Why is Dubai the Hottest Destination for Remote Workers?

Its 7:00 pm in Dubai, and a man walks into one of the most modernistic, swanky cafés located on the second floor of The Dubai Mall, the biggest in the world. He takes a seat on the Balcony with a view of the magnificent Burj Khalifa, and the beautiful Dubai fountain. He opens his laptop and logs into work in time for a meeting in New York.

Didn’t we all just get transported to that scene just now? Now imagine actually living it! The sunny, safe palm fringed beaches and the lip-smacking food just add to the joys of working in Dubai. This is what a day at work in Dubai could look like if you choose it to be your remote working destination.

Thanks to the wide acceptance of remote working as well as the abundance of opportunities offered by companies to work remotely, this has become one of the most sought-after work arrangements for most employees. Especially those seeking a work life, that would allow them to travel, and work from anywhere. These individuals are popularly called digital nomads that include entrepreneurs, self-starters, independent workers who love to travel, explore, and work in remote places.

Rise of Dubai in the Remote Working Arena

Dubai made the annual top 20 list which is compiled by property consultancy Savills and has been ranked as the third-best city in which to live in its 2023 Executive Nomad Index.

Paul Tostevin, head of Savills World Research, told The National both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been rated top due to their ability to offer city living and a high quality of life.

Along with great mobile connectivity and an excellent quality of life, another integral component that makes it a desirable remote working destination for individuals is its prime residential market.

Swapnil Pillai, associate director of Savills Middle East Research said, “Dubai’s fast growing FinTech and financial services sectors, along with a tax-free environment and high quality of life, are proving powerful magnets for executive nomads.”

Another significant point that is driving the remote work culture in Dubai is  UAE’s one-year residency permit for remote workers alongside its world-class health care and an ever-growing range of cool, indoor leisure and entertainment options

Top Reasons why Dubai is the Best City for Remote Workers

1. Remote Work Program

The Government of Dubai has launched a one-year virtual working program that enables you to stay in the city while working for a company outside the country. You will be provided with-

• Emirates ID and other benefits that other residents are of the city are entitled to.
• One year visa which enables you to experience the city’s lifestyle and other amenities.

In December 2022, the Department of Economy and tourism partnered with Airbnb to launch Dubai remote working hub to further put Dubai on the map as a desirable destination for those seeking new work-life.

Sounds exactly like a dream work life, right?

You can apply for the remote working visa through the official website of GDFRA. Below are the eligibility requirements to apply for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa-

• Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
• Health insurance with UAE coverage validity.
• For employees: Proof of employment from a current employer with a one-year contract validity, a minimum of US$3,500 per month salary, last month’s payslip, and 3 preceding months’ bank statements.
• For business owners: Proof of ownership of the company for one year or more, subject to extension, with an average monthly income of US$3,500 per month or its equivalent in foreign currencies and 3 preceding months’ bank statements.

2. Cultural Diversity

As a remote worker, one of the things that you look forward to is connecting with people who belong to diverse cultures. Dubai boasts an excellent mix of various cultures traditions, and languages because of the influx of people living and working there from all over the world. Imagine meeting, interacting, and making connections with people from all over the world! It’s exhilarating!

3. Supreme Connectivity

In terms of internet and communication, Dubai has excellent connectivity and offers a robust and reliable telecommunication infrastructure that ensures no disturbance to your work.

• Cafes with high-speed internet
• Well-equipped co-working spaces
• Lodging spaces
• Shopping malls with well-seated areas

are just a few out of the many facilities offered by the city that makes for easy communication with clients and co-workers throughout the world.

4. Well-Connected Transport Services

Like most other cities, Dubai has an efficient transportation system. There’s metro, buses, taxis running all over the city. Tourist attractions and business districts are well-connected with the public transport system. As a remote worker, ease of transportation matters as you are not assigned to a single place of work that you need to report to. The seamless transportation makes it easier for the digital nomads to navigate between co-working spaces, accommodations, and other attractions in the city, facilitating the need to explore the city.

5. Upbeat Co-Working Spaces

There’s no doubt that the city has one of the most astounding infrastructures in the world. So, you can only imagine the kind of modernistic, futuristic, highly equipped co-working spaces it houses to facilitate the needs of digital nomads. The co-working spaces boast fast internet, cosy workstations, and other contemporary facilities to ensure there is no shortfall. From conducting conferences and private events to hosting networking events, workshops and other social events, these co-working spaces serve as a one-stop solution to all your work needs.

6. Strategically Located

Dubai is strategically positioned within the Gulf Standard Time (GST) zone. Being at the crossroads of three major continents- Asia, Europe, and Africa- Dubai is positioned in a favourable time zone that overlaps with various business hubs worldwide. The advantageous time zone of Dubai makes it ideal for remote workers as they are usually required to work with people in other states, countries and even continents sometimes. From Dubai, they can easily work with Asia in the morning, Europe during the day and reach out to united states in the late afternoon.

7. An Extraordinary Experience

Dubai is a place like no other. Be it tourist attractions, shopping malls or over the top experiences, it is a place that can transport you to a whole new world. After a long day of work you can immerse yourself in either thrilling activities or relax in beautiful cafes or unwind in shopping malls that are just mesmerizing to look at and take a walk. From Desert safaris to jet skiing, paddleboarding, yacht cruises, you name it you have it. You are spoilt for choice on deciding what you would like to experience. And all of this while earning handsomely and maintaining a great work-life balance. If this isn’t ideal, we don’t know what is!

Wrapping Up

Suffice to say, with its world-class infrastructure, gorgeous landscapes, and limitless choices for leisure and recreation, Dubai is an ideal location for anyone wishing to work and play in a dynamic and thriving metropolis.

Dubai is home away from home, welcoming talent from all parts of the world, that is looking for a collaborative working environment with people from other nationalities to its shores.

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