5 Best Middle Eastern Cities Where Digital Nomads Can Thrive

The Middle East is a deeply misunderstood region in large part because of the way its depicted in the media.

Some of the most common misconceptions about the Middle East are:

• Language barrier: Most countries in the Middle East speak at least some English (the second most common language in the world).

• Desert, desert, desert: People often think the region is strictly arid, but the ME is diverse in temperature and geography.

• Unsafe: Most of the news regarding the ME is focused on conflict, but the strict laws of many of the region’s countries deter a great deal of crime.

• Homogenous: People often think of Middle Easterners as a singular group when in fact, the region is composed of a multitude of distinct cultures.

It may not come as a surprise to you that the Middle East is more than desert and camels, but perhaps you never imagined it contains mega skyscrapers and the most high tech amenities the world has to offer. 

That’s why, after careful consideration based on a combination of research and first hand experience, we curated a list of the 5 best Middle Eastern cities for digital nomads. 

But first...

What makes a city great for digital nomads?

The list of destinations fit for digital nomads is a long one. Location independent jobs and entrepreneurship enable you to be a global citizen. Short-term rentals like AirBnB also give you the chance to take a working vacation as you globetrot from one city to another. As it turns out, expats, remote workers, freelancers, and other digital nomads flock to locations with shared characteristics that help them experience the ultimate work-life balance. 

Some of the most important factors are:

• Availability of reliable, high-speed internet

• Existing communities of other digital nomads

• Affordable living with good opportunities

For added bonuses, these are some other things digital nomads look for to boost their location independent lifestyle:

• Beautiful environment

• Easy-to-enjoy activities

• Warm, steady weather

• Safety

• Healthy living

With that criteria in mind, these are the 5 best cities for digital nomads to live the location independent lifestyle in the Middle East:

5) Dubai (UAE)

Easily the most progressive and modern destination in the UAE, Dubai appears like a mirage in the desert. The sky high city is growing rapidly and attracting people from all corners of the Earth in the process. Others live like royals in a place built by royals. Tourists and remote travelers flock there to enjoy fashion, shopping, music, the nightlife, and the culinary scene. Its most famous mall even offers indoor skiing. 

While Dubai is rooted in Islamic culture, it welcomes internationals and seasonal workers. The hot and humid weather along with the beaches offer plenty of fun to be had for digital nomads. The extravagant amount of wealth and advertising agencies also provide freelancers with an abundance of professional opportunities in Dubai as well. The wifi is reliable and you’ll find any modern amenity you need. Dubai can be expensive if you fall for the allure of the ritzy lifestyle, but it is possible to travel and live cheap in this futuristic city.

4) Abu Dhabi (UAE)

Much like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is full of opportunities for digital nomads and, like Dubai, it is a vision of the future that seems to have arisen from the sand. You’ll find the largest leaning tower and the fastest roller coaster in the world along with countless other feats of engineering. Mega-malls line the roads and streets, large garden provide green space, and luxury hotels provide tourist accommodations. The majestic white marble Grand Mosque is the only mosque frequented by non-Muslims. A burka isn’t required for women (same with Dubai), but you’re expected to be respectful of Islamic traditions (for example: keeping knees and shoulders covered — you won’t be punished, but it’s better to be on the safe side and assimilate). 

The cost of living can run high in Abu Dhabi, but again, for similar reasons to Dubai, the opportunity outweighs the risks in this dazzling city.

3) Tel Aviv (Israel)

Tel Aviv is one of the best places for location independent freelancers and entrepreneurs. The coworking spaces, incredibly fast and reliable internet, laptop cafes, outdoor areas, and beaches work in tandem to give digital nomads an ideal environment for peak productivity. Tel Aviv isn’t cheap, so it’s tough to think you’re going to penny-pinch as you build your empire, but the tech startup scene in the city is massive. Fiverr and Wix are both based in Tel Aviv among literally hundreds of other exciting companies. It doesn’t hurt that the weather is incredible and the nightlife is outstanding. 

2) Manama (Bahrain)

Manama is more affordable than Dubai or Abu Dhabi and the expats are even said to outnumber locals. If you’re a history buff, there’s a touch more to see here than its modern counterparts, including old Portugese forts. The warm weather attracts remote travelers to this financial hub. Manama can feel restrictive at times due to elements of the culture regarding dating, dress, and alcohol consumption, however, if you’re interested in working in the Middle East, it’s an option well-worth consideration. 

1) Istanbul (Turkey)

One of the main reasons to take a trip to Istanbul is how cheap it is. A digital nomad could get an apartment, food, and all of their other expenses handled for under $1000 per month — and that’s living comfortably (eating out, taking Uber everywhere). The Turkish hospitality is second to none. It’s not like Paris, where they’re so overrun with tourists that they pretty much don’t want to see another foreign visitor. The food is incredible and includes everything from midnight clams to Turkish pizza. One of the underrated aspects people should consider more when it comes to picking places to live their location independent lifestyle is...inspiration. Does the destination inspire you to be your best self?

Well, Istanbul does. The stunning architecture and rich history — going all the way back to 3,000 BCE through the Romans, Byzantines, Crusades, and Ottoman Empire, will have your imagination in full bloom. Known in ancient times as Constantinople, Istanbul’s unique placement between Europe and Asia contributed to its position as the center of the world eons ago. I’d argue that with its walkability, culture, and atmosphere it could become an epicenter for the digitally nomadic. 

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best cities for location independent digital nomads in the Middle East. Whether you’re looking for a place to conduct your remote writing job or you’re a consultant, each of the cities on this list has something unique to offer you.

Are there any cities you think we missed? We’d love to hear from you, so please CONTACT us!