LONDON: Airbnb and the Department of Economy and Tourism announced on Wednesday the launch of the new Dubai remote working hub, an initiative that aims to attract remote workers to the city.
The program is aimed at anyone looking to live and work in Dubai and offers “inspiration for local long-term listings as well as helpful information on entry requirements and visa policies.”
“Dubai is a global leader in facilitating remote working,” said Velma Corcoran, regional lead for the Middle East and Africa at Airbnb.
“As this trend continues to accelerate, we want to work together to make it easier for people to enjoy the newfound flexibility to work and travel, and help the city harness the economic benefits of this new type of tourism.”
The initiative, which the DET refers to as “a one-stop-shop for aspiring remote workers,” reaffirms UAE’s ambition to establish itself as a center for remote professionals, while drawing more talent to the area.
The UAE introduced a one-year residency permit scheme in March 2021 for remote workers looking to relocate to the country, to help attract more talent to the region and boost business opportunities.
Seeking to harness the flexible work opportunities offered by the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic, many so-called digital nomads took advantage of the scheme, which proved hugely successful.
Dubai was the second most popular location for digital nomads in the world in 2021, according to the Work-from-Anywhere Index from on-demand housing platform Nestpick, and it was rated third in the world for executives in 2022 by estate property group Savills in its Executive Nomad Index report.
To further confirm this trend, in the first three months of 2022, searches for international solo travel in the UAE for long-term stays also grew by more than 280 percent compared to the same period in 2019.
“Dubai’s global connectivity and pro-business ecosystem, combined with visa-friendly reform, has underlined the city’s status as a leading hub for remote workers, building on its commitment to nurture business growth and meeting the demands of today’s talent,” Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s CEO Issam Kazim said.
“The city is already home to over 200 nationalities that enjoy unrivaled career opportunities and lifestyle offerings.
“From world-class retail experiences, to Michelin-starred restaurants and local cuisine, sandy beaches, theme parks and a cultural scene second to none, Dubai is yet again ready to welcome the world, this time in collaboration with Airbnb.”
Earlier this year, Dubai was selected as one of 20 destinations globally to be featured in Airbnb’s Live and Work Anywhere initiative.
Launched in the first few months of 2022, the program seeks to identify some of the most remote worker-friendly destinations in the world.
The platform will team up with Dubai’s DET to promote the city to remote workers seeking accommodation and guidance for long-term stays.