Khaled Al Khawladeh (Abu Dhabi)
Asian professionals in the tech industry increasingly view the UAE as a global tech hub, according to a new survey by global trading platform Capital.com.
The survey polled 1,000 respondents across Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and India, and found that 81% of Asian tech professionals view the UAE as a growing tech hub. A further 76% of respondents said the UAE provides a conducive environment for the tech industry.
“With 8 in 10 respondents from our recent survey recognising the UAE as a competitive tech hub, it is clear that the region is gaining momentum as a favourable destination for tech talent. Asia’s tech professionals have traditionally gravitated to cities in the UK, the US and Singapore to further their careers, so it’s encouraging to see the UAE stand shoulder-to-shoulder with this cohort and get the recognition it deserves as an attractive location to live and work,” Tarik Chebib, CEO, Capital.com, Middle East, said.
Nearly half (45%) of respondents expressed a willingness to relocate to the UAE for work, out-ranking countries like Germany (38%) and Hong Kong (20%) and placing the country in competition with prominent destinations such as Singapore (46%), the UK (57%), and the US (52%).
The report found that government support was the key factor contributing to the UAE’s growing reputation as a tech hub, with 93% of respondents saying they considered it important to have a government that is supportive of the tech industry.
The majority of those surveyed (74%) cited the UAE’s banking, visa, special healthcare/health insurance packages, and real estate services for qualified tech professionals as factors. More broadly, respondents also say that a high quality of life (60%), attractive remuneration (54%) and the UAE’s strategic location (52%) also feed into their decision to relocate.
“As a leading partner of the UAE’s NextGenFDI initiative, we have seen first-hand the government’s commitment to support and grow the tech sector. The UAE’s business-friendly environment, forward-thinking policies, investment in innovation, and position as a gateway to the Middle East, Africa and Asia make it an ideal location for companies and talent alike. Capital.com is proud to contribute to the sector’s growth and innovation in the UAE,” said Chebib.