Also read: UAE Passport Ranks 8th Globally in 2025, Leading the Arab World – Social Kandura
UAE Shares Fifth Spot with Top European Nations
In the latest rankings, the UAE shares its fifth-place position with Hungary, Portugal, Slovenia, and Slovakia, all scoring 184 on the index.
What makes this achievement notable is who the UAE has surpassed.
The Emirates now ranks ahead of major countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States — a clear sign of its growing diplomatic reach and global trust.
At the top of the index sits Singapore, which holds first place with access to 192 destinations. Asian and European countries dominate the upper rankings, making the UAE’s presence in the top five even more significant as the only Arab nation in that tier.
Here’s How the Top 10 Passports Rank in 2026
To put the UAE’s position into perspective, here’s a snapshot of the top 10 rankings in the Henley Passport Index 2026:
- Rank 1 (192 destinations): Singapore
- Rank 2 (188 destinations): Japan, South Korea
- Rank 3 (186 destinations): Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
- Rank 4 (185 destinations): Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway
- Rank 5 (184 destinations): Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates
- Rank 6 (183 destinations): Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Malta, New Zealand, Poland
- Rank 7 (182 destinations): Australia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom
- Rank 8 (181 destinations): Canada, Iceland, Lithuania
- Rank 9 (180 destinations): Malaysia
- Rank 10 (179 destinations): United States
The list shows how competitive global mobility has become — and how strongly the UAE is positioned within it.
For emiratis’ benefit
For Emirati citizens, this ranking has very real benefits.
Less paperwork. Fewer embassy visits. More spontaneous travel.
Whether it’s a last-minute business trip to Europe, a family holiday during school breaks, or attending international events, the UAE passport makes travel simpler and faster.
In Dubai — a city built around international connectivity — this level of access fits naturally. DXB alone connects residents to hundreds of destinations daily, and Emiratis can move through borders with minimal friction.
This also supports wider goals linked to business expansion, education abroad, and international collaboration, areas where mobility plays a major role.
A 20-Year Climb That Stands Out
Perhaps the most impressive part of this story is the UAE’s long-term progress.
Over the past two decades, the UAE passport has climbed 57 places in global rankings — one of the most dramatic rises recorded by the Henley Passport Index.
This didn’t happen overnight.
The jump reflects years of focused diplomacy, bilateral agreements, and global engagement. From visa waiver deals to stronger international partnerships, the UAE has consistently worked towards expanding travel freedom for its citizens.
It’s also closely tied to the country’s growing influence in global trade, aviation, tourism, and international policy discussions.
How Other GCC Countries Performed?
Within the Gulf region, the UAE continues to lead comfortably.
Here’s how other GCC countries ranked in 2026:
- Qatar: 47th
- Kuwait: 50th
- Saudi Arabia: 54th
- Bahrain: 55th
- Oman: 57th
While several GCC passports have seen gradual improvements over time, the UAE remains well ahead — reinforcing its position as the region’s most globally mobile nation.
passport rankings and powers are important
In today’s world, passport rankings are more than symbolic.
They influence ease of business, global perception, and even how quickly citizens can respond to opportunities abroad. For a globally focused country like the UAE, strong passport performance supports its wider vision of openness and international engagement.
As travel demand continues to rise and global borders evolve, maintaining a top-five position is no small feat.
The UAE passport ranking 2026 is a reminder of how far the country has come — and how strongly it continues to perform on the global stage.
With access to 184 destinations and a steady presence among the world’s most powerful passports, the UAE continues to set benchmarks for mobility, diplomacy, and global trust.
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