Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have once again secured the top two positions in the Savills Executive Nomad Index, underscoring the UAE’s global leadership in attracting high-flying remote professionals.
The 2025 edition of the index, produced annually by Savills, analysed 30 destinations on their appeal and accessibility for long-term remote workers. Cities were assessed on internet speed, air connectivity, climate stability, prime residential market prices and overall quality of life, with totals combined to create a global ranking.
Dubai retained its lead with the highest score for its extensive flight network, while Abu Dhabi was ranked best for internet speed. The UAE’s two largest cities held the top two positions for the second consecutive year, followed by Málaga in third place, Miami in fourth and Lisbon in fifth. Palma and Barcelona also featured strongly, highlighting the appeal of coastal cities that combine business opportunities with a sunny lifestyle.
Commenting on the UAE’s standing, Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency, Middle East at Savills, said: “From tax efficiency and high-speed connectivity to lifestyle, safety and ease of doing business, the UAE continues to deliver what today’s mobile professionals are looking for. Add to that year-round sunshine, world-class hospitality and access to top-tier schools and healthcare, and it’s clear why the region continues to lead the way for executive nomads.”
“In an increasingly mobile global employment market, the executive nomad has emerged as a distinct and influential class of professional,” the report noted. These individuals – often business founders, senior managers or entrepreneurs – seek destinations offering both connectivity and quality of life, and frequently prioritise family needs such as education and healthcare alongside lifestyle benefits.
Prime rents across the 30 cities rose by an average of 2.9% this year, reflecting sustained demand. Visa access remains a crucial driver, with 67 countries now offering some form of remote work visa since Estonia’s pioneering scheme in 2020, although the pace of new programmes has slowed. New entrants to the index include Tokyo and Berlin, which offer cultural and economic vibrancy rather than a sun-and-beach environment, and Auckland and Vancouver, which combine regional business importance with coastal living.
