Dubai, Abu Dhabi among top global cities to work in: Survey

A new survey ranks the UAE as the thirteenth most preferred global work destination among foreign professionals, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the top five cities.

The study by Boston Consulting Group and Bayt.com credits the nation's rapid response to curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerating the economic recovery as reasons for its strong showing.

A total of 209,000 people in 190 countries took part in the survey.

Dubai rose from number six in 2018 to number three in 2020 as a city where foreign professionals would like to work.

Respondents cited the Expo 2020 Dubai and support for the private sector despite challenges created by the pandemic as the key incentives.

Abu Dhabi's rankings rose from 51 in 2014, to fifth place last year, helped by the government's commitment to overhaul its processes, investment, and a new economic development strategy.

"Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the latest success stories in the global city ranking, solidifying their improved positions on the back of the UAE proving to be a regional safe haven in a year of unprecedented healthcare crisis," said Dr Christopher Daniel, Managing Director (MD) and partner, BCG Middle East.

"The UAE's status as being less impacted by the pandemic than other countries is a key factor behind its heightened appeal on the world stage, with several notable cities considered much less appealing compared to two years ago," he added.

Around 90 per cent of the UAE's survey participants were expatriates with an average age of 38.

"Given that the national workforce is heavily comprised of foreign workers, the country attracts a highly mobile workforce and 94 per cent of UAE workers were also willing to work abroad in 2020 compared to 50 per cent globally," said Dr Daniel.