After months of building momentum, the UAE is stepping back onto the global stage with renewed clarity and purpose. In 2025, that renewed presence is reflected not in trade figures or investment flows, but in something far more personal to its citizens, the power of its passport.
According to latest reports, the UAE now ranks 8th globally, a leap from 42nd place just a decade ago. This remarkable rise reflects the country’s far-reaching diplomatic efforts and progressive visa liberalisation policies.
UAE citizens now enjoy visa-free access to 185 destinations, a distinction unmatched elsewhere in the Middle East and an exceptional accomplishment for an emerging economy. It stands as the only notable climber to have entered the global top 10 in recent years, reinforcing the nation’s position as a mobility leader in the Gulf.
Nations Drive Mobility Growth
The UAE’s push to expand global travel access is part of a wider trend, as countries across the Gulf and Asia place growing importance on mobility as a central element of their diplomatic strategy.
- Saudi Arabia has added four new visa-free destinations in 2025, bringing its total to 91 and lifting it to 54th place.
- China now offers visa-free entry to 75 countries, including all Gulf Cooperation Council members, several South American nations, and parts of Europe. This move has also expanded opportunities for GCC citizens.
- India has climbed eight places to 77th, while China now stands at 60th both ranking among the fastest risers of recent years.
Traditional Passport Powers Lose Ground
While emerging economies are advancing, several long-standing leaders are slipping down the rankings. The USA now sits in 10th place, granting visa-free access to 182 destinations, its lowest position in two decades. The UK, once the top-ranked passport in 2015, now holds 6th place.
Other notable declines include Canada, which has dropped four spots, and Venezuela, which suffered one of the steepest falls, down 15 places to 45th.
More Than a Travel Document
In today’s world, where global mobility is driven by active diplomacy rather than inherited status, the UAE’s journey offers a model for other nations. Climbing from 42nd to 8th place in just a decade is a testament to the country’s vision, determination, and steadfast commitment to international engagement.
For long-term investors in Dubai, the significance extends beyond rankings. It reflects a growing sense of momentum, renewed credibility, and the steady rebuilding of trust in a market with remarkable potential.
