Dubai has secured first place in the Savills Executive Nomad Index for the third consecutive year. As in the previous year, Abu Dhabi ranks second, maintaining the Middle East’s lead over the first European city on the list: Málaga.
The index, which evaluates 30 destinations for their appeal and accessibility to professionals and executives working remotely over an extended period, provides valuable insights for Dutch professionals considering a future as an executive nomad. Each location is assessed based on internet speed, air connectivity, stability in climate, prime residential rents and overall quality of life. The scores are then combined to provide an overall ranking.
Top five remain unchanged
Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to lead the way in this year’s index, holding the top two positions for the second consecutive year.
Dubai has the leading score for its flight network, while Abu Dhabi is best for internet speed. The UAE continues to deliver what today’s mobile professionals are looking for,” says Andrew Cummings, head of residential agency, Middle East, Savills. “Add to that year-round sunshine, world-class hospitality, access to top-tier schools and healthcare, and it’s clear why the region continues to lead the way for executive nomads.”
The remaining top five locations, Malaga, Miami, and Lisbon have also held their positions. Along with Palma (6th) and Barcelona (7th), they are all coastal cities offering both a sunny and attractive business climate.
Emerging Destinations
New entrants to the Savills index for 2025 include Tokyo (11th), Auckland (9th), Crete (15th), Vancouver (18th) and Berlin (28th).
Kelcie Sellers, associate director, Savills World Research, comments, “The landscape for executive nomads is changing. Markets are creating new strategies to attract digital and executive nomads. Two new countries to our index, Canada and New Zealand, do not offer explicit digital nomad visas but instead have long-term visitor visas that have been revised to allow for fully remote employment for the duration of an individual’s stay.”
Read the full analysis: Savills Impacts.
Additional Information
All locations included in the index either provide a digital nomad visa or a comparable program, or, in the case of the US and European countries, are part of a larger economic area allowing free movement for living or working. They offer favourable year-round climates, high quality of life, and an established market for premium housing.