The UAE has been named the second best country in the world for digital nomads, or working professionals who live in a country while being employed overseas. This ranking in 2025, marks a leap for the UAE from fourth place just two years ago, according to the latest VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index.
Only Spain ranks higher, with the UAE ahead of destinations like Montenegro, the Bahamas and Hungary. The ranking, compiled by Immigrant Invest, considered several key factors including internet quality, safety, healthcare, taxation, cost of living, and remote work visa options.
This ranking reflects the UAE’s consistent focus on digital infrastructure, high living standards, and forward-thinking remote work policies. The country was among the first in the world to launch dedicated remote work visas, with the launch of one-year renewable visa for digital nomads launched in 2021. Other initiatives like Dubai’s Remote Work Visa and Abu Dhabi’s Virtual Working Programme were also designed to create ideal environments for this workforce.
Among the cities, Dubai has now claimed the top global ranking for remote work according to RemoteWork360, with Abu Dhabi coming in at fourth place. Both cities offer excellent connectivity, tax advantages, safety, lifestyle perks, and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, making them ideal hubs for global talent.
With over 40 million digital nomads worldwide, remote work is no longer a niche lifestyle. The UAE’s early adoption of policies to support this growing workforce and evolving lifestyle has positioned it as a leader in the new economy.