United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates passport ranking

Population

6 072 475

Global passport index

Compare

Enhanced
mobility index

Investment
index

Quality
of living index

126

Ranking 24th on the Global Passport Rankings, 7th on the Enhanced Mobility Index and 6th on the Investment Index, the passport of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is highly desired. In terms of global mobility, a UAE passport allows citizens to travel freely to 10 countries, enter 103 countries freely but with limited days, and access 23 countries through an electronic visa. In addition, citizens can get a visa-on-arrival to 42 countries, which include Indonesia, Namibia, Madagascar, and Bolivia. However, UAE citizens are required to apply for a visa to 18 countries, which includes the US, Algeria, Venezuela, and Ghana.

Compare

Global Passport Index
Enhanced Mobility Index
Investment Index
Quality of Life Index

The Enhanced Mobility Index carries the most weight (50%) and is based on the travel benefits that each passport gives the holder, while also taking into account the level of “attractiveness” of the destination country based on its quality of life.

Score

99.03

Map View List View

197

Countries
10

Free Access
23

Electronic Visa
103

Free Access
(limited days)
1

Electronic Travel
Authorization(eTA)
42

On-arrival visas
18

Visa Required

All countries

The Investment Index is used to provide a general assessment of the economy as an option for investment and other business decisions. Prosperous nations with a dynamic economy are favored, while the level of personal taxation is also taken into account. It is worth 25% of the overall calculation.

Score

GNI per capita

$66,680

Personal tax rate

Markets & Innovation

Most favorable

Innovation capability
Financial system
Product market
Market size
Labor market
Business dynamism

The third index covers six main components relating to the quality of life in the country. Other areas were considered, such as healthcare, education, and personal safety. However, it was felt that these were already covered in the selected indicators (such as in the Sustainable Development Goals) or that there were limited reliable sources for the information. The Quality of Living Index is worth 25% of the overall calculation.

Score

55.1

Sustainable Development:

Low

Medium

High

Very high

Freedom:

Not free

Partially Free

Free

Cost of Living:

Low

Medium

High

Very high

Environmental Performance:

Very low

Low

Medium

High

Very high

Happiness:

Low

Medium

High

Very high

Migrant Acceptance:

Very low

Low

Medium

High

Very high

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About

United Arab Emirates

In this United Arab Emirates Investor Immigration Permit guide, learn about:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates, is situated in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia, with maritime boundaries in the Persian Gulf.

Established on 2 December 1971, the UAE comprises Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Abu Dhabi is the capital and the largest emirate, while Dubai is recognized for its global city status and robust economy. The country spans approximately 83,600 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest nations in the Middle East.

The UAE is governed as a federal absolute monarchy, with each emirate having a significant degree of autonomy. The President of the UAE is traditionally the ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Prime Minister is the ruler of Dubai. The country\'s legal system is a mix of Islamic Sharia law and aspects of civil law traditions tailored to the international nature of the country\'s economic and social systems.

With a diverse population of over 9 million people, the UAE is a melting pot of cultures, primarily due to its expatriate majority. Emiratis, the indigenous population, constitute a smaller percentage of the population.

The UAE\'s economy is among the most diversified in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with oil and gas contributing a significant portion of the GDP, particularly in Abu Dhabi. Dubai has developed a global reputation for trade, tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services. The currency of the UAE is the Dirham (AED).

The cost of living in the UAE can be high, particularly in the major cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, the country offers a high standard of living, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a tax-free environment, making it an attractive destination for international workers and businesses.

Culturally, the UAE is deeply rooted in Arabian traditions, with Islam playing a central role in daily life and law. Despite this, the UAE is noted for its tolerance and welcomes a diverse expatriate community worldwide. This multicultural environment influences the UAE\'s food, festivals, and lifestyle.

Tourism is a significant sector, with attractions ranging from the stunning skyscrapers of Dubai, such as the Burj Khalifa (the world\'s tallest building), to the cultural sites of Abu Dhabi, like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The country is also known for its luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and vibrant nightlife scenes. In addition, the UAE hosts several international events, including the Dubai Shopping Festival, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the Dubai Expo 2020.

The UAE is strategically positioned at the crossroads of major international trade and travel routes between Europe, Asia, and Africa. This geographical advantage has been effectively leveraged to establish the country as a significant global hub for air travel and logistics.

The country operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+4). The UAE does not observe daylight saving time. With its visionary leadership, the UAE continues to grow as a global center for finance, innovation, and tourism while preserving its cultural heritage and promoting sustainability.