If Dubai decides to compete in a race – be it in the business or leisure domains – you can be sure that it won’t be content with being an also-ran. So when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the introduction of a residence permit for remote workers on March 21, 2021, the writing was on the wall.
A young and ambitious country with a stellar track record of incentivising performance, the UAE was opening its doors to a new generation of global digital nomads – a set of millennial and Gen Z professionals who have work-life balance as one of their primary life goals. Dubai is an obvious choice for workers who value personal and career growth over job security, and flexible working hours over cash incentives. It was obvious, therefore, that the emirate was going to give some of the other, well-established remote work hubs a run for their money.
But not many would have thought that it would take Dubai a mere two months after the announcement to rank among the Top 10 Remote Work Hubs in the world. According to real-time rankings produced by Nomad List, a technology company that builds the infrastructure for people to live anywhere in the world, Dubai now ranks at No. 4 (on June 15, 2021) among the world’s fastest-growing remote work hubs.
Nomad List tracks the real-time movements of tens of thousands of digital nomads to identify the trending places to live and work remotely. The list shows a 74 per cent growth in digital nomads’ check-ins in Dubai during 2021 (until June 10, 2021) after a five-year growth of 56 per cent (2016 to 2020).
One of the primary reasons behind this growth is the changing face of work – work that a new-age worker does is getting increasingly location-independent, and more millennial and Gen Z professionals prefer working at their own pace and in an environment of their choice. These new-age workers don’t like being boxed into a 9-to-6 job or forced to swipe a card to offer proof of their productivity. They work hard and play harder. Give them a target and they’ll go all out to meet it, but on their own terms.
Enter Dubai, which offers a safe (Covid-safe, too) work environment and a dynamic, lively one to relax and unwind. The UAE is one of the world’s safest countries for physical security. During these unprecedented times, it is also one of the lowest-risk destinations when it comes to Covid-19.
While announcing the launch of the country’s Remote Work Visa programme, Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE government will continue developing flexible programmes and initiatives to offer the best quality of life for citizens and residents. This, he said, would place the UAE as a country with one of the world’s best governments.
“We are working with clear objectives to boost our economic status globally and provide the best quality of life to our citizens and residents. Our journey of development endures,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
The new scheme aims to support the public and private sector, enhance the work-life balance, boost productivity and improve the business environment. It also enables employees to expand their digital skills and adapt to the emerging gig economy.
Dubai is one of the safest places in the world. The city is the proverbial melting pot of cultures, offering its residents a dynamic lifestyle and a positive work-life balance. A modern metropolis steeped in tradition and culture, the city boasts sandy beaches, incredible dining and world-class entertainment.
Routinely ranked among the top cities within the region and globally for its quality of life, Dubai offers a range of attractions with world-class safety and hygiene measures.
UAE Remote Work Visa FAQs
- What is the UAE’s Remote Work Visa?
- What is the validity of the UAE’s Remote Work Visa?
- Does any Middle Eastern country other than the UAE offer Remote Work Visa?
- Why did the UAE launch the Remote Work Visa programme?
- What is the cost of the UAE’s Remote Work Visa?
- What is the eligibility criteria for Dubai’s virtual working programme?
- What are the benefits of the UAE’s Remote Work Visa programme?
What is the UAE’s Remote Work Visa?
With aims to attract talents and expertise from all over the world, the UAE Cabinet approved (On March 21, 2021), a new Remote Work Visas scheme to enable employees from all over the world to work remotely from the UAE.
What is the validity of the UAE’s Remote Work Visa?
The UAE’s Remote Work Visa is valid for one year from the date of its issuing, renewable every year for one year as long as the applying professional meets the prevailing criteria and conditions.
The one-year visa allows foreigners to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa.
The new scheme targets employees of both the public and private sectors. A remote worker who lives in a city of her choice will be happier, which will enhance their work-life balance.
Happiness boosts productivity and improves the business environment. It also enables employees to expand their digital skills and adapt to the emerging gig economy.
Does any country other than the UAE offer Remote Work Visa in the Middle East?
The UAE’s Remote Work Visa is considered first of its kind in the region.
Why did the UAE launch the Remote Work Visa programme?
The UAE’s Remote Work Visa programme aims to boost the competitiveness of the country’s tourism sector and support the national economy. It provides the opportunity for entrepreneurs and other talented professionals to innovate in the UAE’s safe and attractive business environment, with access to all the necessary services including world-class utilities and robust telecom infrastructure.
What is the cost of the UAE’s Remote Work Visa?
The cost of the UAE’s Remote Work Visa (virtual working programme) is $611 (approximately Dh2,245), inclusive of application fees, processing costs, medical and Emirates ID. All Dubai employees must have health insurance. The government accepts existing health insurance with UAE coverage validity, or travel insurance with healthcare coverage, which can then be changed to UAE health insurance once an applicant’s visa formalities have been completed.
What is the eligibility criteria for Dubai’s virtual working programme?
The programme is valid for employees and business owners. Applicants will need the following:
- Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
- Health insurance with UAE coverage validity.
- For employees: proof of employment from a current employer with a one-year contract validity, a minimum of $5,000 (Dh18,365) per month salary, last month’s payslip and three preceding months’ bank statements.
- For business owners: proof of ownership of the company for one year or more, with an average monthly income of $5,000 per month and three preceding months’ bank statements.
All applications are reviewed and processed by DTCM’s official partner, Al Rais Travel Agencies, under the auspices of DTCM.
What are the benefits of the UAE’s Remote Work Visa programme?
The UAE’s Remote Work Visa programme grants applicants access to all the standard services that residents benefit from, including telecoms, utilities, and schooling. In addition, workers and business owners get access to a global hub and a skilled workforce, composed of 200+ nationalities.
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