Dubai has once again claimed the top spot in the Savills Executive Nomad Index, marking the second consecutive year it has been recognised as the premier destination for long-term remote workers.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has also made significant strides, moving from fourth to second place in 2024.
Why the middle east attracts executive nomads
The Savills Executive Nomad Index ranks 25 global destinations that cater to executive nomads—highly mobile professionals seeking long-term remote work opportunities. These locations offer favourable year-round climates, high standards of living, and well-established prime residential markets. They also provide either digital nomad visa programmes or the flexibility of living and working within large economic blocs, such as the EU or the US.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi stand out in several categories, but Dubai’s superior air connectivity gives it an edge. Dubai International Airport remains the world’s busiest for international passenger traffic, and the expansion of Al Makhtoum Airport is set to make Dubai the largest aviation hub globally.
Andrew Cummings of Savills explains: “Dubai and Abu Dhabi are incredibly appealing to executive nomads because they provide everything needed to thrive personally and professionally, from modern infrastructure to a high quality of life.”
Beachside cities dominate the top 10
Coastal cities continue to outperform in the top 10, with Málaga (3rd), Miami (4th), Lisbon (5th), Barcelona (6th), and Palma (7th) joining Dubai and Abu Dhabi as preferred destinations. These cities offer a balance of business opportunities and lifestyle amenities, making them ideal for executive nomads who seek both work and leisure in a single location.
The rise of the executive nomad
Unlike traditional digital nomads, who are often younger and more transient, executive nomads are typically older, with many travelling with their families. According to Kelcie Sellers of Savills World Research, “These individuals place greater emphasis on quality of life aspects, such as safety, healthcare, and education, in addition to physical and digital connectivity.”
Executive nomads tend to favour renting, with a focus on properties that offer extra space and proximity to local amenities. Savills data reveals that prime rents have risen by an average of 5% in the past year across the 25 locations in the index, with some urban markets experiencing increases of over 15%.
New entrants to the 2024 index
The 2024 index welcomes several new entrants, including Palermo (22nd) and Cape Town (17th). Palermo, known for its rich cultural heritage, is now one of Italy’s most affordable prime rental markets, offering rents up to 70% lower than cities like Florence.
Cape Town is also set to benefit from South Africa’s new Digital Nomad Visa programme, launched in May 2024, positioning it as a key destination for executive nomads in the global south. Other newcomers include the Caribbean island of Grenada (11th), Bali (12th), and San José, the capital of Costa Rica, which ranks 13th and is the first Central American city to make the Savills Index.
