What happened?
The UAE has been ranked the 14th best country in the world to move to in 2026 in Remitly’s Immigration Index, which assessed 82 countries across multiple quality-of-life indicators.
Who is affected?
Expats, skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, families considering relocation, and employers looking to attract international talent.
Why does it matter?
The ranking reinforces the UAE’s reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for work, business, and long-term living while recognising its strong international community and family-friendly environment.
The UAE has been named one of the best countries in the world to move to in 2026, ranking 14th out of 82 countries in Remitly’s Immigration Index 2026. The study evaluated destinations using 34 indicators across areas including earning potential, healthcare, education, safety, employment and quality of life. The ranking highlights the country’s continued success in attracting international professionals and families, supported by government initiatives, a strong economy and one of the world’s most diverse populations.
Why did the UAE rank among the world’s best countries to move to?
Remitly’s Immigration Index examined 82 countries using 34 separate metrics grouped into 16 categories. These included income opportunities, employment, healthcare, education, happiness, public safety and cost of living.
The UAE earned an overall 14th-place ranking, making it the only Middle Eastern nation to feature in the global top 15.
According to the report, Switzerland secured the top position, followed by Iceland, Luxembourg, Australia and Germany.
The UAE’s strong performance reflects years of investment in infrastructure, business-friendly policies, modern healthcare, international education and a growing economy that continues to attract people from around the world.
The UAE remains home to the world’s largest expatriate community
One of the report’s standout findings is that the UAE has the highest proportion of foreign-born residents in the world.
According to Remitly, around 88% of the country’s population consists of immigrants, making the Emirates the world’s most immigrant-dense nation.
This diversity has been built over decades as professionals from hundreds of nationalities relocated to the UAE to work in sectors such as:
- Construction
- Finance
- Technology
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Aviation
For new residents, this means established international communities, multicultural workplaces and easier access to support networks, cultural groups and familiar services.
Why is the UAE attracting more professionals and families?
Beyond employment opportunities, the UAE has introduced several long-term residency options that make relocating more attractive.
In recent years, the government has expanded programmes including:
- Golden Visa
- Green Visa
- Retirement Visa
- Remote Work Visa
- Long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs and exceptional talent
These initiatives are part of the UAE’s broader strategy to attract skilled professionals, innovators and businesses while supporting long-term economic growth.
The country also continues to rank highly for safety, efficient public services, digital government initiatives and modern infrastructure, all of which contribute to its growing popularity among international residents.
The UAE also scores highly for families
The Remitly report places the UAE among the top 10 family-friendly destinations worldwide.
The ranking considers factors such as:
- Quality of education
- Childcare affordability
- Maternity and paternity benefits
- Availability of international schools
The UAE is home to hundreds of private and international schools offering British, American, IB, Indian and other curricula, giving families a wide range of educational choices.
Combined with world-class healthcare and family-oriented communities, the country continues to attract parents looking for long-term stability and quality education for their children.
A global ranking that reflects the UAE’s growing appeal
International rankings like Remitly’s Immigration Index reinforce the UAE’s position as a global business and talent hub.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue attracting multinational companies, startups and entrepreneurs thanks to:
- Competitive business regulations
- Free zones across multiple industries
- Strong transport connectivity
- Advanced digital infrastructure
- Access to international markets
The country’s growing population also supports demand across sectors including real estate, retail, hospitality, education and healthcare.
As the UAE continues investing in innovation, artificial intelligence, clean energy and advanced technology, attracting skilled workers remains a key national priority.
Why It Matters?
For UAE residents and those considering a move, this latest ranking confirms the country’s strong global reputation.
Key takeaways:
- Professionals benefit from strong employment opportunities and long-term residency options.
- Families have access to internationally recognised schools and quality healthcare.
- Businesses continue to benefit from a diverse global talent pool.
- The economy gains from sustained international investment and population growth.
- Future residents can expect continued government initiatives aimed at making the UAE an attractive place to live and work.
FAQs
Why was the UAE ranked among the best countries to move to in 2026?
The UAE ranked 14th in Remitly’s Immigration Index due to its strong performance across healthcare, safety, employment, education, earning potential and quality of life.
What makes the UAE attractive for expatriates?
The country offers career opportunities, long-term residency options, modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare, international schools and one of the world’s most diverse populations.
How many immigrants live in the UAE?
According to Remitly’s Immigration Index 2026, around 88% of the UAE’s population is foreign-born, the highest proportion globally.
Is the UAE a good place for families?
Yes. The UAE was recognised among the world’s top family-friendly countries thanks to its education options, childcare considerations and parental support measures.
Who topped the Remitly Immigration Index 2026?
Switzerland ranked first overall, followed by Iceland, Luxembourg, Australia and Germany.
The UAE’s place among the world’s best countries to move to in 2026 reflects its continued appeal as a destination for professionals, entrepreneurs and families. With a diverse population, expanding residency programmes and a strong economy, the country remains one of the leading global hubs for people looking to build a career or start a new chapter abroad.
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