Dubai

Dubai is my base city—I’ve called it home for 17-plus years—so I already have my own crew and rarely dip into the ever-expanding “scene” that pulls in influencers and entrepreneurs by the plane-load. I haven’t bumped into many digital nomads yet, but that might be because I’m more of a hang-at-a-friend’s-place, backyard-BBQ type. When I need to leave the house for meetings or just a change of scenery, Pro tip: I use LetsWork. Dubai’s packed with hotels, and many list themselves on LetsWork to squeeze extra revenue out of their lobbies and cafés, tossing in decent lunch or coffee deals. Pick your spot and timing carefully—hotel vibes can shift from zen calm to chaotic in no time. Yes, there’s a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa, but beware: the city is expensive and will bleed you dry if you’re not careful. Plenty of travelers never get past the airport lounge, yet I always tell people, “You have to see it to believe it.” Dubai is a choose-your-own-adventure city: whatever your vibe, you’ll find it. And despite the flashy surface, the place does have a soul—you just have to discover your version of it. I wouldn’t have stayed this long if it didn’t.