Why Executive Nomads Are Moving To Abu Dhabi

Those familiar with the term “executive nomad” might expect Dubai to top the Savills annual index of the best places to live for this emerging demographic – after all, expatriates account for 85% of the population. Perhaps more surprising is the city that came in second: Abu Dhabi. 

“Dubai and Abu Dhabi are incredibly appealing to executive nomads because they offer everything you need to thrive both personally and professionally, from modern infrastructure to high quality of life,” says Andrew Cummings, head of residential Middle East at Savills.

“While these cities are well known for their tourist attractions and luxury hotels, there is much more to them. We’ve seen a real focus on creating a lively business environment with plenty of opportunities to grow, build networks and make lifelong connections.”

This is particularly true in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. The city’s financial centre, the ADGM, recently expanded its free zone, which now covers Al Reem Island as well as Al Maryah Island. This will allow thousands more businesses to enjoy commercial advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions and simplified start-up procedures, according to Ali Ishaq, head of residential at Savills Abu Dhabi.

Beyond these financial benefits, however, how does Abu Dhabi differ from Dubai? “Dubai is well known for its glitz and glamour, and that’s great, but executive nomads tend to be slightly older and often travelling with their family,” says Ishaq. “Abu Dhabi is the opposite – it’s calm, it’s peaceful and, overall, there’s a more relaxed way of life.”

Given that the city is an archipelago made up of more than 200 islets, none of its residents are too far from the shore, but Ishaq says that 90% of Abu Dhabi’s executive nomads live on Saadiyat Island – known for its spacious villas and what is often voted the best beach in the Middle East. Less than a 15-minute drive from the ADGM, the island is also a blossoming cultural district: it’s home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, with an outpost of the Guggenheim slated to open in 2025. 

Prime property prices in Abu Dhabi are lower than in Dubai, too, Ishaq says. Expect to pay AED5,000-6,000 per sq ft – though a property recently sold for a record-breaking AED9,000 per sq ft.

The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 will continue to prioritise entertainment. Yas Island, home to the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit and theme parks such as Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld, is planning a new Disney World and a Sphere, following the success of the arena in Las Vegas. MGM has also applied for a gaming licence.

Last but not least, Abu Dhabi was the highest ranked of the 25 cities in the Savills Executive Nomad Index for infrastructure. It has the fastest internet speeds, while seven-lane highways prevent anything resembling rush-hour traffic. In Dubai, teenagers might hang out at the mall; in Abu Dhabi, they often go to the park. “We’ve moved my parents out here too,” says Ishaq. “My father has Parkinson’s disease and here, where he doesn’t have to worry about the weather, he’s a different person. It really is a game-changer.”

Read the Savills Executive Nomad Index in full