UAE emerges as global base for digital nomads
ABU DHABI (WAM)The United Arab Emirates has consolidated its status as a leading force and key player in the digital nomad economy, rising to second place globally as a top destination for digital nomads in 2025.This remarkable achievement, advancing from fourth place globally in 2023 according to the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index, reflects a forward-looking vision that goes beyond immediate economic gains, investing in people and digital infrastructure as future assets.The platform Immigrant Invest ranked the UAE second globally after Spain, ahead of countries such as Montenegro, the Bahamas and Hungary. The evaluation was based on strict criteria including internet quality, tax policies, cost of living, healthcare, and unmatched levels of safety and stability.With remote work transforming from a fringe concept to a global economic force valued at around $800 billion annually, governments worldwide are now racing to attract this segment of talent.Mohammad Alard, digital nomad and founder of the Arab Digital Nomads platform and community, highlighted the UAE's regional leadership, saying, 'The UAE is not only participating in this race but leading it. I visited the UAE multiple times and lived in Sharjah, where I personally witnessed the advanced digital infrastructure, widespread high-speed internet, availability of co-working spaces, and a culturally diverse society.'He noted the UAE's strong appeal to entrepreneurial digital nomads and tech startup founders seeking legal stability, security, and a high quality of life. 'UAE cities shine on the global map. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have solidified their positions as must-consider destinations,' he added.Alard further explained, 'Dubai can be classified as a global digital business hub competing with cities like Bangkok, Barcelona or Cape Town.' He cited tailored initiatives such as the Virtual Working Programme in Abu Dhabi and the Remote Work Visa in Dubai, which are designed to attract high-value professionals. Global rankings support this, with Dubai leading as the top city for remote work and Abu Dhabi ranked fourth, according to RemoteWork360.Recognising early the strategic value of attracting digital talent, the UAE launched a renewable one-year visa for digital nomads in March 2021, becoming one of the first countries to create an ideal environment for this workforce.These efforts align with an unprecedented global trend. What began as a quiet revolution powered by computing and the internet turned into a widespread movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled millions to embrace remote work. Today, digital nomadism is no longer a fringe lifestyle but a mainstream way of living, shared by nearly 40 million people globally. If this global movement were a country, it would rank 41st in population size.Looking ahead, projections suggest that by 2035, up to one billion people may live and work as digital nomads, comprising nearly one-third of the global workforce. This transformation, driven by 5G networks, the Internet of Things, and growing demand for flexible and hybrid work models, positions the UAE as an ideal candidate to become the leading global hub for remote work.
To ensure long-term leadership, Alard advised enhancing engagement between official entities and the broader community of local and international digital nomads, supporting more affordable living options, and showcasing the UAE's natural and cultural appeal to attract a wider range of global talent.
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Time Out Abu Dhabi
a day ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The UAE is one of the best places for digital nomads in the world and here's why
If you needed another reason to feel smug about living in the UAE, let us throw another one in. The country just ranked second in the world for digital nomads in 2025, edging out the likes of the Bahamas and Hungary and landing just behind Spain. Not bad for a place where winter means 25°C and your local café serves camel milk lattes (trust us, they're delish). Thanks to top-tier internet, excellent safety, sunshine all year round and a slew of forward-thinking visa policies, the UAE has become a remote work magnet. According to the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index, the country jumped from fourth in 2023 to second in 2025, proving it's not just chasing the trend – it's leading it. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are now locked in as must-consider destinations for anyone living the laptop lifestyle. Abu Dhabi ranks as the world's #4 city for remote work, while Dubai is #1. So why is the UAE so attractive for digital nomads? Besides the obvious draws (luxury living, beach clubs, world-class coworking spaces), the UAE was one of the first to launch a remote work visa back in 2021. This visa lets you live in the UAE while working for companies abroad – meaning you get all the perks of city life, without the local job hunt. There's more: Ultra-fast internet (because buffering is a buzzkill) A diverse, multicultural expat community Top-notch healthcare Zero income tax Next-level safety and stability And then there's the lifestyle – from early morning runs along the Corniche to late-night shawarma runs in Reem and lazy Sundays on the beach in Saadiyat. Digital nomadism is no longer niche Fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, the remote work movement has gone mainstream. Nearly 40 million people now identify as digital nomads – that's more than the population of Canada. By 2035, that number could balloon to 1 billion, thanks to 5G, smart tech and a global craving for flexible work-life balance. And entrepreneurs and remote professionals are already flocking here – and leaders say the country is just getting started. Whether you're a startup founder, freelance creative, or Zoom call warrior, the UAE is open and welcoming to digital nomads from around the globe. With smart policies, next-gen infrastructure and a world-class lifestyle, this country isn't just on the map – it is the map. Things to do this summer in Abu Dhabi The 27 best things to do indoors this summer in Abu Dhabi It's time for some air-conditioned bliss The best budget restaurants in Abu Dhabi Big on flavour, low on cost 25 brilliant beach and pool day passes in Abu Dhabi Grab your SPF – a lush day by the water awaits
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
UAE emerges as global base for digital nomads
ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has consolidated its status as a leading force and key player in the digital nomad economy, rising to second place globally as a top destination for digital nomads in 2025. This remarkable achievement, advancing from fourth place globally in 2023 according to the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index, reflects a forward-looking vision that goes beyond immediate economic gains, investing in people and digital infrastructure as future assets. The platform Immigrant Invest ranked the UAE second globally after Spain, ahead of countries such as Montenegro, the Bahamas and Hungary. The evaluation was based on strict criteria including internet quality, tax policies, cost of living, healthcare, and unmatched levels of safety and stability. With remote work transforming from a fringe concept to a global economic force valued at around US$800 billion annually, governments worldwide are now racing to attract this segment of talent. Mohammad Alard, digital nomad and founder of the Arab Digital Nomads platform and community, highlighted the UAE's regional leadership, saying, 'The UAE is not only participating in this race but leading it. I visited the UAE multiple times and lived in Sharjah, where I personally witnessed the advanced digital infrastructure, widespread high-speed internet, availability of co-working spaces, and a culturally diverse society.' He noted the UAE's strong appeal to entrepreneurial digital nomads and tech startup founders seeking legal stability, security, and a high quality of life. 'UAE cities shine on the global map. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have solidified their positions as must-consider destinations,' he added. Alard further explained, 'Dubai can be classified as a global digital business hub competing with cities like Bangkok, Barcelona or Cape Town.' He cited tailored initiatives such as the Virtual Working Programme in Abu Dhabi and the Remote Work Visa in Dubai, which are designed to attract high-value professionals. Global rankings support this, with Dubai leading as the top city for remote work and Abu Dhabi ranked fourth, according to RemoteWork360. Recognising early the strategic value of attracting digital talent, the UAE launched a renewable one-year visa for digital nomads in March 2021, becoming one of the first countries to create an ideal environment for this workforce. These efforts align with an unprecedented global trend. What began as a quiet revolution powered by computing and the internet turned into a widespread movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled millions to embrace remote work. Today, digital nomadism is no longer a fringe lifestyle but a mainstream way of living, shared by nearly 40 million people globally. If this global movement were a country, it would rank 41st in population size. Looking ahead, projections suggest that by 2035, up to one billion people may live and work as digital nomads, comprising nearly one-third of the global workforce. This transformation, driven by 5G networks, the Internet of Things, and growing demand for flexible and hybrid work models, positions the UAE as an ideal candidate to become the leading global hub for remote work. To ensure long-term leadership, Alard advised enhancing engagement between official entities and the broader community of local and international digital nomads, supporting more affordable living options, and showcasing the UAE's natural and cultural appeal to attract a wider range of global talent.
Filipino Times
3 days ago
- Filipino Times
UAE ranks second globally as top destination for digital nomads in 2025
The United Arab Emirates has been ranked as the second-best country in the world for digital nomads in 2025, based on a global index released by the platform Immigrant Invest. The country climbed from fourth place in 2023, reflecting the country's continued investment in digital infrastructure, quality of life, and remote work initiatives. The ranking is based on key factors such as internet quality, tax policies, healthcare systems, cost of living, and safety, putting the UAE ahead of countries like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary, and just one spot behind Spain. Digital nomadism, once considered a niche lifestyle, is now a growing global workforce valued at around US$800 billion annually, WAM reported. Experts say the rise reflects the UAE's leadership in creating an environment where digital professionals can thrive. 'The UAE is not only participating in this race but leading it,' said Mohammad Alard, digital nomad and founder of the Arab Digital Nomads platform and community. He shared that during his visits and time living in Sharjah, he observed first-hand the country's advanced infrastructure and multicultural appeal. 'I personally witnessed the advanced digital infrastructure, widespread high-speed internet, availability of co-working spaces, and a culturally diverse society,' he said. He also explained that the country's environment appeals to remote workers looking for stability and quality living. 'UAE cities shine on the global map. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have solidified their positions as must-consider destinations,' he added. He also pointed to specific programs that support digital workers, including Dubai's Remote Work Visa and Abu Dhabi's Virtual Working Programme.
