UAE tops the Best Passports of the Decade Ranking

As the world ushers into the new decade, taking a look back, the last decade has been more than lucrative for UAE in many fields.

Measuring the global mobility score of nations, Global Passport Index, The UAE has emerged as having the strongest passport of the last decade topping Global Passport Power Rank in 2019 among 199 destinations.

Emiratis are now able to enjoy visa-free or visa on arrival entry across 90 percent of the world, increasing UAE’s mobility score by 161 percent from 2010 to 2019.

The UAE’s passport gained a total of over 111 visa waivers, most of which have taken place in the last three years, the index found. Its 2019 mobility score stood at 179.

“As their goal to rise within the top five was achieved three years ahead of time, their momentum and mission grew stronger as they strived to reach the first place before the end of 2018,” the report said.

In the last year alone, an additional 12 countries were added to the list of destinations that Emiratis can visit via visa-waiver or visa on arrival policies.

The 10 most powerful passports of the decade:

1. UAE
2. Taiwan
3. Ukraine
4. Albania
5. Bosnia and Herzegovina
6. Moldova and Georgia
7. Palau and the Marshall Islands (joint)
8. Micronesia
9. Timor Leste
10. Vanuatu

“Triumphing and maintaining the lead for over a year to date, the UAE’s meteoric rise became one of the most intriguing examples of a successfully accomplished national goal.” Over the last 10 years, the Passport Index also identified a common trend in island nations surfing slowly higher in the ranks as the fastest-growing passports, African nations swiftly escaping the lowest-ranking bottom.

“At an average increase of 4 percent year-over-year, it would be incredible to assume that by 2035 the entire world is open for travel,” added Arton.

The last twelve months also saw Canada, Singapore, and Sweden slip further down the top 10 list of the world’s most powerful passports for 2019.

Saudi Arabia also made it to the list of the top 10 with over nine visa waivers.

“Saudi Arabia announced its bold vision to grow and diversify its economy and position the country to play a leading role in global development with the launch of NEOM, a new city for innovation and human progress. It comes as no surprise that strengthening global relations and improving passport power is an imperative tool to accomplish this national goal by 2030,” the report said.

Whereas Qatar also gained 12 visa waivers throughout 2019, followed by Rwanda.