UAE ranks second globally for digital nomads in 2025

Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has solidified its status as a global powerhouse in the digital nomad economy, ranking second worldwide in 2025 as a top destination for digital nomads. This marks a significant leap from fourth place in 2023, according to the latest VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index.

The UAE’s ascent reflects a national vision that goes beyond short-term economic gains, focusing instead on building resilient digital infrastructure, a high standard of living, and a future-ready workforce.

The ranking, released by Immigrant Invest, places the UAE just behind Spain and ahead of countries like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary.

Evaluators considered a range of factors, including internet quality, tax policies, cost of living, healthcare, and unmatched levels of safety and stability.

With remote work now a $800 billion global economic force, nations around the world are racing to attract this segment of talent.

Mohammad Alard, founder of the Arab Digital Nomads platform and community, praised the UAE's regional leadership in remote work infrastructure.

“The UAE is not only participating in this race but leading it,” Alard said. “I’ve lived in Sharjah and visited the UAE many times. The country offers exceptional digital infrastructure, high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and a vibrant, multicultural society.”

Alard emphasised the appeal of the UAE to digital entrepreneurs and startup founders seeking a safe, legally secure, and innovation-driven environment.

“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.”

Much of the UAE’s success lies in its early adoption of tailored remote work policies. In March 2021, the UAE became one of the first countries in the world to offer a renewable one-year visa for digital nomads, allowing remote workers to live in the country while employed by overseas companies.

Abu Dhabi’s Virtual Working Programme and Dubai’s Remote Work Visa have further boosted the country's global standing. According to RemoteWork360, Dubai ranks as the number one city globally for remote work, with Abu Dhabi in fourth place.

Once considered a niche lifestyle, digital nomadism has gone mainstream. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 40 million people now identify as digital nomads. If they formed a country, it would be the 41st largest by population.

Future projections are even more staggering. By 2035, up to one billion people — nearly one-third of the global workforce — are expected to adopt digital nomad lifestyles, driven by 5G networks, the Internet of Things, and increasing demand for flexible work models.

To remain at the forefront, Alard recommended increasing collaboration between UAE authorities and the global digital nomad community, improving affordable housing options, and promoting the country's natural and cultural experiences to appeal to a wider talent base.

With smart policies and world-class infrastructure already in place, the UAE is well-positioned to become the undisputed global capital of remote work in the years to come.

— With inputs from WAM