Do you hold a UAE passport? Then, here’s something that will make you proud instantly! The UAE has been labelled as the ‘highest climber’ in terms of passport power. The Henley Passport Index revealed that the UAE has been climbing higher each year and is currently at the 18th position.
What’s It?
The UAE passport has been ranked the world’s most powerful passport, according to the Henley Passport Index. Last year, UAE was at the 21st position and a decade ago, it was on the 61st position, along with Thailand and Zimbabwe. It had a visa-on-arrival score of 52.
However, this year’s we’ve bagged the 18th position and have a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 171. In addition, UAE passport holders can also visit 171 countries around the world without a visa. Other Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman have also climbed up the index. Saudi is currently on the 66th place, with citizens able to access 77 destinations without a visa. Oman, on the other hand is on the 64th place, with a visa on arrival score of 79.
Meanwhile, Japan has secured the top spot for the third consecutive year, with a score of 191. Singapore stands on the second spot with a score of 190. South Korea and Germany dropped to the third spot, while USA and UK moved to the eighth position, from the first position they held together in 2015.
Besides, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai recently made a huge announcement about UAE tourist visa. For the uninitiated, UAE will now grant tourist visas for five years for all nationalities.
The system of issuing tourist visas in the country underwent a massive change. UAE tourist visa has now been changed to five years, multiple uses, for all nationalities, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.
The UAE received more than 21 million tourists annually, and the effort is an initiative to establish the country as an international tourist destination.
What Else?
Meanwhile, if you’re yet to make travel plans this year, then here’s a list of places that provide visa on arrival for all UAE residents.
1. Armenia
Currency Rate: 1 AED = 132 Armenian Dram
Adore the churches and other religious buildings in Armenia built more than 1700 years ago. One should also visit the famous Etchmiadzin Monastery, which is a World Heritage Site. Make a note as you will need to pay the equivalent of 20 Dirhams for your short stay tourist visas in order to qualify for a visa on arrival as a UAE resident.
2. Georgia
Currency Rate: 1 AED = 0.72 Georgian Lari.
When in Georgia you surely need to visit Tbilisi which is also recommended as the top destination by many travellers. Tbilisi is the capital city and one of the best cities in Georgia to visit! UAE residents can avail visa on arrival for a period if 90 days.
3. Azerbaijan
Currency Rate: 1 AED = 0.46 Azerbaijani Manat.
Visit Garasu Volcano which is the highest mud volcanoes in the world, The Caspian Sea the worlds largest lake which has a coastline of approx 310 miles from the border with, Iran to the south and Dagestan in the north. Icheri Seher which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is located In central of Baku. All you need to do is present your passport with your valid UAE residency visa at the airport upon arrival, and you’ll be able to stay in Azerbaijan for a month.