The UAE passport is currently ranked first in the Arab and Middle East and the 14th in the world, according to indicators from the Passport Index.

This follows the announcement made earlier regarding UAE citizens exemption allowing them to visit Canada without an entry visa starting from June 5, 2018.

The announcement was made during a meeting between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, in Ottawa.

Sheikh Abdullah praised the decision, adding that this move affirms the distinguished ties between the UAE and Canada.

Ahmed Hussen said, "The UAE is a key strategic partner and lifting the visa requirement will help reaffirm the strong relationship between our two countries. It will also promote increased tourism, cultural, academic and study exchanges, as well as foster new business, trade, and investment opportunities."

This decision is based on a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the UAE over Canada's visa policy criteria. The evaluation found that the UAE meets Canada's criteria for a visa exemption.

Emirati citizens will no longer need a visa as of 5:30am ET (1:30pm Gulf Standard Time) on June 5, 2018, to travel to Canada for short stays (normally for up to six months) for business, to visit family and friends or for tourism.

However, Emirati citizens, similar to other visa-exempt travellers, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport. The eTA allows Canadian officials to screen travellers for admissibility before they board their flight to Canada. Emiratis will be able to apply online for an eTA after 5:30am ET (1:30pm Gulf Standard Time) on June 5.

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