Dubai has once again claimed the top spot in the Savills Nomad Executive Index, cementing its position as the world's best remote work destination for the second consecutive year. The ranking, part of Savills' Impacts programme, evaluated 25 global locations suited to permanent remote teams — all of which offer a digital nomad visa or an equivalent residency scheme.
Dubai Dominates the 2024 Savills Nomad Executive Index
The index assessed factors critical to remote workers: internet speed, quality of life, climate, air connectivity, and prime rental costs. Dubai outperformed rivals across several of these categories, underpinned by its best-in-class infrastructure, global service ecosystem, and strategic position as a business hub.
Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency — Middle East at Savills, explained what makes the city stand out: "Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been targeting executive nomads because these cities have everything one needs these days — sophisticated city infrastructure, quality of life, work opportunities to network, and make friends for life."
Superior Air Connectivity Puts Dubai Ahead
A key differentiator driving Dubai's top ranking is its unrivalled airport infrastructure. Dubai International Airport is one of the world's busiest hubs for international passenger traffic, and the ongoing expansion of Al Maktoum Airport is set to further extend the city's reach. This connectivity advantage is what allowed Dubai to pull ahead of second-placed Abu Dhabi in the final standings.
The UAE's dominance of the top two positions highlights the country's deliberate strategy to attract high-earning mobile professionals.
Top 5 Global Remote Work Destinations
The full top five in the Savills Executive Nomad Index 2024:
1. Dubai, UAE 2. Abu Dhabi, UAE 3. Málaga, Spain 4. Miami, USA 5. Lisbon, Portugal
Barcelona, Palma, and Barbados also featured among the most favoured destinations for remote workers in the broader index.
Why Dubai Keeps Winning for Remote Workers
Beyond infrastructure, Dubai's appeal lies in its lifestyle offer. The city combines world-class co-working spaces and beachside cafes with fine dining, diverse communities, and year-round sunshine — all essentials for executive nomads who often relocate with families and prioritise safety, healthcare, and education alongside connectivity.
Dubai's digital nomad visa programme further lowers the barrier to entry, making it straightforward for remote professionals to live and work in the city legally. The combination of a favourable tax environment, cosmopolitan culture, and relentless investment in urban quality has made Dubai the benchmark that other cities are now chasing.
