The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has achieved a historic milestone after its passport climbed to second place in the latest Henley Passport Index, marking the greatest improvement ever recorded by any country since the global ranking was introduced two decades ago.
According to the July 2026 Henley Passport Index, Emirati passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations, placing the UAE alongside Japan and South Korea in joint second place.
Only Singapore ranks higher, with its citizens able to travel to 192 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance.
The rankings are based on exclusive travel data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and are widely regarded as one of the leading measures of global passport strength.
A Record-Breaking Rise
The UAE’s ascent has been one of the fastest and most dramatic in the history of the index.
When the rankings began in 2006, the Emirati passport provided visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 35 destinations, placing it in the middle of the global table.
Twenty years later, that figure has increased to 188 destinations—an extraordinary gain of 153 additional travel destinations, the largest improvement achieved by any passport since the index was established.
The pace of progress has been especially striking over the past decade.
In 2016, the UAE ranked 38th globally. Since then, it has climbed 36 places to reach its current position among the world’s three most powerful passports.
More Than Visa Agreements
Henley & Partners, the investment migration consultancy that publishes the index, said the UAE’s rise reflects far more than expanded visa agreements.
The firm noted that passport strength is increasingly shaped by a country’s diplomatic influence, economic performance, international partnerships, and confidence in its institutions.
Henley & Partners Chairman Dr. Christian Kaelin described passport power as one of the clearest indicators of a nation’s geopolitical capital, arguing that countries with the strongest passports are typically those viewed as trusted partners for trade, investment, security, and international cooperation.
He also noted that global mobility has become a key measure of opportunity in an increasingly interconnected world.
“The greatest privilege today is no longer simply the freedom to travel,” Kaelin said, “but the freedom to choose.”
Rising Demand for Mobility Options
The announcement comes against a backdrop of growing interest in international mobility among UAE residents.
Industry reports indicate that enquiries about residence-by-investment and citizenship-by-investment programmes have risen significantly following the regional conflict that affected parts of the Gulf earlier this year.
Analysts say applications for alternative residency options have reportedly increased by 41 percent, highlighting how geopolitical uncertainty continues to influence personal decisions about international mobility.
The trend presents an interesting contrast: while the Emirati passport has reached its strongest position ever, demand for additional residency and citizenship pathways has also grown as individuals seek greater flexibility in an uncertain global environment.
Global Mobility Continues to Expand
The latest Henley Passport Index also highlights a broader long-term trend toward increased international travel freedom.
According to the report, the average number of destinations accessible without a prior visa has nearly doubled worldwide since 2006, despite rising geopolitical tensions and an increase in armed conflicts in several parts of the world.
The findings suggest that while global security challenges persist, international cooperation on travel and mobility has continued to expand over the past two decades.
A Symbol of Growing Global Influence
For the UAE, the latest ranking represents more than improved travel convenience.
Observers say the passport’s rise reflects the country’s expanding diplomatic network, sustained economic growth, and strategic foreign policy, all of which have strengthened its standing on the international stage.
As governments increasingly compete to attract investment, talent, and global partnerships, passport strength has become an important indicator of international influence.
With joint second place now secured, the UAE has established itself as one of the world’s most globally connected nations, completing what Henley & Partners describes as the most remarkable passport transformation in the history of the index.
