The United Arab Emirates is becoming the destination of choice for Asian technology workers moving elsewhere

The UAE is rapidly consolidating its position as a global technology hub, with new data revealing renewed interest from Asian technology professionals looking to relocate to the country. 

Collecting responses from 1,000 technology professionals in Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and India, the survey found that almost half (45%) would consider relocating to the UAE to further their careers. 

The United Arab Emirates now competes closely with established technology hubs such as Singapore, the UK and the US, which remain among the top choices for offshoring. As 46% of respondents said they would consider relocating to Singapore, 57% expressed interest in the UK and 52% in the US, the UAE’s rapid rise up the rankings marks a significant shift in global talent migration patterns.

CEO of Capital.com in the Middle East, Tarik Chebib, said the survey results indicate the UAE’s growing stature in technology. ‘’With 8 out of 10 respondents recognising the UAE as a competitive technology hub, it is clear that the region is gaining ground as a destination of choice for top talent. 

An important factor in this trend is the UAE government’s favourable stance towards the technology industry. A massive 93% of respondents stressed the importance of government support in fostering a thriving technology ecosystem. 

Additionally, banking, visa, healthcare and real estate services tailored to technology professionals were cited by 74% of respondents as contributing to the country’s attractiveness. 

A survey conducted by Capital.com revealed that the UAE is rapidly cementing its position as a global technology hub, with new data revealing a surge in interest from Asian tech professionals eager to relocate to the country. A study conducted by Capital.com, a global trading platform and one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing technology companies, found that 81 per cent of Asian tech professionals view the UAE as a rising force in the tech industry.

In addition, the survey, which gathered responses from 1,000 tech professionals across Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and India, revealed that nearly half (45 per cent) would consider moving to the UAE to further their careers. Increase in the UAE’s share of the global tech market This figure places the UAE ahead of traditional tech destinations such as Germany (38 per cent) and Hong Kong (20 per cent), making it a top choice for Asian talent seeking opportunities abroad.

UAE now competes closely with established technology hubs such as Singapore, the UK and the US, which remain among the top choices for relocation. As 46% of respondents said they would consider relocating to Singapore, 57% expressed interest in the UK and 52% in the US, the UAE’s rapid rise up the rankings marks a significant shift in global talent migration patterns.

Tarik Chebib, CEO of Capital.com in the Middle East, said the survey results indicate the UAE’s growing stature in technology. ‘With 8 out of 10 respondents recognising the UAE as a competitive technology hub, it is clear that the region is gaining ground as a destination of choice for top talent. Traditionally, Asian tech professionals look to the UK, US and Singapore, so it’s encouraging to see that the UAE now falls into this category,’ commented Chebib.

One of the key factors in this trend is the UAE government’s favourable stance towards the technology industry. An overwhelming 93% of respondents stressed the importance of government support in fostering a thriving technology ecosystem. UAE policies, which include facilitating business growth and promoting innovation, have made it an increasingly attractive destination for businesses and professionals.

While many of those surveyed said they would relocate to work, 47% said they were actively looking for new opportunities, representing a significant opportunity for the UAE to attract top talent. The figure underlines the country’s potential to attract professionals from diverse regions and continue to build its reputation as a key player in the global technology industry.

This has been the experience of Capital.com, which launched its UAE subsidiary and regional headquarters in Dubai in March 2024. The company is licensed and regulated by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and is part of the UAE’s #NextGenFDI initiative. Chebib noted that the UAE’s talent policies have helped the company recruit talent from around the world, including the UK, Europe and Australia.