The latest Henley Passport Index, compiled using IATA data, shows the UAE climbing three places since January to share the second spot with Japan and South Korea. Emirati passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations, a leap from 62nd place in 2006 — the largest improvement of any country in the index’s 20-year history.
Gulf Aviation and Tourism Fuel Mobility Gains
This rise is not an isolated diplomatic achievement. It reflects a broader strategy across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to invest in aviation, tourism infrastructure, and bilateral visa agreements. Carriers such as Etihad Airways have launched routes to Charlotte and Baku, targeting 125 destinations by 2030. Flydubai added services to Aleppo, Benghazi, and Pokhara, while Air Arabia expanded its European network with flights to London Gatwick and Rome Fiumicino. Meanwhile, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia, and the upcoming Riyadh Air continue to strengthen the region’s position as a global aviation crossroads.
The GCC is also preparing to launch the GCC Grand Tours Visa, a Schengen-style single visa covering all six Gulf states, which is expected to further boost intra-regional and international tourism. The UAE has already introduced a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing eligible visitors up to 180 days per year in the country.
“The world’s strongest passports belong to nations that other countries want as partners — for trade, investment, security or cooperation,” said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners. For the UAE, that progress has been driven by years of bilateral visa-waiver agreements and expanding trade relationships.
Other GCC countries are also improving their mobility. Qatar ranks 49th with access to 112 destinations, followed by Kuwait (52nd), Saudi Arabia (54th), Bahrain (56th), and Oman (58th). The region’s collective investment in airports, tourism projects, and airline networks is positioning the Middle East as a central hub for international travel.
At the same time, geopolitical factors continue to reshape travel patterns. UK Travel Agents Report Surge in Flight-Free Bookings Amid Middle East Tensions highlights how some travelers are shifting away from air travel in response to regional instability, even as Gulf carriers expand their networks.
The Henley Index notes that the average passport now provides access to 108 destinations, nearly double the figure from 2006. For the UAE, the latest ranking underscores how sustained investment in diplomacy, aviation, and tourism has transformed the country into the home of the Arab world’s most powerful passport. As Gulf countries continue to invest in airlines, airports, and regional connectivity, the Middle East’s influence on global travel is set to grow further.
