Mashable: The list has been generated by property consultancy, Savills.

In a recent assessment by property consultancy Savills, Dubai has emerged as the leading global hub for remote workers, attributed to its exceptional quality of life and premium rental offerings.

Surprisingly, this year's index features Abu Dhabi for the first time, securing an impressive fourth place in the 2023 Executive Nomad Index. This index gauges the most favourable cities for remote workers looking for a long-term setting, considering factors such as internet speed, overall quality of life, climate, air connectivity, and prime rental costs.

Paul Tostevin, Savills World Research's head, shared with The National that Dubai and Abu Dhabi have earned their top spots due to their adeptness at providing an urban lifestyle, along with a superior standard of living.

"Dubai has topped the list this year and really ticks all the boxes," he said.

"It has fantastic connectivity with Dubai International Airport, it offers great quality of life and very strong mobile connectivity. Other components include its prime residential market.

"Abu Dhabi is a new entrant to the list, it has a lot of comparisons to Dubai and is very popular due to its investment in leisure and entertainment. They both have the advantage of offering city living alongside beaches creating an improved quality of life."

Last year's frontrunner, Lisbon, has slipped to fifth place, marking a significant shift. Interestingly, Dubai had secured the third spot in the previous year.

Swapnil Pillai, associate director of Savills Middle East Research, notes, “Dubai’s fast growing FinTech and financial services sectors, along with a tax-free environment and high quality of life, are proving powerful magnets for executive nomads."

“Most are Dinkies [Dual-income, no kids], and they favour high residential buildings in Downtown Dubai, close to the DIFC, the financial hub, or in Dubai Marina for proximity to Media City and Internet City.

“Most of the city’s co-working spaces are operating at near 100 per cent occupancy, which supports Dubai’s ranking as a top destination for executive nomads."

Forming a segment of Savills' Impacts initiative, this index meticulously evaluates 20 locales. These destinations either offer a digital nomad visa scheme or possess analogous arrangements. In the instances of the US and the EU, inclusion is based on their membership in expansive economic blocs that facilitate unhindered human mobility for work or residency.

Prerequisites for these cities involve maintaining a consistently pleasant climate, ensuring a superior standard of living, and nurturing well-established prime real estate sectors.

Dubai notably excelled in two pivotal aspects: air connectivity and internet accessibility.

Abu Dhabi made its debut on the list this year, marking its first appearance.

Stephen Forbes, the head of Abu Dhabi at Savills, emphasized the Emirate's expanding global outlook over two years. Notable attractions include Yas Island, a sprawling leisure destination, and Saadiyat Island, which boasts cultural gems like the Louvre and the upcoming Guggenheim set to open in 2025.

Abu Dhabi has grown particularly popular among executive nomads from Northern Europe. The availability of remote-working visas and golden visas aimed at luring property investors and global talent in creative industries, finance, and startups have contributed to its allure.

The city's Free Zones, offering incentives to businesses, have also elevated its appeal to corporate entities. Demand for premium office spaces in the Central Business District is at an all-time high.

The UAE's one-year residency permit for remote workers, coupled with top-notch healthcare and a widening array of indoor leisure and entertainment options to escape the intense summer heat, have further bolstered its attractiveness.

In this year's rankings, Malaga secures the second spot, closely followed by Miami.