Becoming a digital nomad in the UAE
The digital nomad lifestyle has existed for many years, but it really kicked off with the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, more and more people realized that remote working can be effective, catapulting this way of life. Many companies have facilitated this by offering remote working arrangements, and some countries have introduced digital nomad visas.
Why choose the digital nomad lifestyle in the UAE?
To become a digital nomad, you must have a job that is fully dependent on technology and can, therefore, be successfully done online with just a laptop or a tablet, but why would people opt for this location-independent way of life in the UAE?
Travel opportunities
If you are someone who loves to travel, adopting this lifestyle would be the perfect choice. Becoming a digital nomad in the UAE allows you complete flexibility in traveling whenever you want, wherever you want. You can change locations every year, month, or even week, depending on what you prefer.
Do more of what you love
Not being confined to an office and having to deal with strict hours and commuting allows you to have more time to do the things you like. You can use this to your advantage to explore new places, learn a new language, or even learn to cook different cuisines. Whatever your interests are, you'll be able to do a lot more of them when working remotely in the UAE.
Increased productivity
Working from the same office day in and day out can have an effect on your motivation and creativity. When you're a digital nomad in the UAE, you have the option to continuously move around and work from different areas. This change in scene and continuous new surroundings can help improve your overall productivity.
Grow your social circle
Having the ability to work from anywhere you want comes with the opportunity to constantly meet new people. You can expand your social circle, become exposed to new cultures and ways of life in the UAE, and even learn from other digital nomads and experts working within your domain.
Is the UAE a good place for digital nomads?
If you're considering the UAE as a base from which to work remotely, you're probably wondering if it's a good choice for this type of lifestyle. According to a study conducted in 2022, the UAE was ranked as one of the best three places for digital nomads. A number of different factors contribute to this, from high-speed internet to safety. We've highlighted a few benefits of becoming a digital nomad in the UAE for you.
Staying connected
One of the main requirements for digital nomads is internet connectivity. Having spotty or inconsistent connections can get in the way of being able to carry out your work. The UAE is known for its reliable and strong internet, making it the ideal place for remote workers. It's incredibly easy to set up an internet connection where you choose to live, and wifi is available almost everywhere you go. This ensures that you can be connected at all times with little to no interruptions.
Find out more through our Internet in the UAE article.
Abundance of working spaces
One of the benefits of being a digital nomad in the UAE is that you are not confined to a single space day after day. You have the flexibility to change your working environment as you please, so long as it is well-equipped to work from. Dubai and Abu Dhabi specifically have seen rapid growth in work-friendly spaces. There is no shortage of cafes and dedicated coworking spaces, which allow you to get your job done while giving you the opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded people.
Below are some of the most popular coworking and remote working spaces in Dubai:
A4 Space - Located in one of the most artistic and diverse areas in Dubai, A4 Space sits inside a warehouse on Alserkal Avenue. The coworking space is equipped with Wi-Fi and is completely free to use, although it's recommended that coffee and snacks be bought to help them sustain the space. The bottom floor features individual and communal tables, while the top floor has desks, reading nooks, and a library.
The Bureau - This one is specifically for the ladies! The Bureau is a female-focused coworking space that is fitted out with everything you'll need as a digital nomad. The space features a public coworking lounge but also offers private offices, meeting rooms, and phone booths if needed. Keeping working women in mind, the space also has a fitness studio, showers, and a pumping room for breastfeeding mothers. Snacks and drinks can be bought from Jones the Grocer, a popular health-conscious restaurant with a location inside The Bureau. You can opt for a day pass for AED 120, a monthly membership for AED 1,200 per month, or an annual membership of AED 950 per month.
Nest - Located inside the Tryp by Wyndham Hotel, this coworking space has a lot to offer. You'll have access to a communal workspace with shared desks or can use their private pods when you need a little more focus. Unlimited coffee, tea, water and snacks are on the menu, and if you become a member, you can also enjoy discounts within the hotel. Pricing options are day passes for AED 80 during the week, AED 50 on weekends, AED 599 for 10 visits within 2 weeks, or AED 899 for 15 visits within a month. Additional membership packages are available for those looking for dedicated desks and access to the hotel's fitness facilities.
Below are some of the most popular coworking and remote working spaces in Abu Dhabi:
Haibu Space - This coworking space is located in Abu Dhabi mall, with three other locations planned to launch across the emirate. The space features communal working areas as well as private conference rooms. You can enjoy free coffee and tea, and get discounts at the Abu Dhabi food court. Daily passes start at AED 95, weekly passes start at AED 295, and monthly passes start at AED 950.
WeWork - This well-known coworking space has opened a location in Abu Dhabi's Hub71. The space offers dedicated office desks and private meeting rooms. There's also a meditation room for when you need to take a break, and unlimited coffee to keep you fueled throughout the day. The only downside to this space is that they only offer monthly membership options, which start at a rate of AED 1,400 per month.
Cloud Spaces - With three different locations in Abu Dhabi, this is a crowd-favorite coworking space. You'll be able to get your work done efficiently with dedicated desks, comfortable couches, semi-private bubbles, and cubicles. If your work involves face-to-face client meetings, they've got a casual meeting place at each location. You can opt for an AED 120-day pass which gives you access to the communal area, an AED 220-day pass which secures you a desk in the working zone, or one of their monthly memberships ranging from AED 595 to AED 1,295.
Live tax-free
Many expats flock to the UAE to take advantage of its tax-free living. Having no income tax is especially beneficial for digital nomads, allowing you to keep every penny you make. While value added tax does exist on services, remote workers in the UAE can make use of the tax-free income system to save money (or spend it, depending on your long-term goals!).
Find out more about the United Arab Emirates' tax system.
Enjoy ultimate safety
One of the other big draws to the UAE is its safety. The country as a whole has been deemed one of the safest places in the world to live in. Crime rates are extremely low, with even petty crime being a rare occurrence.
Booming start-up scene
If you're looking to venture into new lines of work, the UAE's booming start-up scene is the perfect place to explore new opportunities. You'll have the chance to make new and valuable connections and explore the many incubators across the country. It's important to remember, though, that as a digital nomad, your visa will be limited in terms of being involved in local businesses.
Transportation made easy
As a digital nomad, you might not want to jump into the commitment of buying a car. This is not an issue in the UAE, as transportation is easy to use and widely accessible. From metro lines to buses and taxis, there are a number of different ways to get around each city, as well as travel between the different emirates.
You can find out more through our article highlighting the different transportation options in the UAE.
Convenient time zone
Depending on your work, timing might be a deciding factor in where you can work from. The UAE's time zone (GMT +4) makes it flexible enough to conduct business with virtually any other country in the world, with convenient overlapping hours.
How to become a digital nomad in the UAE
In order to work remotely from the UAE, you will need to apply for a virtual work residence visa. This allows you to legally live in the UAE while working for a business outside the UAE. The visa is valid for one year (renewable) and, unlike other UAE visas, allows for self-sponsorship.
To apply for this visa, you must provide proof that you are working for an organization outside of the UAE and that you receive a monthly income of at least $3,500. You will also need to submit a colored photograph, a copy of your passport, and your medical fitness certificate.
If you would like to work remotely and live in Dubai, there are different requirements highlighted under Dubai's Virtual Working Programme. This is also valid for one year and is renewable through re-application. You will need to have valid health insurance with coverage in the UAE and a passport valid for 6 months in order to be eligible to apply. You will also need to provide proof of employment (with a contract valid for one year), earn a minimum monthly salary of $5,000, and provide a salary slip from the last 3 months.
If you are a business owner, you will need to provide proof of ownership of a company that has been established for at least one year, earn an average of $5,000 monthly, and provide the company's bank statements from the past 3 months.
Top tips for digital nomads in the UAE
Land a job before arriving
As part of the virtual work residence visa eligibility, you will need to find a job that allows for remote working before moving to the UAE. Alternatively, you can opt to stay for a shorter period of time (as long as your visit visa will allow), but you won't have access to the same amenities that residents do. This means that you will not be able to rent property or open a bank account, among other things.
Be prepared for the culture
Depending on where you're coming from, you might be surprised by the different cultures in the UAE. While some emirates are a little more modern and liberal, the UAE remains a Muslim country in the Middle East. You can prepare for this by reading our guide on Discovering the UAE.
Plan your travel wisely
The UAE's weather is definitely something to consider when planning to move there for remote work. If you're keen to explore the country, you will probably want to avoid the hotter summer months. The best time to be in the UAE is between October and April.
Prepare to budget
The cost of living can vary dramatically depending on the emirate you choose to live in. It's recommended to plan your finances in advance in order to make the most of your experience in the UAE. Some emirates, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are more expensive to live in than others, such as Sharjah and Ajman.
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