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Time of India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Digital nomads choose UAE: Country emerges as top destination for remote workers; what's driving its global rise?
Representative photo The United Arab Emirates has been ranked the second most attractive destination for digital nomads in 2025, according to the latest VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index, as reported by The Economic Times. The UAE moved up from fourth place in 2023, now surpassing countries like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary, with only Spain ahead on the list. Strong performance across key areas The index evaluates countries based on criteria such as internet quality, tax environment, cost of living, healthcare, and safety, areas where the UAE continues to perform well. The rise reflects not just better amenities, but also a long-term national strategy focused on remote work, innovation, and infrastructure. Policy reforms fuel growth The UAE's improved ranking is attributed in part to its early adoption of remote work policies. In March 2021, the country introduced a remote work visa, allowing foreign professionals to live in the UAE while working for overseas employers. This initiative led to further programs, including Dubai's Remote Work Visa and Abu Dhabi's Virtual Working Programme. A growing global workforce The digital nomad lifestyle has grown rapidly since the pandemic, with around 40 million people now identifying as location-independent workers. The global remote work economy is valued at $800 billion, and projections suggest that by 2035, up to one billion people could join the digital nomad workforce. According to experts, including Arab Digital Nomads platform founder Mohammad Alard, the UAE could strengthen its leadership by expanding affordable housing, promoting cultural assets, and building ties with global nomad communities, reported ET. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE rises to second position globally for Digital Nomads in 2025
You Might Also Like: Indians can now get UAE's Golden Visa without trade license, property purchase The United Arab Emirates has secured the second spot globally as a preferred destination for digital nomads in 2025, according to the latest VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index. The UAE has moved up from fourth place in 2023, reflecting strong national efforts to attract remote workers through policy innovation and digital took the top position, with the UAE ahead of countries like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and rise in rankings highlights the UAE's focus on long-term planning rather than short-term tourism revenue. Evaluators looked at several factors such as internet quality, tax environment, cost of living, healthcare, and overall nomadism, once seen as a niche, has grown significantly since the pandemic. Around 40 million people now identify as digital nomads globally. If counted as a nation, they would form the 41st largest population in the world.'The UAE is not only participating in this race but leading it, ' commenting on the UAE's position, Mohammad Alard, founder of the Arab Digital Nomads platform, said to Gulf News. He noted the appeal of high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and a multicultural society.'Dubai and Abu Dhabi are now must-consider destinations on the global digital nomad map. Dubai, in particular, competes with Bangkok, Barcelona, and Cape Town as a business and lifestyle hub,' he also highlighted that digital entrepreneurs and startup founders are increasingly choosing the UAE for its safety, legal structure, and focus on UAE introduced a remote work visa in March 2021, becoming one of the first countries to offer a renewable one-year residency for remote workers employed by overseas companies. This initiative laid the foundation for further programs like Abu Dhabi's Virtual Working Programme and Dubai's Remote Work to RemoteWork360, Dubai is now ranked as the number one city globally for remote work, with Abu Dhabi in fourth remote work now forming an $800 billion global economy, governments around the world are competing to attract this mobile workforce. The UAE has positioned itself as a frontrunner by providing both stability and modern work ahead, experts estimate that by 2035, as many as one billion people, nearly a third of the global workforce,could adopt digital nomad lifestyles. This shift is being powered by 5G networks, IoT, and demand for flexible work suggested that the UAE could strengthen its position by collaborating more closely with the global digital nomad community, expanding affordable housing, and promoting its natural and cultural offerings to a broader group of remote its early investments in digital policy and infrastructure already showing results, the UAE is now seen as a strong contender to become the global capital of remote work in the coming years.
Filipino Times
06-07-2025
- Business
- 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.
Dubai Eye
05-07-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE emerges as global base for digital nomads
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. The platform Immigrant Invest ranked the UAE behind 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.
Gulf Today
05-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE emerges as global base for digital nomads
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. WAM
