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Katherine WangOriginally from China, he lived in Bali, Lisbon and Montenegro before deciding to settle in Dubai. He has been living and working as a digital nomad in Dubai for three years.
Digital nomads are professionals who work while traveling to different places. They often work in shared offices, cafes, or libraries. Being a digital nomad means having the flexibility to work from anywhere you want.
Currently, more than 50 countries around the world offer visas for digital nomads and Dubai is a popular option. It offers a year-long virtual work program that allows you to live and work in the city.
“The unique thing about Dubai is that it is full of life. Here you can meet people from literally all over the world and experience different cultures.”
Wangwho is about 30 years old, he said and added:
“Everything is accessible: imagine that they can even deliver fuel to you so you don’t have to go to the gas station. Dubai continues to surprise its people and residents with new developments and projects.”
‘It is a lifestyle’
Digital nomadism is a lifestyle that appeals not only to tech-savvy workers, but to anyone and everyone.
David Hefron, originally from Seattle, USA, came to Dubai in 2022 to become a digital nomad and has remained here ever since. As a travel and food blogger, he described the Dubai lifestyle as vibrant and inspiring.
“I really enjoy Dubai’s great connectivity – around 80 per cent of the world’s population lives within an 8-hour flight from here. The fact that it has the best and largest airport in the world makes traveling less tedious. Even when I am not travelling, Dubai has many places to discover and you will still be able to try all the different cuisines of the world.”
added the 40-year-old blogger.
It’s actually not new
The idea of being a digital nomad is not new. It emerged from a book by Tsugio Makimoto and David Manners, published in 1997. However, it gained popularity during the pandemic when many had to work remotely, enjoying the freedom of working from anywhere and flexible hours.
During the pandemic, companies adopted remote work or work from home (WFH) policies. This allowed people to spend more time with family and avoid commuting.
After the pandemic, the idea of working from different locations became more popular. Many are now interested in following this lifestyle.
Various nomads
Digital nomads come in various forms. Some are remote workers from companies that allow them to work from different locations or from home. They follow a fixed schedule and receive a regular income. Others are freelancers, business owners or entrepreneurs who have the flexibility to set their own hours and are paid based on their projects or contracts.
Among the more than 50 countries that offer virtual work visas, the most popular include Indonesia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Estonia, Georgia and Spain. Dubai joined this list with its virtual work program launched in October 2020. It quickly rose to the top due to its favorable policies, world-class infrastructure and connectivity.
How much does a visa cost?
According to information from visitdubai.com, the virtual work program visa is valid for one year and gives remote workers access to all standard services available to Dubai residents. The total cost is $611 (Dh2,240), which includes application fees, processing costs, pre-application medical examinations and Emirates ID.
Qualified applicants can easily apply for the visa by following the requirements and documentation outlined on the website.
Benefits of being a digital nomad
Flexibility is a big plus for digital nomads, but they also emphasize the importance of work-life balance. With travel reduced or eliminated, workers save time and effort for other activities.
The freedom to work from anywhere allows you to travel and explore different destinations around the world, immersing yourself in local cultures and experiences.
In Dubai, you can wake up to a view of the Bedouin desert surrounded by Oryx or enjoy sunrise yoga with the soothing breeze of an island not far away.
Other benefits include meeting new people and finding inspiring ideas from various places, developing new habits, learning languages, and experiencing personal growth.
But there are possible drawbacks
Before you decide to become a digital nomad, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks. Unless you have a stable job that allows remote work, most digital nomads rely on freelance or project-based work, so you need to make sure you have a reliable source of income to sustain your lifestyle.
Katherine Wangwho is an online business consultant, advises,
“I have accumulated extensive experience and connections that allow me to earn income from a diverse client base. I do not recommend anyone quit their job unless they are fully prepared financially and mentally for this lifestyle.”
“Another important consideration is how to stay productive and focused,” he added. “Without a traditional office environment and interactions with colleagues, some may waste time on social media. Therefore, creating and sticking to a work schedule is crucial.”
Immerse yourself in local culture
Another challenge many digital nomads face is limited social interaction, which can lead to feelings of loneliness. To overcome this, it is recommended to immerse yourself in the local culture and overcome language barriers.
Having lived in various places, Wang suggests reaching out to communities or participating in coworking spaces. She says,
“There are several cafes and communities in Dubai that organize coworking days for remote workers. You should check out their updates and events on their social media pages.”
Wang emphasizes,
“Dubai is a great place to start your journey as a digital nomad. It offers a simple process, accessible policies for applicants, and there are great communities for remote workers to connect with like-minded peers.”
News Source: Khaleej Times
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