Airbnb launches remote working hub in Dubai

Airbnb has announced the launch of the Dubai remote working hub, in partnership with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Those interested in working and living in Dubai can now access the hub for local long-term listings and helpful information on entry requirements and visa policy.

Recently, Airbnb launched its Live and Work Anywhere initiative in an effort to identify some of the world’s most remote worker-friendly destinations. Dubai was chosen as one of 20 global destinations, alongside Canary Islands, Thailand and the Caribbean.

The Live and Work Anywhere programme will see Airbnb and Dubai’s DET promote the city to remote workers seeking accommodation and guidance for their long-term stays.

.@Airbnb launches the #Dubai remote working hub, a collaboration with @DubaiDET. It offers access to long-term housing & important information on entry requirements & visas for those interested in living & working in Dubai.https://t.co/czTSXUTIO4 pic.twitter.com/3DolCWXF6O

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 21, 2022

“Dubai is a global leader in facilitating remote working. As this trend continues to accelerate, we want to work together to make it easier for people to enjoy the newfound flexibility to work and travel, and help the city harness the economic benefits of this new type of tourism,” said Velma Corcoran, regional lead for Middle East and Africa at Airbnb.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, commented: “The city is already home to over 200 nationalities that enjoy unrivalled career opportunities and lifestyle offerings. From world-class retail experiences to Michelin-starred restaurants and local cuisine, sandy beaches, theme parks and a cultural scene second to none, Dubai is yet again ready to welcome the world, this time in collaboration with Airbnb.”

Meanwhile, the number of people who choose to live and work in different places has increased dramatically over the past few years.

About one in five guests globally reported using Airbnb to work remotely while travelling in 2021 — a trend that has continued into Q1 2022, with long-term stays at an all-time high.

In the first three months of 2022, searches for international solo travel in the UAE for long-term stays also grew by over 280 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.

Dubai ranked among the world’s top three cities to live for executive nomads in the 2022 Savills Executive Nomad Index.

Read: Airbnb readies $2bn buyback on surge in travel demand