H-1B Visa restrictions boost UAE and Gulf’s appeal to foreign experts

The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, and data centers, with growing opportunities in financial technology and logistics infrastructure.

Experts and investors believe that US President Donald Trump’s plan to impose high fees on H-1B visa applications could become a major win for the Middle East—particularly the Arabian Gulf. The move is expected to open the door for the UAE and Saudi Arabia to attract foreign expertise and cement their positions as leading global technology hubs.

An Attractive Business Environment

Experts told CNBC that regional governments are rapidly advancing toward an integrated digital economy, supported by national visions such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. These strategies translate into incentive packages that include long-term Golden Visas for skilled professionals, regulatory reforms, and support for entrepreneurship.

Zachary Cefaratti, founder and chairman of Dalma Capital, told CNBC that the UAE’s flexible labor market provides technology companies with a strong advantage in attracting top international talent. He added that tightening labor restrictions in other countries further enhances the UAE’s appeal as a global talent hub.

Simon Hopkins, president of Miltrust International, explained that the UAE is welcoming talent “with open arms,” at a time when the United States and United Kingdom are struggling with restrictive immigration policies that deter skilled professionals from contributing to their economies.

More Than a Starting Point

Amina Taher, marketing director at Abu Dhabi-based digital bank WeYou, emphasized that the UAE’s strength lies in its mix of ambition and advanced infrastructure, enabling innovation to quickly translate into tangible results.

She noted that international technical and financial talent no longer views the region as a temporary launchpad, but as a true, permanent destination for building futures, driving growth, and making meaningful contributions.

Visa options play a central role in this appeal, ranging from visas for creatives and freelancers to the 10-year Golden Visa, which is not tied to an employer.

Major Projects and Exceptional Opportunities

Francesco Filia, CEO of Fasanara Capital, highlighted that Gulf countries provide some of the world’s most competitive compensation packages, a favorable tax environment, and investments in innovative projects—factors that are attracting AI experts from Silicon Valley and beyond.

He pointed out that ambitious projects such as AI-powered smart cities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM offer specialists exceptional opportunities to work on advanced data centers and infrastructure that will drive the next generation of financial and logistics technologies.