The UAE passport is steadily becoming more and more powerful.
As of January 16, Emiratis will be able to add another country to their growing list of visa-free travel destinations. China and the UAE just signed a memorandum of understanding, exempting Emirati passport holders from obtaining pre-entry visas, Gulf News reported this week.
“The move by the Chinese government reflects the stature attained by the UAE and contributes to strengthening bilateral relations and opening new avenues for growing tourism and trade between the two friendly countries,” said Ahmed Al Dhaheri, assistant under-secretary for consular affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, according to The National.
“The UAE has become a model for good governance, moderation and peaceful co-existence and a symbol for achievement and excellence at the international levels.”
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The UAE already boasts the strongest passport among other Arab nations. According to the Passport Index 2017, the UAE is ranked as the 22nd most powerful passport in the world, with a visa-free score of 132.
Since establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1984, bilateral trade between the two nations has grown at a rapid pace.
In the first nine months of this year, two-trade passed $35 billion. In 2016, bilateral trade passed $46 billion.
“Chinese companies are now participating in the UAE’s development activities in a bigger way as bilateral trade has crossed $35 billion in the first nine months of the current year and is expected to surpass last year,” said Lei Jin, economic and commercial counsellor at the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai, according to Arabian Business.