Alix Harou, a Belgian-American, recently relocated from Washington, DC to Dubai due to her husband’s new role at an engineering firm. Speaking the day after her daughter’s first day at a new high school, Harou shares that she already feels at home and is eager to explore the city. “I feel like a child here, for now,” she smiles. “I’m excited to discover beautiful places, new neighborhoods, and learn about the country’s history.” Harou is no stranger to new adventures—at 19, she backpacked across Rajasthan, India.
Her move to Dubai wasn’t solely about career ambitions or wanderlust. It was influenced by recent US government actions impacting domestic and global politics.
As an expert in global health programs and business development in Washington, DC, Harou worked to “leverage US foreign aid, including USAID funds, to design, manage, and scale health programs across Africa, Asia, and South America through strategic partnerships, program management, and donor engagement.” The shutdown of USAID by the US government and DOGE led by billionaire Elon Musk resulted in Harou losing her job. “Within days, I lost all my contracts… my colleagues from USAID, NGOs, and companies implementing these programs all vanished… leaving hundreds and thousands with crucial skillsets jobless,” she remarks.
The UAE, according to Harou, is the ideal place to reinvent their careers as it would “embrace their expertise.” “In the past, experts in their fields would come to work in the US, causing a ‘brain drain’ in their countries,” she notes. “Now, it’s the opposite, with people like us finding places where our skills are valued.”
Harou’s insights align with trends noted by experts in recruitment and real estate, driven by factors like changing US policies and geopolitics. They also note that the influx of skilled professionals from the US benefits the UAE’s sectors, including digital transformation, AI, financial services, and consulting.
Aws Ismail, director of recruitment at Marc Ellis, observes a “significant increase in professionals moving from the US to the UAE,” with more mid-level to senior professionals relocating, which was less common in past years. “We see many from consulting and finance sectors—areas where the UAE is investing and expanding.” Other inquiries come from healthcare, education, and renewable energy, reflecting the UAE’s diversified economy.
This is impacting businesses noticeably. “Multinational companies that once saw the UAE as a satellite office are now making it a central hub for regional and global operations,” says Ismail. This shift is partly due to “talent migration,” as companies follow skilled professionals willing to relocate, and the UAE’s business-friendly environment and government incentives.
An attractive hub
Sovereign Group, a provider of business formation and corporate services for professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners moving to the UAE, shares revealing data.
Jade Wong, senior sales manager, explains via email that interest from the US market has been rising steadily, even before recent political changes (“leads increased by 62% from 2023 to 2024”), and 2025 shows “a further 9% growth on last year’s total.” Over the past three years, 18.2% of inquiries have been for residency visas like Golden Visas, Retirement, and Remote Working, while 35.5% have been for Limited Liability Company setups, indicating a balance between corporate and individual interest.
According to the company, long-term residency program leads from the US were 6.2% in 2024, and this year it’s already at 10.4%. The US has now surpassed Saudi Arabia in inquiries, while the UK remains the highest at 20.4% in 2024, currently at 16.6% this year.
The UAE attracts a diverse crowd, becoming a hub for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), including from the US. Leigh Williamson, managing director at Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, notes: “In recent years, we’ve seen UHNWIs from the US gravitate towards the UAE, incorporating Dubai into their global portfolios as not just a residence but an investment. The US elections may have contributed to this shift, but it began in 2020, driven by Dubai’s reputation as a secure and stable haven compared to other global cities.”
Former US residents moving to the UAE are motivated by factors like reputable American schools for their children, tax efficiency, the UAE’s global reputation as a land of opportunity and luxury, and for UHNWIs, its strategic location for business operations. Williamson adds that Dubai’s growing presence in Hollywood films and US media has piqued Americans’ interest in the city’s real estate. Typically, they prefer renting until they get familiar with the city. “When they buy, there’s a growing trend towards branded residences for their luxury and convenience,” she notes.
The turnaround
Norah*, born and raised in the UAE, is pursuing a BA in Economics in Chicago. A few months ago, her university’s international adviser warned against traveling outside the US despite her valid visa. Criticizing tighter student visa rules, she says it’s nearly impossible for international students to stay and find jobs. Norah plans to return to the UAE in 2027 to work in aviation management. “New students are leaving immediately after studies due to visa crackdowns,” she adds.
Poonam Dabur, co-founder and senior partner at Dubai-based HR consulting firm The Greater Change, notes a clear mindset shift. “A few years ago, most students who went to the US for studies stayed, found jobs, and settled there.” But now, US-educated students and young professionals feel uncertain about immigration and visas, preferring to return to the UAE. Concerns about safety arise in their conversations with Dabur, who hears stories of airport questioning and being treated differently. “Especially for those in science, tech, or research, there’s a sense that US funding and opportunities are drying up. Research grants are being cut or politicized, discouraging students wanting serious work,” she adds.
The UAE appears a smarter choice. “The country is accessible, welcoming, and forward-looking, especially in education and careers,” says Dabur. With new universities, labs, and government-led AI and sustainability initiatives, she senses “fresh energy.” “From AI to real estate, and wealth management to marketing, young returnees and professionals choose sectors where UAE’s momentum meets their ambition,” she says. “Tech and AI top the list, with data science and robotics being natural fits. Healthcare and engineering are strong, especially post-pandemic, where they see purpose and opportunity. Beyond that, many move into marketing, creative roles, wealth management, finance, and real estate—all booming here.”
*Name changed to protect identity
