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 infrastructure.
Spain took the top position, with the UAE ahead of countries like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary.
UAE's digital strategy draws global recognition
The 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 safety.
Digital 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.
Infrastructure and lifestyle make UAE stand out
“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 added.
Alard also highlighted that digital entrepreneurs and startup founders are increasingly choosing the UAE for its safety, legal structure, and focus on innovation.
Early policy moves boosted UAE’s rank
The 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 Visa.
According to RemoteWork360, Dubai is now ranked as the number one city globally for remote work, with Abu Dhabi in fourth place.
Remote work becomes mainstream
With 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 infrastructure.
Looking 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 models.
Next steps for the UAE
Alard 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 workers.
With 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.
Spain took the top position, with the UAE ahead of countries like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary.
UAE's digital strategy draws global recognition
The 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 safety.
Digital 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.
Infrastructure and lifestyle make UAE stand out
“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 added.
Alard also highlighted that digital entrepreneurs and startup founders are increasingly choosing the UAE for its safety, legal structure, and focus on innovation.
Early policy moves boosted UAE’s rank
The 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 Visa.
According to RemoteWork360, Dubai is now ranked as the number one city globally for remote work, with Abu Dhabi in fourth place.
Remote work becomes mainstream
With 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 infrastructure.
Looking 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 models.
Next steps for the UAE
Alard 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 workers.
With 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.
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