Dubai remains top destination for executive nomads for third consecutive year

Dubai has ranked as the top destination for executive nomads for the third consecutive year, according to the latest Savills Executive Nomad Index. Abu Dhabi has also maintained its position this year, ranking second on the index for the second year straight.

In comparison to the more common digital nomad – usually characterised as a young backpacker with a laptop – executive nomads tend to be older, more likely to travel with family in tow and put more emphasis on physical and digital connectivity. For these individuals, a location’s safety and access to healthcare and education facilities are as important as digital connectivity – characteristics that the top international locations in the index have in common.

Cities with beachside access continue to outperform

For these executive nomads, Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain key attractions, offering safety, quality healthcare and education, and strong connectivity and social infrastructure.

Cities with beachside access continue to outperform in the top 10. Last year, Málaga ranked 3rd, Miami ranked 4th, Lisbon came in 5th, Barcelona held 6th place and Palma came in 7th.

According to the 2024 report, executive nomads are more likely to rent, with an emphasis on extra space and proximity to local amenities. Prime rents have risen, on average, by 5 percent in the last year across the 25 locations monitored in the index, with some urban markets seeing increases of more than 15 percent.

Central to any location’s success in attracting these professionals are digital nomad visa schemes. Ever since Estonia launched the first scheme in 2020, the number of destinations offering such visas has expanded amid growing competition for international talent. South Africa became one of the latest to offer one, in May 2024, resulting in Cape Town joining the index.

High quality of life continues to attract executive nomads

Dubai and Abu Dhabi occupy the first and second places on the executive nomads index. Both cities ranked highly in several categories last year; however, Dubai has a large advantage in terms of its air travel links, which places it ahead of Abu Dhabi overall. Combined with a plethora of world-class amenities and indoor entertainment options, there is no shortage of places for executive nomads to escape the summer heat and enjoy the winter warmth in either city.

“Dubai and Abu Dhabi are incredibly appealing to executive nomads, because they offer everything you need to thrive both personally and professionally, from modern infrastructure to high quality of life,” said Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency Middle East at Savills.

While these cities are well known for their tourist attractions and luxury hotels, there is much more to Dubai and Abu Dhabi: “We’ve seen a real focus on creating a lively business environment where there are plenty of opportunities to grow, build networks and make lifelong connections,” added Andrew.

The stories on our website are intended for informational purposes only. Those with finance, investment, tax or legal content are not to be taken as financial advice or recommendation. Refer to our full disclaimer policy here.