The Best Bases for Executive Nomads

In the ever-more-mobile world of work, where are the ideal bases for executive nomads? These high-powered wanderers are typically more mature than their familiar backpacking digital counterparts, they are often accompanied by family, and they place a premium on connectivity, both in the physical and the digital realm. Crucially, executive nomads seek a well-rounded lifestyle in a location that provides excellent security and access to world-class healthcare and schools. So where are they looking?

The Savills Executive Nomad Index, now in its third year, provides some fascinating answers. It reveals the top 25 locations where executive nomads can find the lifestyle they desire and the connectivity their careers demand, assessing factors such as internet speed, air travel links, stability in climate, prime residential rental markets and overall quality of life.

The UAE leads the way, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi in first and second place on the index, scoring top marks for air travel connectivity and internet speed respectively. “They are incredibly appealing to executive nomads because they offer everything they need to thrive, both personally and professionally, from modern infrastructure to a high quality of life,” says Andrew Cummings, head of residential sales Middle East at Savills. “We’ve seen a real focus in the UAE on creating a lively business environment with plenty of opportunities to grow, build networks and make lifelong connections.”

Five European locations make it into the index’s top 10: Málaga, Lisbon, Barcelona, Palma and the Algarve. Lisbon came in fifth, consolidating the Portuguese capital’s consistently strong performance since 2022.

“Connectivity, innovation, a diverse cultural scene and year-round good weather make Lisbon attractive to executive nomads,” says Ana Jordão, residential business development director, Savills Portugal. “It offers a strong proposition, based primarily on its authenticity, but also on its business potential in terms of human talent and an increasingly present international business community.” Lisbon has also seen a 31% increase in prime rents over the past year – more than any other location in the Savills index, and well above the average increase of 5%.

New entrants this year include Palermo in Sicily, the Costa Rican capital, San José, and the islands of Bali and Grenada. Cape Town, also included for the first time, came 17th. “Digital nomad visa schemes are central to attracting these professionals,” says Kelcie Sellers, associate director, Savills World Research, “and South Africa is the latest country to offer one.” Let’s see what effect that has in the future.

Read the Savills Executive Nomad Index in full