How Passports Reflect Political Stability and Diplomatic Strength in the Arab World

The strength of Arab passports varies significantly based on the number of destinations accessible visa-free or via visa-on-arrival. This disparity reflects the varying levels of diplomatic reach, political and economic stability, and international agreements across the 22 nations of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

This article provides a comprehensive comparison of Arab passports, analysing leading global indices such as Henley and Passport Index. It examines how these rankings influence the geopolitical standing of Arab states regarding freedom of movement and international openness, identifying the factors that transform a national document into a gateway for unrestricted global access.

Conflicting Methodologies and Indices

As we enter 2026, Arab passport rankings continue to show stark disparities depending on the methodology employed. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) exemplifies this divergence; it currently holds a dual status, ranking first globally on the Arton Capital index with a mobility score of 179. Conversely, it ranks tenth on the Henley Passport Index (shared with Latvia and Lithuania), providing visa-free access to 185 destinations.

This discrepancy is not a data error but a result of differing methodologies. The Henley methodology focuses exclusively on destinations accessible without a prior visa. In 2026, several European nations tied for the top positions, numerically pushing the UAE to tenth place despite the significant strength of its passport.

The Henley Passport Index draws its data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is considered a definitive global reference for passport power.

Arton Capital, however, utilises a “Mobility Score” that combines visa-free access with visa-on-arrival. This explains the UAE’s top ranking on this index, as the country maintains an extensive network of visa-on-arrival agreements that bolster its total score.

Arton Capital’s index is an interactive online tool launched in 2014, allowing users to explore the global landscape of passports. With over 65 million visits recorded by December 2020, it has established itself as a leading global authority in passport classification.

UAE Passport Retains Regional Dominance

Regionally and globally, the UAE leads the 2026 Global Mobility Index, maintaining its dominance for the seventh consecutive year. The nation has seen a significant ascent from 42nd place in 2015 to first globally on the Arton index and tenth on Henley, offering access to 185 destinations.

Qatar, which climbed six places to rank second in the GCC and MENA REGION, continues to improve its standing alongside Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. These nations are leveraging diplomatic and economic reforms, while Oman stands out for its focus on bilateral trade agreements(that exert a direct and substantial impact on visa policies and passport strength, acting as the primary driver of what is termed economic diplomacy).

The Qatar passport ranks 47th globally, providing access to 112 destinations either visa-free or on arrival. The Kuwaiti passport follows at 50th for 2025, with access to approximately 100 destinations.

Saudi Arabia holds the 54th position with access to 91 countries, while Bahrain ranks 55th with access to 90 destinations. Oman follows closely in 56th place, offering access to approximately 88 countries.

Lower-Tier Arab Rankings

Conversely, several Arab nations occupy the lower tiers globally, highlighting a significant mobility gap within the region. According to Al Jazeera, based on the 2025 Henley Index, Morocco ranks 70th (70+ destinations), Tunisia 75th (68 destinations), Mauritania 80th (60 destinations), Jordan 85th (55 destinations), and Algeria 86th (56 destinations). Djibouti and the Comoros rank 90th and 91st, respectively.

The Egyptian passport has seen marginal improvement through the adoption of e-visas, ranking 92nd with 55 destinations. Passports from Somalia, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, the Palestinian Territories, Sudan, Libya, and Lebanon remain among the world’s weakest, with access ranging between 30 and 44 countries.

Does Passport Strength Define Global Standing?

The strength of an Arab passport serves as a precise barometer of a nation’s geopolitical status, economic power, and security stability on the global stage. Its transformation from a mere travel document into a strategic asset depends on several key pillars.

The power of a passport, (as seen with the model set by UAE), reflects foreign policy success in establishing visa-waiver agreements with major global blocs, including the European Union, China, and Russia.

A high ranking is also a marker of “international trust.” Henely indices suggest a direct correlation between passport strength and national stability, specifically regarding whether citizens are perceived as risks for irregular migration.

The high rankings of Gulf states highlight their successful transition into global hubs for tourism and investment, a trend documented by the Arton Capital Global Mobility Index.

Passports are increasingly evaluated based on “economic power”; a document that provides access to a high percentage of global GDP is viewed as an investment tool, according to Al Jazeera ALJazeera NET’s analysis of major economic powers.

GCC nations hold prominent positions in investment indices linked to the strength of national identity documents, as highlighted by Argaam reports on Gulf economic competitiveness.

Mobility strength is also linked to Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) signed by nations like Oman and the UAE to bolster their trade influence.

In contrast, the low rankings of countries such as Syria, Iraq, and Yemen reflect a state of “security exclusion” stemming from instability, as outlined in 2026 global mobility analysis.

Host nations often impose restrictions on these citizens due to concerns over political volatility, risks of unauthorised migration, or asylum-seeking pressures.

The declining rankings of Sudan, Libya, and Palestine illustrate how conflict leads to citizen isolation—a reality tracked by Arab Times reports on regional travel gaps.

Furthermore, the ability of nations like Qatar to transition to Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) instead of traditional visas—similar to Canada’s model—reflects technological sophistication and international recognition of their digital security infrastructure.

The Arab mobility landscape is defined by a clear divergence in passport strength: Gulf states lead global rankings, offering their citizens extensive freedom of movement, while other nations face significant cross-border restrictions.

International travel agreements and diplomatic policies remain the decisive factors in determining passport rankings and the resulting mobility for holders.

Ultimately, a passport serves as a gauge of a nation’s integration into the global system. A stronger passport signifies a stable, sovereign state with an open economy and a robust diplomatic network that opens the world to its citizens.Simultaneously, the global mobility landscape is shaped not only by the strength of national passports but is also inextricably linked to the specific visa issuance policies that states apply to foreign nationals.To what extent, then, do nations leverage the privilege of granting visas as a tool of political pressure within the sphere of international relations?