In a report prepared by the “Work Motion” human resources platform based in Berlin, Dubai has secured the second position globally and the first in the Arab world among the top 10 cities for short-term remote workers. The platform defined “short-term residence” as the stay of a remote worker in the city for a year or less while working remotely.
The report ranked Barcelona as the top city, followed by Dubai in second place and Prague in third. Subsequently, Madrid, Melbourne, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Sydney, Gran Canaria, and Reykjavik rounded out the top 10 cities. The total points for these cities ranged from 90.3 to 100.
The results of the report were obtained after analyzing 85 cities worldwide to assess the ease of living and attractiveness for remote workers based on various categories, including the type of visa required, remote work infrastructure, visitor experience, safety, access to healthcare, housing availability, mobility, happiness, income tax rate, and the ability to afford food and accommodation.
Notably, Dubai emerged as the only city among the 85 analyzed to offer a zero income tax rate. It also scored more than 95 points in safety and security, emphasizing that remote work is an ongoing trend, particularly with millennials and Generation Z workers who continue to work while visiting their preferred destinations.
The report further revealed that only 17 cities out of the 85 offered visas to digital nomads, enabling them to continue working in the country they relocated to.
Carsten Leptig, Co-Founder and Managing Director of “Work Motion,” noted that many remote workers are drawn to cities due to the promise of a different lifestyle or climate. He emphasized that the leaders of Barcelona, Dubai, and Prague can take pride in having done things right and that their cities are the best destinations for short-term residence for remote workers, providing an ideal blend of living, leisure, and work experiences.