The United Arab Emirates continues to improve its ranking in the world passport index as it rises to 15th place.
The Henley Passport Index, which assesses each country’s travel documents from around 190 countries, released the rankings.
“It’s the strongest climber this quarter. While the UAE may not be able to compete with Saudi Arabia — the regional hegemon — in terms of military strength and economic power, the projection of its soft power is uncontested in the GCC,” the study says.
Japan and Singapore managed to retain its position as the ‘World’s Most Powerful Passports’ for 2019.
South Korea, Finland, and Germany tie at second place. United States and the UK previously topped the rankings in 2014. The Philippine passport’s current rank is 77th.
The Henley Passport Index is based on the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) and covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations.
