UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia Secure Top 10 Positions in Global Passport Rankings for Investment Opportunities

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, has secured a position in the top 10 countries with the most powerful passports for investment opportunities, according to a new index released by Global Citizen Solutions. The UAE, known for its stable economy and focus on innovation, ranked sixth out of 197 countries on the investment index. The report highlighted advantages such as zero personal taxation and a high gross national income (GNI) per capita as contributing factors to the UAE’s strong performance. Patricia Casaburi, Managing Director at Global Citizen Solutions, emphasized the UAE’s stable economy, strong international relations, and commitment to innovation and digital transformation in recent years. While the UAE dropped one position from last year’s ranking due to the improved performance of the United States, it remains an attractive destination for investors. The UAE has experienced increased direct foreign investments in recent years, driven by progressive policies on economic diversification. In 2022, foreign direct investment in the UAE reached a record $23 billion, making it the 16th largest recipient globally. The UAE also ranked as the top FDI destination in the GCC region, attracting 61% of total investment. The country received 997 greenfield projects, positioning it as the fourth-largest recipient of such projects worldwide. Global Citizen Solutions’ investment index evaluates countries based on their economic strength, investment opportunities, and business environment. The UAE scored 82 on the index, considering indicators such as global competitiveness, GNI per capita, and personal tax rates. Singapore retained its position as the strongest passport for investment opportunities and ease of doing business for the second consecutive year. The index also highlighted other countries, such as Hong Kong, the United States, Macao, Monaco, Qatar, Switzerland, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, as top destinations for investment opportunities. On the other hand, the lowest-ranking countries for investment opportunities included Zimbabwe, Mauritania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and Chad.