Dubai has retained its title as the world’s best destination for executive nomads for the third year in a row, according to the 2025 Savills Executive Nomad Index. Abu Dhabi secured second place for the second consecutive year, reaffirming the UAE’s growing reputation as a global hub for long-term remote professionals.
Introduced by Savills in 2021, the Executive Nomad Index evaluates 30 global destinations on internet connectivity, air links, housing affordability, climate stability, and overall quality of life. Dubai scored highest thanks to its unrivalled connectivity, advanced infrastructure, family-friendly amenities, and strong digital ecosystem.
The UAE’s introduction of a remote work visa in 2021 positioned the country among the first to formally attract global professionals seeking flexibility. Today, 38 nations have adopted similar visas, catering to an estimated 40 million digital nomads worldwide.
The executive nomad segment — typically senior professionals, founders, or C-suite leaders — represents the upper tier of this movement. Unlike younger digital nomads, executives often relocate with families and prioritise destinations with strong education, healthcare, safety, and business networks.
Dubai’s appeal lies in its combination of world-class infrastructure, smart-city connectivity, and access to global markets. High-speed internet, an expanding network of co-working spaces, and a business-friendly environment make it ideal for executives seeking mobility without compromising productivity or lifestyle. The city’s air connectivity allows easy access to key markets across Europe, Asia, and Africa within a few hours.
Abu Dhabi continues to attract professionals looking for a quieter environment with the same quality of life. The UAE capital earned top marks for internet speed and overall safety, highlighting its emergence as a modern, family-oriented destination.
Globally, Málaga, Miami, and Lisbon rounded out the top five destinations for remote-working executives.
The rise of digital and executive nomadism is reshaping labour mobility and global investment flows. Remote professionals now influence local economies, rental markets, and education demand — areas where Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s policy foresight has ensured readiness.
Industry analysts note that the UAE’s proactive approach, from dedicated remote work visas to robust digital infrastructure, has turned it into a magnet for high-skilled professionals seeking long-term stability in a globally connected environment.
