The truth about the infamous U.A.E. passport.
Exploring the complexities around the “world’s most powerful passport”
The UAE passport has been ranked as the most powerful passport in the world.
The ranking done by The Passport Index has not been without controversy. Comparatively, Henley Passport Index ranks UAE as having the 18th strongest passport based on their criteria.
While exceptionally strong, it is almost objectively not the best passport.
First world problems
The UAE is a highly developed nation, with a strong HDI rating of and quality of living ranking.
Despite a high level of development, strong policing and established international relations, the UAE is not seen as a true global power on the same level as other wealthy nations.
The UAE passport does not carry the same weight globally as the British, Canadian and of course, American passport.
There are even some cases where a passport from a developing nation such as Jamaica can be more handy than an Emirati passport.
Beyond soft power, below are some examples of why passports from other nations have strengths over the Emirati passport:
UAE passport holders need an e-visa to enter Australia. While this process is fast tracked for Emirati passport holders, Canadians and Brits are only required an eTA.
While likely much easier to enter Australia for Emiratis than Jamaicans (also required to apply for a visa), this is still a hassle that Canadian and UK passport holders are not subjected to.
Japan is another example. The visa waiver for Japan is not complex for Emirati passport holders however, this only allows a stay for 30 days. Canadian and UK passport holders get to stay in the land of the rising sun for 90 days. While 30 days is easily enough for most trips, Japan is definitely a place where people may want to stay longer than a month for tourism or business.
The UAE maintains strong relations with the UK, but is not a Commonwealth country. As such, UAE passport holders need a visa to enjoy the tropical beauty of Jamaica. Canadians (180 days) and Brits (90 days) can enjoy the island visa free.
Taiwan (ROC) has long been a major business and tourist destination. Emirati passport holders need an eVisa to enter Taiwan. Canadians and Brits can enter the Republic of China visa free.
Each country has it’s own history with other nations. This plays out heavily in how welcome citizens from one nation are welcome in another. Some special relationships exist.
Canada for example, played a key role in the Korean War. To this day, trade and diplomatic relations between Canada and South Korea remain strong. Canadians can spend a whopping 180 days in the home of Taekwondo, Samsung and of course, K-pop.
Despite recent turmoil, Hong Kong remains a global capital. Business and tourism are major draws to city state. Through a Commonwealth bond, Canadians and Jamaicans can enter Hong Kong visa free for 90 days.
Hong Kong was formerly ruled by the UK and relations remain exceptionally strong. British passport holders can enjoy Hong Kong visa free for 180 days. Unfortunately, Emirati passport holders only get 30 days visa free. For most places this is plenty of time, but business travelers may require more time given the nature of Hong Kong.
Other examples exist such as Jamaicans ability to Bangladesh visa free for 90 days and British nationals ability to enter Vietnam visa free for 15 days.
Interesting Allegiances
This is not to say there are not very strong benefits to having a UAE passport.
The UK and Canada have complex relationships with China. A UAE passport allows you to enter China visa free for 30 days. This is a very strong benefit to the UAE passport as China becomes more hostile towards countries such as the USA and Canada.
The UAE also maintains strong relations with countries in the surrounding region. As a member of the GCC, Emiratis can travel to nations such as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia without a visa. This is a similar freedom of movement among EU nations.
A more neutral stance (in some areas) has also allowed the UAE to maintain relations with the Russian Federation. As such, Emirati passport holders can visit Russia visa free for 90 days (as can Jamaicans). British and Canadian passport holders require a visa.
Despite strained relations due to historical and religious disputes, Emirati passport holders can travel to Iran and receive a 30 day visa on arrival. British and Canadian nationals are required to get a visa (Jamaicans are not).
Longstanding Feuds
The recent fallout between the GCC countries and Qatar has been a major issue for Emirati passport holders who would like to visit Qatar.
Not only does the blockade prevent flights through either country’s airspace, citizens of the UAE are banned from entering Qatar.
Doha is a global flight hub. Qatar Airways is one of the premiere (arguably the best) airlines in the world. While Emirates and Etihad are well loved airlines, not having the ability to fly Qatar Airways through Doha can be an inconvenience.
Moreover, this all means the UAE government can control where you travel to if you have an Emirati passport. There was even a recent ban by from travelling to Lebanon.
This is a unique downside to a GCC passport.
Israel is a global capital in religious history for many. Israel also is a cyber-security and business leader. While British, Canadian and Jamaican passports allow visa free travel to Israel for 90 days, UAE passport holders need a visa.
One would be silly to say that getting a UAE passport is not worth it for those able to do so within reasonable means.
For such a young national to have a strong passport is admirable. That said, the UAE passport does not allow for global mobility the same way passports from other wealthy and powerful nations does.
Only time will tell if the Emirates will continue to resolve disputes and open up to other nations. Bi-lateral relations opening the UAE to other nations means the opposite will happen.
Presently though, the UAE passport is not the strongest in the world.
