A recent survey conducted by Capital.com, a global trading platform, has revealed that the UAE is rapidly gaining recognition as a competitive tech hub. The survey polled 1,000 respondents across Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and India, and found that 81% of Asian tech professionals view the UAE as a growing tech hub. A further 76% of respondents say the UAE provides a conducive environment for the tech industry.
The UAE’s growing reputation as a burgeoning tech hub is fuelling interest among tech workers across the region, with nearly half (45%) of respondents expressing a willingness to relocate to the UAE for work, out-ranking countries like Germany (38%) and Hong Kong (20%) as popular relocation destinations. This places the UAE in close competition with other prominent destinations such as Singapore (46%), the UK (57%), and the US (52%) as preferred locations for relocation among tech professionals.
Tarik Chebib, CEO of Capital.com, Middle East, confirms that “With 8 in 10 respondents from our recent survey recognizing the UAE as a competitive tech hub, it’s clear that the region is gaining momentum as a favorable destination for tech talent.” Chebib adds “Asia’s tech professionals have traditionally gravitated to cities in the UK, the US, and Singapore to further their careers, so it’s encouraging to see the UAE stand shoulder-to-shoulder with this cohort and get the recognition it deserves as an attractive location to live and work.”
Government support is the key factor contributing to the UAE’s growing reputation as a tech hub and relocation destination of choice. Of those surveyed, 93% think it is important to have a government that is supportive of the tech industry, highlighting the UAE’s concentrated push to develop the country as a hotspot for international tech talent. The majority of those surveyed (74%) cite the UAE’s banking, visa, special health insurance packages, and real estate services for qualified tech professionals, as factors. More broadly, respondents also say that a high quality of life (60%), attractive remuneration (54%), and the UAE’s strategic location (52%) also feed into their decision to relocate.
While all respondents indicated a ‘willingness’ to relocate for work, 47% indicated that they are ‘actively’ looking to relocate, highlighting the huge potential for the UAE to attract and retain tech talent. “Employees are eager to relocate to a country that not only supports their personal needs but also provides fertile ground for further development within the tech sector,” added Chebib.
Capital.com opened its UAE subsidiary and regional headquarters in March 2024. Based in Dubai, Capital Com MENA Securities Trading LLC (Capital Com MENA), is licensed and regulated by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).
