The UAE passport has been named the world’s most powerful in the latest 2026 Passport Index rankings, overtaking Singapore and Malaysia.

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Arton Capital’s 2026 rankings show that UAE passport holders can travel to 182 destinations worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance or through simplified entry arrangements.

With a global mobility score of 182, the UAE passport provides visa-free access to 138 destinations and simplified entry to a further 44. This is seven more destinations than Singapore and Malaysia, which share second place.

Top five most powerful passports in the world in 2026

First: United Arab Emirates

Second: Singapore and Malaysia

Third: Spain

Fourth: France, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Ireland and Japan

Fifth: South Korea and Hungary

The United Kingdom and New Zealand ranked eighth, while Australia and the United States placed 10th on the list.

How did the UAE passport become the world’s most powerful?

The Passport Index, compiled and updated in real time by Arton Capital, assesses the strength of national passports based on travel freedom and entry requirements for international destinations.

The ranking evaluates the passports of 193 United Nations member states and six other territories, covering a total of 199 passports.

One of the most notable aspects of the ranking is the UAE’s remarkable progress over nearly two decades. The country’s passport, which ranked 62nd globally about 20 years ago, has now risen to first place.

This progress reflects the expansion of the UAE’s international relations, its stronger economic and political standing, and growing global confidence in the country in recent years.

According to the report, securing first place not only expands travel opportunities for UAE citizens but also reflects the country’s economic development, economic diversification and growing international presence.