UAE ranked among world’s top destinations for digital nomads

The United Arab Emirates has cemented its place as one of the world’s top destinations for digital nomads, ranking second globally in 2025 according to the latest Digital Nomad Visa Index by Immigrant Invest, WAM reported.

Climbing from fourth in 2023, the UAE now trails only Spain, outpacing popular remote work hubs like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary.

This global standing is the result of a strategic push to create a digital-first environment built on high-speed internet, legal stability, quality healthcare, tax-friendly policies, and a high standard of living. The transformation reflects a long-term vision that prioritizes digital infrastructure and human capital over short-term economic gain.

Remote work has evolved into a US$800 billion global industry, with governments worldwide competing to attract location-independent talent. The UAE has been at the forefront of this race, offering initiatives such as Dubai’s Remote Work Visa and Abu Dhabi’s Virtual Working Program -- both designed to attract skilled professionals and digital entrepreneurs.

Mohammad Alard, founder of the Arab Digital Nomads platform, praised the UAE's leadership in the region. Having lived in Sharjah, he cited the country’s advanced digital infrastructure, thriving co-working culture, and multicultural environment as key advantages.

“Dubai is now competing with global digital hubs like Barcelona, Bangkok, and Cape Town,” he said, noting that both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have become must-consider cities for remote workers -- with Dubai ranked the world’s top city for remote work and Abu Dhabi in fourth, according to RemoteWork360.

The UAE was among the first to recognize the potential of the digital nomad economy, introducing a renewable one-year remote work visa as early as March 2021.

These policies have helped the country stay ahead of a global shift that gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic and now encompasses nearly 40 million digital nomads worldwide -- a population that, if counted as a country, would rank 41st globally.

Looking ahead, experts forecast that by 2035, up to one billion people could be living and working as digital nomads, forming nearly a third of the global workforce. Technologies like 5G, IoT, and a growing preference for flexible work models are expected to fuel this transformation -- one the UAE is well-positioned to lead.

To retain its competitive edge, Alard suggested expanding engagement between digital nomads and UAE authorities, introducing more affordable living solutions, and promoting the country's natural and cultural richness to appeal to a broader global audience.