Dubai: The UAE has retained its position as the world's second most powerful passport, with Emirati citizens able to enter 188 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance or by receiving a visa on arrival, according to the latest Henley Passport Index 2026.The achievement reflects the strength of the UAE's diplomatic relations and the continued expansion of its network of international agreements.Since the launch of the Henley Passport Index in 2006, the UAE has added 153 new destinations to its visa-free and visa-on-arrival access list, rising from a mid-ranking position to become one of the world's most powerful passports. The UAE's progress is regarded as one of the most significant improvements recorded in the index's history.Dr Christian Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the index, said passport strength has become a key indicator of a country's geopolitical influence."Passport power is one of the clearest expressions of a country's geopolitical capital. The strongest passports belong to nations that other countries want as partners for trade, investment, security and international cooperation," he said.The report also highlighted a broader improvement in global travel freedom. The average number of destinations accessible without a prior visa rose to 108 in 2026, compared with just 58 destinations when the index was first launched 20 years ago.Singapore retained the top spot in the ranking, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations. The UAE shared second place with Japan and South Korea, with access to 188 destinations. Sweden ranked third with 187 destinations.Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain shared fourth place, with access to 186 destinations, while Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Switzerland ranked fifth with access to 185 destinations.
