Why Dubai is the perfect hub for digital nomads

Telegraph

01-05-2025

As the rise of remote work continues to reshape global priorities, one city has attracted a growing number for those keen to embrace a different way of life: Dubai.
The Gulf city has quickly carved out a niche as the ultimate remote-work hotspot, clinching the top spot in the 2024 Savills Executive Nomad Index and leapfrogging traditional digital nomad locations such as Lisbon and Miami.
With year-round sunshine, ultrafast internet, flexible visa schemes, zero income tax and the kind of work-life balance that lets you switch from spreadsheets to paddleboards in less than an hour, Dubai's appeal for digital workers is clear. Here's why increasing numbers of freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote workers are choosing to call the city home.
Easy visas designed for digital nomads
Unlike many digital nomad visas around the world, securing the virtual work visa required to work in Dubai is refreshingly straightforward: applicants need proof of employment, a minimum monthly income of £3,200 and health insurance. In return, successful applicants receive a one-year renewable visa that offers access to resident services, from utilities to banking, without the need for local sponsorship.
For those seeking to lay down more permanent roots, a number of options are available. The 10-year Golden Visa provides long-term residency for investors and professionals who have made an exceptional contribution to the arts, science, sport or technology; there is also a 10-year UAE Blue Visa for environmental advocates; a five-year visa is available for entrepreneurs; and freelancers can apply for the five-year Green Visa. These are clear signals that Dubai isn't only opening its doors to digital nomads for short stays, but inviting them to make the city their home.
'Anything is possible'
Psychologist Sarah Christensen moved to Dubai from the UK 13 years ago, and in 2017 set up Christensen Consultancy, a company that supports organisations to create inclusive cultures. Having lived there for over a decade, she feels that Dubai is a place full of opportunity. 'What's great about here as a city is that anything's possible. You can think of a new business and say, 'Let's crack on, let's go do it.' It's very entrepreneurial,' she says. 'There's a fluidity in business here, which means you can have a go and see what happens. You'll be able to find anything you want here, and if you don't find it, you can set it up yourself.'
For travel vlogger Mac Candee, the decision to base himself in Dubai was driven by more than just paperwork. Known as World Nomac online, Candee has made a career out of documenting his travels across dozens of countries across the globe. But he keeps returning to Dubai. 'It's where people come to build something,' says Candee, who now holds a Golden Visa.
A time zone that works
For remote workers from the UK, a four-hour time difference (three hours during British Summer Time) makes it simple to stay in sync with European work schedules, meaning digital nomads can start the day with a beachside coffee before hopping onto calls with colleagues back in London. Dubai also boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, with high-speed fibre connections standard even in residential apartments and co-working spaces.
Dubai's global connectivity is equally impressive. The city's airport, one of the busiest in the world, offers direct flights to more than 240 destinations, including multiple daily routes to London. This makes it easy for remote workers to travel for business or leisure – or to visit family back home – without the hassle of long layovers.
When you also factor in the exceptional living standards that residents will find, it's no surprise that so many businesses have set up bases in the emirate in the hope of attracting top-tier talent.
Work and play in Dubai
While Dubai's infrastructure and low crime rates makes it an efficient place to work and a safe place to live, its lifestyle offerings set it apart from other remote work destinations. The city is designed for those who want to work hard and unwind just as vigorously. Once you've closed your laptop for the day, the city comes alive: you can enjoy the culinary wonders in one of its many Michelin-starred restaurants, watch the biggest names in sport compete in the many top-ranking tournaments or be wowed by the wealth of cultural attractions, from live concerts to art shows.
For Candee, days start with sunrise paddleboarding sessions along the Arabian Gulf before squeezing in a productive work block at sleek co-working spaces or coffee shops, and winding down in the evening at glittering rooftop restaurants overlooking the city's ever-changing skyline.
'You can feel the growth, both in the city and within yourself,' he says. 'Every time I come back, there's something new: new buildings, new opportunities, new connections.' The emirate also hosts countless events, from international art fairs to tech conferences, creating opportunities to network beyond traditional office settings.
A global village
The city brings together a wide range of cultures, languages and professional networks from almost 200 countries who come together in the UAE to create a global village that connects all corners of the business world. 'I've connected with entrepreneurs in co-working spaces, creatives at workshops, and even fellow content creators just through community events,' says Candee.
Christensen also echoes that sentiment, adding that Dubai is a great place to find a sense of community. 'Because so many of us are expats, we're open and welcoming to new people. We've all been there so we help one another. There's groups all over the place and you can find one that perfectly matches you,' she says.
Industry-focused free zones and communities, such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis and DIFC Innovation Hub have a campus-like feel and are organised in a way that enables entrepreneurs and digital nomads to integrate, collaborate and network with the wider technology ecosystem.
There is no shortage of tech events held in Dubai throughout the year. Dubai AI Week, Dubai FinTech Summit, GITEX Global and Expand North Star are just a few that bring digital nomads from around the world to the city to tap into business potential in the wider region.
Dubai isn't only a place to work – it's a place that works. For digital nomads seeking a base combining convenience, connectivity and culture, the city offers a world of opportunity.
The best remote work spots in Dubai, according to digital nomad Mac Candee
Techarc Space
'The greenery at this coworking space in Dubai's trendy Al Quoz district gives the space a fresh vibe that keeps energy levels up. The layout's open and full of desks, cosy nooks or even glass-walled private rooms if you need to dial in without distractions.' supertecharc.com
Kulture House Dubai
'There's art everywhere – on the walls, on shelves and even the furniture. But it's the outdoor patio that's my go-to – sunny, breezy and the perfect place for plates of avocado toast almost too pretty to eat.' kulturehousedubai.com
The Açai Spot
'Kick back in a hanging chair with yachts drifting by and the shimmering Marina skyline in the background. There are several branches in the city, but the one at Dubai Marina is the best for a day spent working, snacking and soaking in the views.' theacaispotcafe.com
Broaden your horizons in Dubai
In Dubai, you'll find all the right ingredients for a sun-soaked trip. The sophisticated metropolis by the sea provides unforgettable experiences, from serene safaris in the desert to dining in the world's tallest building.
Broaden your horizons with a trip that takes in its exhilarating mix of record-breaking architecture, traditional neighbourhoods and white-sand beaches. You'll return home with plenty of tales to share.