The United Arab Emirates has announced that Emirati passports are now valid for 10 years for people aged 21 and over, instead of five years.
The UAE passport rule change was announced on the evening of Monday March 18 following a meeting of the Council of Ministers in Abu Dhabi. This means there should be less bureaucracy for Emirati citizens – and you’ll get to keep clinging on to the youth of your younger passport photo for longer than before.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai posted the outcome of the meeting on X, formerly Twitter.
He said that the meeting approved an amendment to the executive regulations of the federal law regarding citizenship and passports. A UAE passport is considered one of the most powerful passports in the world, ranking first in MENA and 11th overall in the Henley Passport Index.
Also Read: UAE restructures Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Emirati passport holders are able to travel with minimal fuss either visa-free or visa on arrival to 183 countries.
How to get a UAE passport
A UAE passport is not an easy one to get, however.
One of the ways you can get a UAE passport is by being a UAE citizen (which we have helpfully outlined how to get if you’re an expat).
If you are a dependent wife of an Emirati citizen you may also qualify for a UAE passport.
And, finally, if you are a newborn baby (and what newborn baby isn’t reading this?) of UAE citizens then you can also get a UAE passport.
