Singapore, 7 May 2024: Dubai is the number one destination for digital nomads, surpassing all other cities analysed, according to the latest research by InstantOffice, but Bangkok tops the Asia-only list.
Of the 61 places assessed, the Thai capital was the only Southeast Asian city to make the global top 10. Key factors considered include affordability, weather, broadband speed and lifestyle.
According to Immediate OfficesAdvances in technology, remote work and workplace culture mean that by 2035, one billion people may live and work as digital nomads.
Dubai
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates stands out as the number one destination for digital nomads, leading the top 10 list, followed by Lisbon, Portugal in second and Madrid, Spain in third. The UAE has over 23,000 Wi-Fi hotspots and an average broadband speed of 230mbps.
With its reputation as an international business hub with excellent infrastructure, it also offers a special virtual work residency visa for one year. The climate attracts digital nomads worldwide, with an annual average of 3,500 hours of sunshine. This makes it a great place to work from the beach.
Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal, comes in second with 7,000 hotspots, an average broadband speed of 98mbps, a sunny climate, a vibrant food scene and affordable prices.
One of Europe’s sunniest destinations, the Portuguese seaside capital is a foodie’s haven with local markets and freshly caught seafood.
The town is ideal for enjoying the sun and surfing while being productive. A cappuccino in Lisbon costs just GBP1.66, and Airbnb costs GBP115 a night.
Madrid
Madrid ranked third for its affordability, strong infrastructure and vibrant startup ecosystem, which provides a balanced work-study experience.
It combines affordability, robust infrastructure and a growing startup ecosystem. It has a good reputation for security, making it a prime location for remote workers looking for a dynamic and convenient platform with multiple coworking spaces and great connectivity.
Spotlight on Asia
Bangkok tops the list of Southeast Asian cities. It offers stunning local cuisine, fantastic street food markets and over 15,000 Wi-Fi hotspots with an average broadband speed of 229mbps.
Other Asian business hubs like Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong offer captivating travel experiences, scenery, food, star connectivity, infrastructure and a manageable cost of living.
Daily expenses in Asian cities are very affordable for digital nomads. Hanoi has the most affordable cuisine, with a Vietnamese dining experience at GBP18.9, and Kathmandu has the cheapest coffee, charging just GBP1.27 for a cappuccino.
Bustling metropolises across Asia are perfect for digital nomads who want to explore some of the world’s best business hubs and experience a continent full of amazing travel opportunities and sights. Demand for flexible office space is high in places like Singapore and Hong Kong as more people look for new ways to use the workplace. Creative co-working spaces, meeting rooms and offices to work while you travel are easy to find in Singapore.
The connectivity is second to none. Beijing has the fastest average broadband speed in this ranking at 260mbps, while Jakarta has the most Wi-Fi hotspots, with more than 97,000 across the city. Meanwhile, Tokyo ranks highest in terms of quality of life.
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About Instant Offices: Immediate Offices The world’s largest office consulting service, dedicated to finding the best flexible workspace for clients wherever their business takes them.
