emirates7 - The United Arab Emirates has solidified its position as a global leader in the digital nomad economy, rising to second place worldwide in 2025 as a top destination for remote workers.
This impressive progress—from fourth place in 2023, as ranked by the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index—reflects the UAE’s strategic, long-term approach that prioritizes investment in human capital and advanced digital infrastructure over short-term economic returns.
According to Immigrant Invest, which placed the UAE second globally behind Spain and ahead of destinations like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary, the ranking was based on key factors such as internet quality, taxation, cost of living, healthcare, and exceptional levels of safety and stability.
As remote work grows into a major economic driver—currently valued at nearly US$800 billion—countries are increasingly competing to attract skilled professionals in this evolving landscape.
Mohammad Alard, digital nomad and founder of the Arab Digital Nomads community, emphasized the UAE’s leadership in the region, stating, “The UAE is not just joining the race—it’s leading it.” He noted his personal experiences in Sharjah, where he observed the country’s modern digital infrastructure, high-speed internet, widespread co-working facilities, and inclusive, multicultural environment.
Alard also highlighted the country’s appeal to entrepreneurial digital nomads and tech innovators who seek legal clarity, personal safety, and a high standard of living. “Cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai have earned their spots on the global digital map,” he remarked.
He described Dubai as a global digital business hub, comparable to cities such as Bangkok, Barcelona, and Cape Town. He praised the UAE’s remote work-focused initiatives, including Dubai’s Remote Work Visa and Abu Dhabi’s Virtual Working Programme, which are tailored to attract top-tier professionals. These efforts are reflected in international rankings, with Dubai rated the top global city for remote work and Abu Dhabi in fourth place, according to RemoteWork360.
Recognizing the potential of the digital workforce early on, the UAE introduced a renewable one-year digital nomad visa in March 2021—becoming one of the first countries to provide a welcoming framework for remote professionals.
This forward-thinking strategy aligns with a broader global trend. Once a niche movement powered by technology, digital nomadism surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become mainstream, with nearly 40 million people worldwide embracing this lifestyle. If considered a country, the global digital nomad community would be the 41st largest by population.
Future projections estimate that by 2035, up to one billion people—about a third of the global workforce—may work remotely. This shift, powered by 5G, IoT, and the growing popularity of hybrid work, further strengthens the UAE’s potential to become the world’s premier destination for digital nomads.
To maintain and grow this leadership, Alard recommended increasing collaboration between government bodies and the broader nomad community, expanding affordable housing options, and promoting the UAE’s cultural and natural attractions to appeal to an even wider international audience.
This impressive progress—from fourth place in 2023, as ranked by the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index—reflects the UAE’s strategic, long-term approach that prioritizes investment in human capital and advanced digital infrastructure over short-term economic returns.
According to Immigrant Invest, which placed the UAE second globally behind Spain and ahead of destinations like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary, the ranking was based on key factors such as internet quality, taxation, cost of living, healthcare, and exceptional levels of safety and stability.
As remote work grows into a major economic driver—currently valued at nearly US$800 billion—countries are increasingly competing to attract skilled professionals in this evolving landscape.
Mohammad Alard, digital nomad and founder of the Arab Digital Nomads community, emphasized the UAE’s leadership in the region, stating, “The UAE is not just joining the race—it’s leading it.” He noted his personal experiences in Sharjah, where he observed the country’s modern digital infrastructure, high-speed internet, widespread co-working facilities, and inclusive, multicultural environment.
Alard also highlighted the country’s appeal to entrepreneurial digital nomads and tech innovators who seek legal clarity, personal safety, and a high standard of living. “Cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai have earned their spots on the global digital map,” he remarked.
He described Dubai as a global digital business hub, comparable to cities such as Bangkok, Barcelona, and Cape Town. He praised the UAE’s remote work-focused initiatives, including Dubai’s Remote Work Visa and Abu Dhabi’s Virtual Working Programme, which are tailored to attract top-tier professionals. These efforts are reflected in international rankings, with Dubai rated the top global city for remote work and Abu Dhabi in fourth place, according to RemoteWork360.
Recognizing the potential of the digital workforce early on, the UAE introduced a renewable one-year digital nomad visa in March 2021—becoming one of the first countries to provide a welcoming framework for remote professionals.
This forward-thinking strategy aligns with a broader global trend. Once a niche movement powered by technology, digital nomadism surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become mainstream, with nearly 40 million people worldwide embracing this lifestyle. If considered a country, the global digital nomad community would be the 41st largest by population.
Future projections estimate that by 2035, up to one billion people—about a third of the global workforce—may work remotely. This shift, powered by 5G, IoT, and the growing popularity of hybrid work, further strengthens the UAE’s potential to become the world’s premier destination for digital nomads.
To maintain and grow this leadership, Alard recommended increasing collaboration between government bodies and the broader nomad community, expanding affordable housing options, and promoting the UAE’s cultural and natural attractions to appeal to an even wider international audience.