Dubai has maintained its top position for the second year in a row, while Abu Dhabi climbed to second place from fourth last year, according to the latest Savills Executive Nomad Index released on Wednesday. This positions the UAE at the forefront of the index, which ranks 25 destinations for long-term remote workers. The Savills Executive Nomad Index considers destinations that either offer a digital nomad visa program or are part of a large economic bloc allowing free movement for living or work. These locations provide favorable climates, high quality of life, and established prime residential markets, as noted in a Savills report.
Dubai's reputation as one of the world's most livable cities and a leading global business hub has earned it the top spot for executive nomads, according to analysts. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer high living standards, luxury lifestyles, and ultra-modern infrastructure. The UAE's virtual working program attracts remote workers with a streamlined visa process and a modern lifestyle suited to the growing digital nomad population. Dubai's one-year visa allows these professionals to experience the city's vibrancy while seamlessly continuing their careers.
Both cities score highly in various categories, but Dubai has a significant edge in air connectivity, placing it ahead of Abu Dhabi. Dubai International Airport, the main hub, is the world's busiest for international passenger traffic. The planned expansion of Al Maktoum Airport will make it the largest in the world upon completion, according to Savills.
"Dubai and Abu Dhabi are highly attractive to executive nomads due to their modern infrastructure and high quality of life," says Andrew Cummings, head of Residential Agency - Middle East at Savills. "While these cities are famous for their tourist attractions and luxury hotels, they also focus on creating a vibrant business environment with ample opportunities for growth and networking." Cities with beachside access, such as Málaga, Miami, Lisbon, Barcelona, and Palma, continue to rank highly in the top 10.
Kelcie Sellers, associate director at Savills World Research, notes that executive nomads, unlike the typical young backpacker, are often older and travel with families, emphasizing the importance of quality of life, safety, and access to healthcare or education. These nomads are more likely to rent, prioritizing extra space and proximity to local amenities. Prime rents have risen by an average of 5.0% across the 25 locations in the Savills index, with some urban markets seeing increases of over 15%.
New additions to the 2024 index include Palermo, Cape Town, Grenada, Bali, and San José, the first Central American destination included in the Savills Index. Palermo offers an affordable prime rental market compared to other Italian cities, while Cape Town benefits from South Africa's Digital Nomad Visa program introduced in May 2024.
