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Dubai has emerged as the leading city for remote work, garnering significant popularity among digital professionals. Abu Dhabi is also catching up, landing in the top 20 for the first time. Here we will discuss the distinguishing factors that set apart these cities in the United Arab Emirates.
It's not surprising that Dubai is seen as one of the top choices. It's easy to understand why remote workers are drawn to this place. It has a beautiful skyline and combines traditional and modern ways of life in a way that works well.
Paul Tostevin, the respected head of Savills World Research, says what most people think clearly. He says that Dubai meets all of the requirements and praises the city's high standard of living and strong mobile connections. The city also has very attractive places to live, which makes it a good choice for long-term living.
Dubai's success is even more amazing because it happened so quickly. The year before, it came in third, but it beat the winner from the year before, Lisbon. The main reasons for this rise are the growth of its FinTech and financial services sectors, the fact that it doesn't have taxes, and the fact that it has the best living conditions in the world.
Swapnil Pillai, who is the assistant head of Savills Middle East Research, says that a lot of the people who are called executive nomads are called Dinkies (Dual-income, no kids). What are their favorite places to live?
Near the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a well-known financial hub, there are tall buildings in downtown Dubai. On the other hand, people like Dubai Marina because it is close to Media City and Internet City, which is a good thing. Dubai's strong place in the online work sector is further shown by the high occupancy rates in co-working spaces.
Despite being a recent addition to the top 20, Abu Dhabi is rapidly solidifying its position as a formidable competitor. It has been ranked as the fourth-best city in which to live in its 2023 Executive Nomad Index. The allure of this destination is unquestionable, as it encompasses a significant investment in entertainment and offers a distinctive combination of urban living and coastal landscapes.
Stephen Forbes, the Head of Abu Dhabi at Savills, greatly admires the city. With the anticipated inauguration of the Guggenheim in 2025 and the established presence of the Louvre on Saadiyat Island, the city has successfully cultivated a diverse fusion of recreational and cultural offerings. Yas Island is another noteworthy leisure hub, drawing tourists and remote workers alike.
The fact that Abu Dhabi offers remote employees a residence card valid for one year is another thing to brag about. With first-rate medical care and plenty of air-conditioned activities, the city is becoming increasingly desirable for living.
Savills' Executive Nomad Index for 2023 is based on several factors.
Internet speed: Critical for remote work.
Quality of life: A major aspect in deciding where to stay permanently.
Climate: The weather is warm due to the desert.
Air connectivity: Essential for the wanderlust-stricken.
Prime rents: Cost-effective housing is usually a plus.
How we work and live is changing unprecedentedly in today's society. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the forerunners of this change due to their exceptional accessibility, quality of life, and thriving culture. There's little doubt that these Emirati cities will continue to enchant telecommuters worldwide as the world becomes increasingly digital and borders dissolve.