Dubai has once again proved its allure by topping the global real estate rankings for executive nomads, according to Savills’ 2025 Executive Nomad Index. This thriving emirate has solidified its position as a prime destination that harmonizes real estate, connectivity, and quality of life. The findings indicate a growing trend of remote work blending seamlessly with luxurious living, making Dubai the preferred choice for high-level professionals seeking both comfort and convenience.
The index evaluates 30 global cities based on their attractiveness for elite remote workers, ranking Dubai first for the second consecutive year, with Abu Dhabi following closely in second. The results highlight the United Arab Emirates’ continued dominance in catering to affluent, mobile professionals who seamlessly integrate work and lifestyle.
According to Savills, Dubai excels due to its extensive flight network, while Abu Dhabi stands out for its superior internet speed. Both cities combine multiple advantages, including tax efficiency, an inviting lifestyle, high safety ratings, and a favorable business environment, all set against a backdrop of year-round sunshine and access to top-tier educational and healthcare facilities.
“From tax efficiency and high-speed connectivity to lifestyle, safety, and ease of doing business, the UAE continues to deliver what today’s mobile professionals are looking for,” remarked Andrew Cummings, head of residential agency for the Middle East at Savills.
The UAE’s success in attracting “executive nomads”—typically senior managers and entrepreneurs who work remotely while maintaining international business operations—has significantly boosted growth in the region’s prime residential markets. These professionals are often inclined to rent upscale properties near amenities, which has led to an average rise of 2.9% in prime rents across the index’s 30 cities this year.
Mediterranean Alternatives in the Race
Following Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Málaga captured the third position, with Miami and Lisbon coming in fourth and fifth, respectively. Spain dominated the rankings with three cities in the top ten, including Palma and Barcelona. This trend highlights the enduring appeal of Mediterranean locales that marry lifestyle benefits with robust digital and transport links.
“Málaga has a Mediterranean lifestyle, comparatively affordable living, reliable services, and excellent connectivity—both digitally and through direct flights to major cities,” stated José Felix Pérez-Peña, executive director for Andalucía at Savills Spain. “It also offers a strong education system across the province, which is increasingly attracting nomadic families.”
Portugal also made a significant mark, as Lisbon’s connectivity and overall quality of life helped it maintain a top-five ranking. The Algarve claimed the tenth spot, known for its affordability and vibrant expatriate community.
“The Algarve combines world-class properties with an ideal work-life balance,” noted Iain Begg, sales director at QP Savills. “English is widely spoken, and a vibrant expat community creates an easy path to new connections. Its convenient time zone, excellent international schools, and temperate climate support productivity year-round.”
Greece saw Crete enter the index for the first time at 15th, with Athens ranking 27th. Crete received accolades for its second-highest quality of life score among the 30 destinations, while Athens garnered praise for its affordability and role as a regional flight hub.
“The cuisine, nightlife, shopping, and, of course, weather of Athens enable it to compete directly with other South European cities, while at the same time offering a more affordable cost of living,” noted Danae Tsakiris, director at Savills Greece.
A Shift in Global Nomad Visas
The rise of executive nomads aligns with the expansion of digital nomad visa options. Since Estonia pioneered this trend in 2020, a total of 67 countries now offer some form of remote work visa. However, Savills observed that new schemes are slowing in growth, with some destinations like Bermuda retracting their offerings.
New entrants to the 2025 index, namely Canada and New Zealand, do not specifically provide digital nomad visas. Instead, they have adapted long-term visitor visas to facilitate fully remote work.
“The landscape for executive nomads is changing,” remarked Kelcie Sellers, associate director at Savills World Research. “Markets are creating new strategies to attract digital and executive nomads. Two new countries in our index, Canada and New Zealand, do not offer explicit digital nomad visas but have long-term visitor visas revised to accommodate remote employment for the duration of an individual’s stay.”
Tokyo made its debut in the rankings at 11th place, while Berlin landed at 28th, indicating a growing desire for culturally rich cities that also provide business opportunities beyond traditional sun-soaked locales. Vancouver (18th) and Auckland (9th) were also noted for their blend of scenic beauty and regional business significance.
Quality of Life Fuels Real Estate Demand
In contrast to younger digital nomads, executive nomads typically arrive with families, emphasizing the importance of education, healthcare, and living space. Proximity to international schools, hospitals, and prime urban areas significantly influences their long-term rental decisions.
The demand from these high-net-worth individuals continues to exert upward pressure on prime rents. Savills indicated that in 2025, prime residential rents rose nearly 3% across the index’s 30 cities, with Gulf and Mediterranean hubs registering the most considerable increases.
Dubai’s ongoing success underscores broader trends within its real estate sector, where the allure of affluent expatriates, investors, and executive nomads has propelled property values to unprecedented heights. Experts contend that the city’s unique mix of connectivity, safety, tax benefits, and quality of life solidifies its special status in capturing the global market for mobile professionals.
Currently, the lead of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the Savills Executive Nomad Index exemplifies how the Gulf states are strategically positioning themselves at the forefront of this evolving international real estate landscape.