UAE Passport Retains World's Most Powerful Ranking in September 2026 Report with Mobility Score of 182, First Across All Regional Comparisons

The UAE passport retained its position as the world's most powerful passport in 2026, recording a Mobility Score of 182 and worldwide access of 91.9 percent, according to the latest September Passport Index ranking released September 14. The score indicates that UAE passport holders can access 182 destinations through facilitated-entry arrangements, comprising 128 visa-free destinations, 44 destinations offering visa on arrival or other simplified entry arrangements, and 10 destinations accessible through electronic travel authorization. A further 16 destinations are classified as visa-required, including the United States, Australia, Afghanistan, Belize, Bhutan, Algeria, Eritrea, Cameroon, North Korea, Lesotho, Libya, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Somalia, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Visa-free stays of up to 180 days are recorded for destinations including Dominica, El Salvador, and Armenia, while the United Kingdom and Canada are shown with 180-day stays in the eTA category. The UAE passport ranks first across every regional and international comparison in the report: first among 50 Asian countries, first among 17 Middle Eastern countries, first among six Gulf countries, first among 24 Arabic-official-language countries, first among 159 World Trade Organization members, first among 57 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation countries, first among 22 Arab League countries, first among 11 BRICS countries, and first among 132 G77 countries. Singapore and Spain ranked second with a score of 175. The report separately ranks countries according to how easily they allow foreign passport holders to enter, and in this welcoming-country ranking the UAE stands 91st among 199 countries. This measure is separate from the UAE passport ranking, which assesses how easily UAE citizens can travel abroad. Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital and co-founder of Passport Index, said the UAE remains unshakeable in its relevance on the global stage despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.