In 2017, the United Arab Emirates announced its ambition to see the country's passport rank among the top five most powerful passports globally by 2021. The Arab nation not only achieved its goal ahead of schedule, but also went the extra mile.

According to Passport Index, the UAE's passport is the most powerful in the world for 2018.

The UAE overtook Singapore and Germany in the Passport Index, making it to the very top of the list.

This comes as UAE passport-holders can enter 167 countries without obtaining a visa in advance - 113 countries visa-free and another 54 requiring visas upon arrival. 

The Arab state jumped from third place in November to first place in December, after adding four countries to the list of destinations UAE passport-holders can visit visa-free.

The UAE passport had ranked 27th in December 2016, marking a significant leap during the past two years, according to Gulf News. 

The feat was announced just in time for the UAE National Day, which is annually celebrated on December 2. 

In response to the news, Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum wrote on Twitter: 

"On our glorious national day, our achievements are unveiling. Passport Index has ranked the UAE passport as the most powerful in the world, allowing passport-holders to enter 167 countries around the world visa-free. The world is opening its doors to the people of the UAE. Congratulations to the UAE, and big thanks to our exceptional Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation which is led by my brother Abdullah bin Zayed."

Meanwhile, Armand Arton, founder and president of Arton Capital which issues Passport Index, said: 

"We congratulate the UAE on this great achievement, and are pleased to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation since the launch of the UAE Passport Force initiative."

In a shocking incident that set social media abuzz, an Egyptian actress was charged with "inciting debauchery" for wearing a see-through dress that revealed her legs.

Rania Youssef, a model and actress who has appeared in multiple Egyptian films and television shows, is facing trial over the black dress she wore to the closing ceremony of the Cairo International Film Festival.

According to the Independent, Youssef could face up to five years in prison if convicted of public obscenity.

Youssef walked the Cairo International Film Festival red carpet last Thursday donning a black leotard covered by a sheer overdress exposing her hips and legs.

Lawyers Amro Abdelsalam and Samir Sabri complained to Egypt's chief prosecutor about Youssef's look after it stirred controversy online, which subsequently led to "public obscenity" charges against her. Her trial is set to begin on Jan. 12, 2019. 

According to the BBC, the aforementioned lawyers are known for pressing charges against celebrities. 

"(Her appearance) did not meet societal values, traditions and morals and therefore undermined the reputation of the festival and the reputation of Egyptian women in particular," Sabri told Agence France-Presse (AFP.)

Youssef took to social media to respond to the controversy surrounding her dress. In her statement, the actress said she did not intend to cause outrage, stressing that she would not have worn the dress had she known it would stir controversy.

Youssef explained that her choice was influenced by professional stylists, who put her under the impression that the dress was appropriate according to the standards of international festivals.

She went on to say, "I reaffirm my commitment to the values and morals upon which we were raised in the Egyptian society."

In December 2017, an Egyptian court sentenced singer Shimaa Ahmad, also known as Shyma, to two years in jail - later reduced to one year - over the racy music video to her song "I Have Issues."

Following a quick trial, the singer was found guilty of inciting debauchery and publishing an indecent film. 

Similarly, in September 2015, bellydancers Shakira and Bardis were jailed for six months each for "inciting debauchery" in their music videos.

Youssef's case caused quite the stir on social media, with many users defending the actress and deeming the charges as absurd. 

Here's what they had to say: