According to a recent survey by Capital.com, eight out of ten SE Asian-based technology experts recognize the UAE’s growing reputation as a technology hub.
A recent survey by Capital.com claims that the UAE is rapidly gaining recognition as a competitive technology hub. The study surveyed 1,000 respondents in Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and India, and found that 81% of Asian tech professionals consider the UAE an emerging technology hub that is growing. 76% of other respondents say that the UAE provides a suitable environment for the technology sector.
The UAE is poised as a thriving technology hub and is driving the interest of tech professionals across the region, with nearly half (45%) of respondents willing to move to the UAE for work, overtaking countries such as Germany (38%) and Hong Kong (20%) as popular destinations to move to.
This puts the UAE in stiff competition with other notable destinations such as Singapore (46%), the UK (57%), and the US (52%) as preferred locations to move among tech professionals.
Commenting on the results, Capital CEO Tarek Shabib says traditional routes for tech talent are no longer the path most trodden.
“With 8 out of 10 respondents in our latest survey in the UAE recognized as a competitive tech hub, it is clear that the region is gaining momentum as a destination of choice for tech talent and capabilities. Tech professionals in Asia have traditionally turned to cities in the UK, US and Singapore to elevate their careers, so it’s encouraging to see the UAE confidently joining this group and gaining the recognition it deserves as an attractive location to live and work,” says Shabib.
Government support is the key factor contributing to improving the UAE’s reputation and making it a technology hub and the most sought-after destination for relocation. 93% of those surveyed believe it is important to have a government that supports the technology sector, highlighting the UAE’s relentless efforts to develop the country and turn it into a magnet for international tech talent.
The majority of respondents (74%) cited factors influencing their decision, which include banking, visa, private healthcare/health insurance packages, and real estate services for qualified tech professionals in the UAE. Respondents also say that high quality of life (60%), attractive rewards (54%), and the strategic location of the UAE (52%) influence their decision to move more broadly as well.
While all respondents expressed a ‘willingness’ to move to work, 47% indicated that they are ‘currently trying’ to relocate, highlighting the UAE’s immense potential in attracting and retaining tech talent.
“The UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, future policies, investment in innovation, and strategic location as a gateway make it an ideal location for tech talent. As a company operating in the UAE we need to leverage an exceptional pool of talent to meet our rigorous commercial and regulatory needs. This means looking for the best talent, from all over the world. We’ve had no problem recruiting talent from as far away as the UK, Europe and Australia. Employees are excited to move to a country that not only supports their personal needs, but also provides fertile ground for further development within the technology sector,” says Shabib.
Notes from the Editor: The survey was conducted between 11 and 28 July 2024 and gathered the opinions of 1,000 respondents. The sample distribution was 250 participants from Hong Kong, 250 participants from Singapore, 250 participants from Vietnam, and 250 participants from India.
As a global fintech company with offices spanning London, Dubai, Limassol, Melbourne, Warsaw and Vilnius, Capital.com claims it is guided by a start-up, sustainability-led framework and prioritizes smart partnerships with the public and private sectors to help drive progress and sustainable growth.
