The huge achievement comes just in time for UAE National Day…

The UAE passport has just been announced as the strongest passport in the world in the global passport index.

The historic achievement was revealed on Saturday December 1, just a day before the UAE celebrates its 47th National Day on Sunday December 2.

“This achievement is a true reflection of the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father of the UAE,” said Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. “It also underscores what can be achieved through positive diplomacy, reflecting the UAE as a confident and engaged force at the global stage,” he added.

HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai also took to social media to welcome the news, saying that the world “opens its doors to the people of the UAE”, while also congratulating the foreign ministry.

The global Passport Index ranks countries based on the number of countries a passport holder can travel to without a visa, or by obtaining one on arrival. Currently, the UAE passport holder can travel to 167 countries without the need for pre-visa requirements, which is an impressive 84 per cent of the number of countries listed in the index.

It’s a huge feat for the UAE, which was ranked in 27th position two years ago in December 2016.

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Images: Getty/ Dubai Media Office