The UAE passport now has another feather in its cap, climbing the rankings on yet another global index. The passport’s ranking has surged to the 8th spot in 2024 from 15th in 2023, according to Get Golden Visa’s Passport Ranking 2024. Moreover, the passport has a visa-free score of 187.
What makes the UAE passport powerful?
The United Arab Emirates has repeatedly demonstrated that it is a reliable and a stable country. Its large number of foreign tourists and expats are testimony to that, contributing to the outstanding rating. All of these factors ultimately impact how highly ranked the UAE passport is.
Moreover, the UAE’s tax advantages, combined with the Golden Visa program, are expected to attract a significant number of affluent individuals in 2024. This will further enhance its appeal to investors and expats. With world-class infrastructure, a strategic location and balanced foreign policy, the UAE solidifies its status as a global hub for trade, business and travel.
Here are some interesting points that makes UAE passport strong:
Visa-free access
The UAE passport is one of the strongest in the world, granting travel to 187 countries, according to the Get Golden Visa index. Of these, 45 provide UAE passport holders eVisa or visa-on-arrival alternatives. Important international locations like Canada, Brazil and the Schengen area in Europe are all included in this broad access. The UAE’s international mobility was greatly enhanced by the Schengen visa waiver obtained in 2015, which made it the first Arab country to have such benefits across 26 European nations.
Tax efficiency
The UAE’s tax environment is highly favorable, particularly for high-networth individuals (HNWIs). The absence of personal income tax is a major draw, allowing residents to retain more of their earnings. Additionally, the UAE offers no capital gains tax, making it an attractive destination for investors and business owners.
Economic influence
The UAE’s diversified economy, driven by key sectors such as oil and gas, finance, tourism, and technology, is a cornerstone of its global influence. In 2023, the UAE ranked second globally, just behind the United States, in greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) project announcements, with 1,323 projects — an impressive 33 percent increase from 2022, according to the World Investment Report 2024 by UNCTAD. This achievement follows a record-breaking 2022, where the UAE recorded its highest FDI inflow at $22.7 billion, a 10 percent rise from the previous year, surpassing all other GCC countries, as highlighted in the 2023 UNCTAD report. The UAE’s continued investments in renewable energy and AI underscore its commitment to maintaining economic leadership in the region.
Balanced foreign policy
The UAE’s foreign policy is characterized by its strategic diplomacy and balanced relationships with global powers. The UAE maintains strong ties with both the United States and China, and its participation in international agreements like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India has bolstered economic ties, increasing bilateral trade by 20 percent to $60 billion annually. This balanced approach enhances the UAE’s global standing and economic influence.
World-class infrastructure
The UAE boasts advanced infrastructure, ranking highly in global indices for transportation, healthcare and digital connectivity. Dubai International Airport (DXB), for instance, is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 86 million passengers annually pre-pandemic. The country’s commitment to infrastructure development is evident in its rapid recovery post-COVID.
Golden Visa program
The UAE’s Golden Visa program, introduced in 2019, provides long-term residency options of up to 10 years for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. To qualify, applicants must invest at least AED2 million in local property or businesses. The program has been pivotal in attracting global talent and investment, with over 44,000 golden visas issued by 2024, contributing to the UAE’s economic diversification and innovation goals.
Strategic location and air connectivity
Strategically located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, the UAE serves as a major hub for international trade and travel. The UAE’s airlines, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, connect to over 250 destinations worldwide. This connectivity, combined with the UAE’s location, makes it an ideal base for multinational companies and global business operations, particularly for those from South Asia, including India, where business ties are strong.
Early post-COVID recovery
The UAE was one of the first countries to relax travel restrictions after the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a swift recovery in its tourism sector. The Expo 2020 Dubai, delayed to October 2021 due to the pandemic, became a global event that attracted over 24 million visitors, significantly boosting the UAE’s economy. This early recovery has reinforced the UAE’s reputation as a resilient and forward-thinking nation.
UAE doubles passport validity to 10 years
In July, the UAE passport authority officially announced the extension of the validity period of Emirati passports to 10 years. According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), this new service was put into effect for citizens aged 21 and above since July 8, 2024. Previously, the validity of the passport was only five years from the date of issuance.
In terms of its benefits, the new 10-year passport service provides several benefits for UAE citizens. It reduces the customer journey from two trips to just one trip every 10 years. Moreover, it supports the government’s efforts to streamline bureaucracy and save time for citizens. Additionally, the longer validity period offers greater convenience and flexibility for Emirati passport holders.
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