Young Europeans are increasingly looking beyond the continent to work, create and build careers, with Dubai emerging as a primary destination for Gen Z talent.
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Among the 4,880 new European companies that joined the membership of Dubai Chamber of Commerce in Dubai during 2025, a growing number of content creators are choosing the city as their base to grow audiences, break into ecommerce industry or grow their personal brand with new audiences.
European firms now represent a significant share of the city's foreign business community, and influencers are tapping into an ecosystem designed for career paths that barely existed a decade ago.
The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has been instrumental in shaping this environment, promoting Dubai – which recently announced its population had surpassed four million for the first time – as a launchpad for scaling content-driven companies.
A key pillar of this strategy is Creators HQ. Launched as part of the wider content economy push, the government-backed hub offers sleek co-working spaces, high-end production facilities and established industry connections to help creators turn online followings into sustainable employment.
Through the initiative, creators can apply for a Golden Visa – a residency permit valid for up to ten years. Usually requiring a nomination from a government body such as the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the visa removes the need for a local or business sponsor.
For mobile creators not yet ready for long-term residency, Dubai’s one-year remote work visa offers a flexible alternative, allowing digital nomads to live in Dubai while serving European audiences.
For those building permanent operations, support is reinforced by the €35.1 million (AED 150 million) Content Creators Support Fund. Announced in 2024, it provides grants and resources to help creators scale their work from Dubai.
Beneath the regulatory perks lies a robust technical foundation. With widespread 5G coverage and a national strategy aggressively adopting artificial intelligence, Dubai offers the high-bandwidth connectivity and digital tools essential for modern content production. This tech-forward environment allows creators to experiment with emerging media formats that require significant processing power.
Shaping the future of content creation
The scale of this ambition was on display at the recent 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026. Attracting major global tech players and legacy media houses alongside influencers, the event highlighted Dubai’s push to become a global hub for digital production.
During a keynote session titled “Why Dubai?”, Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, emphasised Dubai's proposition for scaling digital ventures.
He noted that advanced infrastructure, stability and an investment-friendly regulatory environment continue to strengthen the city's position.
Al Gergawi described Dubai as an "ideal platform" for creative talent, noting that the ability to attract global professionals allows creators to "launch and scale their projects to the highest standards of competitiveness and innovation".
Established businesses following the talent
Leading European private firms are also relocating operations to Dubai to secure favourable conditions for long-term growth.
For many, the move is driven by a competitive tax environment that offers greater predictability for company owners planning beyond the next quarter. Clear regulations and fast company setup further reduce the friction often accompanying market expansion.
Geography remains a decisive factor. Positioned between Europe, Asia and Africa, Dubai allows businesses to operate across multiple time zones from a single base, serving clients in established and emerging markets simultaneously.
Quality of life is another major draw. Reliable infrastructure, personal safety and a cosmopolitan environment make the city an attractive destination for founders and the senior teams relocating with them.
These developments align with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, a roadmap aimed at doubling the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade. With a target to generate €23 billion (AED 100 billion) annually from digital transformation, the agenda signals to investors that the push for tech talent remains a strategic priority.
As demand for talent increases globally, this lifestyle proposition has evolved from a perk into a commercial necessity.
Yet, it is the removal of administrative friction that often finalises the decision to relocate. By digitising government services and streamlining licensing, Dubai allows founders to bypass the bureaucracy often associated with entering new markets.
Navigating this transition is further simplified by dedicated frameworks such as the “Business in Dubai” platform.
Spearheaded by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, which supported 1,600+ digital startup in 2025, more than 22% of them are European startups, these initiatives ensure companies can land, launch and focus on scaling without delay.
Collectively, these elements are reshaping the strategic outlook for European business owners, compelling them to look beyond domestic borders and secure Dubai as the engine for their next phase of growth.
For more information go to www.dubaichamberdigital.com.
