In other great news for UAE citizens, the UAE passport ranking has advanced in 2017 to the first spot in the Arab world and 22nd globally, as per the Global Passport Power Rank 2017. The latest ranking by Arton Capital Passport Index 2017 is another major triumph of UAE diplomacy, said The Gulf Today in an editorial on Saturday.

The paper said, "The Arton Capital’s Passport Index is the world’s most popular online interactive tool, which collects, displays and ranks the passports of the world. The UAE passport now allows its holders to visit 128 countries around the world without a pre-entry visa requirement.

"This stupendous achievement undoubtedly reflects the success of UAE diplomacy in carrying out the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on openness to all world countries."

"In a highly globalised world, travel freedom between countries is of paramount importance. Surveys have repeatedly indicated that the region’s youth look at the UAE as an oasis of peace and a perfect place for progress.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation recently launched the UAE Passport Force initiative, with the view to place the State’s passport on the list of the five most important passports in the world by 2021 and the efforts have proved to be highly effective.

"The ministry initiated several remarkable measures. It stepped up the diplomatic move towards greater openness to the world through the exchange of visits and contacts at the highest levels, as well as regular holding of joint committee meetings. These moves also included opening up and strengthening relations with the Latin America, Pacific and African countries, besides strong positive presence in all regional and international forums," the UAE English language daily continued "Known for its innovative approach, the UAE was the first country in the Arab world to issue emergency passports with global security standards, and compatible with the requirements and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Pragmatism and visionary leadership have helped the UAE retain its status as a peaceful, powerful and prosperous country.

The Gulf Today concluded, "For its citizens what can be more pleasing to hear than the news that UAE passport has joined the ranks of the strongest in the world?"

Source: WAM