passport of United Arab Emirates (UAE) has risen to top spot on the list of the world's most powerful passports. This is according to Passport Index - online service that provides insights on passports and required visas. UAE passport holders now enjoy greatest freedom of movement globally of any nationality in world. The Passport Index shows that UAE passport holders can travel visa-free to 167 countries and require entry visa from 31 countries. second most powerful passports are Singaporean and German passports. The USA passport is ranked at number four. Holders of Afghanistan passport have least freedom of movement.
The UAE passport achieved number-one position on eve of the country's 47th National Day celebrations. The Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, expressed his pride in his country's achievement in tweet. He wrote: " big 'thank you' goes to working teams for their great efforts to strengthen UAE's status, enhance its reputation, and facilitate procedures for Emirati citizens. Congratulations to UAE leadership and people for this worthy achievement." A Passport Index spokesman said: "The Emirati passport has witnessed unprecedented progress globally in past few years, reflecting international stature of the country."
