The increase in U.S. visa fees may benefit the Gulf states.
The Middle East could become the main beneficiary of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to raise fees for H-1B work visas, writes CNBC.
The Gulf region is actively seeking to become a leader in artificial intelligence, attracting billions of dollars in investments fr om sovereign wealth funds, global investment firms, and U.S. tech giants. This could allow the region to outpace other countries competing for foreign specialists facing uncertainty.
Investors note that governments in the region are implementing national technology-focused strategies, such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s National AI Strategy. A favorable business environment is being created for tech companies: long-term Golden Visas for skilled professionals, deregulation, and incentives for entrepreneurs.
“Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, are offering comp packages among the highest in the world to capture top AI-talent from Silicon Valley,” said Francesco Filia, CEO of Fasanara Capital.
According to him, technology professionals are attracted by a combination of high compensation, tax benefits, and the opportunity to work on large-scale innovative projects.
“The Gulf also offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with high-quality infrastructure and access to everything Asia has to offer,” Filia told CNBC.
While details of the White House plan to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B applications remain unclear, the measure is expected to intensify the global competition for tech talent.
“Tech companies in the UAE find the flexibility of the labor market for hiring top foreign talent to be a key advantage,” said Zachary Cefaratti, founder and executive chairman of Dalma Capital.
“The impact of increasing foreign labor limitations in other countries only increases the UAE’s relative attractiveness as a talent hub,” he added.
Meanwhile, the UK and Europe, wh ere the tech sector suffers fr om a lack of support and funding, could struggle to attract experts. In addition, the often-negative public perception of immigration may deter potential professionals.
“In the UAE, talented people are welcomed with open arms. The U.S. and the U.K. have both shot themselves in the foot with ill-considered immigration policies. The focus should be on eliminating illegal immigration — not driving away valuable contributors to economic success,” said Simon Hopkins, CEO of Milltrust International Group.
Experts believe that mobility will be a key driver of the global economy, determining winners and losers.
UAE as a Talent Hub
“What sets the UAE apart is its ability to combine ambition with infrastructure, creating an environment wh ere innovation moves quickly and gains real traction,” said Amina Taher, CMO of fintech platform Wio Bank.
About 15 years ago, the UAE struggled to retain talent outside the oil and gas sector. Today, the country has built a powerful commercial and financial hub that rivals London and New York.
“Increasingly, top technology and fintech talent see the region not just as a stepping stone, but as a place to build, grow, and contribute meaningfully,” Taher added.
A key tool for attracting talent has been a variety of visa programs — from options for creators and freelancers to the coveted 10-year Golden Visa, not tied to an employer.
In April, Saudi Arabia unveiled its National Skills Platform to strengthen workforce development and adapt to global changes linked to AI and automation.
“Saudi Arabia’s futuristic NEOM city and the UAE’s AI-powered smart city projects offer unique, large-scale opportunities for tech pros. Working on these state-of-the-art data centers being built will train a new generation to support AI-driven urban development, fintech, and logistics,” Filia said.
Impact on Dubai’s Real Estate Market
The potential influx of highly qualified professionals to the UAE, driven by rising visa barriers in the U.S. and other countries, directly affects Dubai’s real estate market. The city has already become one of the world’s main expat hubs thanks to tax advantages, long-term visa programs, and high quality of life.
The growing number of incoming specialists in technology and finance boosts demand for both rental and property purchases. Well-paid professionals, planning long-term stays, see buying real estate not only as a home but also as an investment. This supports price growth in the premium and business segments and stimulates demand for new developments.
Moreover, the expansion of major international IT and fintech companies in Dubai leads to higher corporate demand for office rentals and staff accommodation.
Thus, U.S. policy tightening on visas could indirectly enhance Dubai’s appeal as both a technological and real estate investment hub.
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