Remote work has changed the way professionals live and travel. Many senior managers, business owners, and entrepreneurs are no longer tied to one location. Instead, they are choosing cities that offer both strong business opportunities and a high quality of life.
Related: The Dubai Digital Nomad Visa – How To Apply For The Dubai Remote Visa
According to a new report by Savills, a global real estate firm, Dubai remains a top choice for executive nomads.
But, who is an executive nomad?
The only difference between an executive nomad and a ‘regular’ nomad is the level of seniority. Executive nomads hold very senior positions in companies, with family being a big factor for them, and with that, factors such as education and healthcare are very important.
Savills’ Executive Nomad Index 2025 highlights 30 cities around the world that are most attractive for executive nomads.
These destinations were ranked on internet speed, air connectivity, climate stability, family-friendliness, housing costs, and overall quality of life.
Why Dubai Leads the Way
For the second year in a row, Dubai takes the number one spot, with Abu Dhabi taking second place.
We believe the UAE stands out for many reasons, the main ones being:
- Tax efficiency
- Fast internet
- Safety and ease of doing business
- Year-round sunshine
- Great schools and healthcare
Simply put, Dubai and Abu Dhabi tick all the boxes for executive nomads looking for a balance between work and lifestyle.
What Executive Nomads Look For
Executive nomads often travel with families, so they value:
- Quality education and healthcare
- Spacious rentals close to amenities
- Strong connectivity (both flights and internet)
- A welcoming culture and safe environment
Visas are also important. While many countries have created digital nomad visas, others (like Canada and New Zealand) use long-term visitor visas that still allow remote work.
Top Executive Nomad Cities in 2025
Here’s the full list of the 30 top-ranked cities:
- Dubai, UAE
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Málaga, Spain
- Miami, USA
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Palma, Spain
- Barcelona, Spain
- Barbados
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Algarve, Portugal
- Tokyo, Japan
- Cayman Islands
- Bahamas
- Mauritius
- Crete, Greece
- St Kitts and Nevis
- Malta
- Vancouver, Canada
- Monaco
- Antigua and Barbuda
- St Lucia
- Jersey
- Bermuda
- Seychelles
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Anguilla
- Athens, Greece
- Berlin, Germany
- Dominica
- Grenada
It’s really difficult to say the future of work is remote or in person working.
The best way to describe it would be hybrid.
Only few employed individuals have the power to live in a city of their choosing. Infact, a lot of employed remote workers are executive nomads. They hold senior positions, hence they can negotiaite for remote working. And by remote, we do not meen working from home. We mean, you live in Bali but your offices are in Cape Town, South Africa.
This index perfectly outlines some of the best cities, not only for executive nomads but also regular ones, as most of the determining factors are the same.
