These are booms days for Dubai. Its population is predicted to surge from around 3.8 million to four million by 2026. And as of 2023 there were 1.5 million Indian expatriates residing in Dubai, with the UAE the preferred destination for wealthy Indians.

Aside from the influx of millionaires, Dubai is also a magnet for India’s tech talent, which has one of the world’s largest annual supplies of STEM graduates. It is a match made in heaven for Dubai’s quest to be a world-leading center of excellence. As demand for digital skills skyrockets by 50% worldwide, a severe shortage of advanced expertise like programming, AI, and blockchain has emerged. This scarcity has allowed skilled tech workers, entrepreneurs, and leaders to be highly selective about where they choose to base their operations. In the race to attract this talent pool, the UAE, and Dubai especially, has emerged as a frontrunner.

Dubai’s transformation into a technology hub is a testament to its proactive approach to innovation. By investing heavily in cutting-edge infrastructure, smart city initiatives, and digital transformation programs, the city is attracting professionals from around the globe. Fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and fintech are experiencing rapid growth, with Indian professionals playing a critical role in meeting the demand.

The UAE Future Tech Talent Report 2024 highlights the country’s growing reputation, with 80% of employers citing the UAE’s strong national brand as a key factor in attracting elite professionals. Financial incentives play a significant role in attracting Indian talent. Dubai’s salaries are approximately 30% higher than those offered by mature tech hubs across Europe and Asia, according to Mercer. Businesses operating within free zones like Dubai Internet City (DIC) and the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) Innovation Hub also benefit from zero corporation tax, further enhancing their appeal among entrepreneurs.

This proactive approach extends to the adoption of cutting-edge recruitment technologies, with AI-driven hiring tools surging by 90% since 2022, signaling a shift towards more advanced hiring practices.

Dubai’s welcoming stance towards global talent is further evidenced by its range of programs designed to attract and retain skilled professionals. Golden Visas offer long-term stability for top-tier talent, with up to 100,000 available for entrepreneurs and technology investors.

Beyond financial incentives and career opportunities, Dubai’s appeal lies in its quality of life. Known for its lifestyle opportunities, world-class education, healthcare, and safety, the city offers an unparalleled living experience. These qualities led UK-based Money.co.uk to rank Dubai as the fourth-best city in the world for relocation.

Employment benefits offered by Dubai-based companies also play a crucial role in retaining talent. Over 60% of companies offer flexible working arrangements, reflecting the city’s commitment to employee satisfaction. Additionally, a first-of-its-kind pension scheme has been rolled out in Dubai, currently covering the DIFC, further demonstrating the city’s dedication to providing comprehensive support structures for long-term success.

Dubai’s Free Zones, such as Dubai Internet City (DIC) and the DIFC Innovation Hub, offer significant incentives for businesses and entrepreneurs. These zones not only provide tax benefits but also create concentrated environments conducive to networking and collaboration. The Dubai Future Foundation further underscores the city’s commitment to innovation by supporting tech startups, incubators, and accelerators, many of which have been instrumental in the success of Indian entrepreneurs in the region.

This vibrant energy is evident in hubs like DIC, where start-ups such as Tabby and Zand operate alongside the likes of Microsoft and the locally grown unicorn Careem.

The opportunities for the next generation of startups will likely increase even further thanks to the Dubai Economic Agenda, ‘D33’ target of adding AED100bn ($27bn) to the economy through digital transformation by 2033. Dubai Chambers is part of this drive, with a goal to create 30 unicorns over the next ten years.

Cities that offer opportunities for employment, career growth, and innovation naturally attract top talent. While established tech hubs in the US and Europe offer limited room for expansion, cities like Dubai present new and exciting possibilities. This makes it particularly appealing to tech professionals at all levels, who are eager to find their next big opportunity in a dynamic and growing environment.

Indian firms and entities owned by non-resident Indians are essential to Dubai’s success, contributing approximately one million jobs within the UAE. This vibrant community is driving economic activity and fostering innovation across various sectors. In the past few years, 87% of the tech startups in the MENA region were set up in Dubai and 30% of these tech startups have already gone through all funding stages. Nearly 30% of Dubai’s startup community comes from India, according to Dubai Chambers, with several Indian entrepreneurs and professionals leveraging the city’s ecosystem to establish themselves as leaders in the tech industry.

Notable Indian tech success stories include Zoho, a leading global technology firm headquartered in India. Zoho’s Dubai office has played a pivotal role in its expansion efforts, enabling thousands of companies in the UAE to transition to cloud-based solutions.

Another example is Tata Consultancy Services, which has established a significant presence in Dubai, contributing to the city’s tech ecosystem. Infosys and HCL Technologies are also key players, leveraging Dubai’s strategic location to serve clients across the Middle East and Africa.

Specialist startups include AstraGene, the Middle East’s pioneering molecular diagnostic manufacturing company, founded by Palat Menon, launched alongside Dubai Science Park in 2023. Another success story is ShopDoc, a digital healthcare company that plans to establish a luxury medical tourism corridor between Dubai and India’s Malabar-Mangalore region.

Similarly, Indian professionals have ascended to leadership roles in major multinational corporations operating in Dubai. The sizeable list includes Ajay Bhalla, President Cyber and Intelligence Solutions at Mastercard; Rishi Kapoor, Co-CEO at Investcorp; Vineet Budki, CEO of Cypher Capital; and Rohit Walia, Executive Chairman of Alpen Capital.

These individuals exemplify the significant impact Indian professionals have in shaping Dubai’s business and technology landscape.

This list will only grow in the coming years. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and India aims to boost non-oil trade to $100 billion by 2030, more than doubling the $50.5 billion recorded in 2022. This target highlights Dubai’s strategic importance as a gateway for Indian businesses seeking global expansion.

As India continues to be a leading source of tech expertise, the potential for further collaboration remains strong. With its progressive policies, dynamic business environment, and emphasis on innovation, Dubai is well-positioned to remain a preferred destination for Indian tech talent seeking to build a future in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

For Indian professionals, the city offers unparalleled opportunities for career growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation. As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global technology hub, the influx of Indian talent will play a crucial role in shaping its future, making it a beacon of progress in the digital age.

Views are personal. The author is Mercer Middle East Technology Lead