The Middle East’s star continues to rise, not just as a business hub, but as a destination where professionals can thrive. Each year, AIRINC’s Global 150 Index highlights the cities that offer the best mix of pay, tax advantages, cost of living, and overall quality of life. In 2025, the story for the Middle East is one of steady progress and growing confidence.
From Dubai’s long-standing appeal to Riyadh’s rapid transformation, Gulf cities are evolving fast. Tax-free salaries, lifestyle improvements, and vibrant expat communities are fueling their rise — but with living costs creeping up, companies are having to think carefully about how to keep their offers competitive.
Both cities continue to offer strong financial packages, but rising housing and schooling costs are eroding net savings potential. Companies are increasingly reviewing housing allowances to remain competitive.
Post-World Cup infrastructure and a continued focus on diversification are supporting expatriate quality of life. Employers, however, need to watch for rising utilities and service charges that affect day-to-day living costs.
Bahrain’s relative affordability versus its Gulf peers is a growing draw, especially for regional mobility programs looking to balance financial appeal with cost control.
The push to become a regional business hub is making Riyadh more visible in mobility programs. However, companies are navigating lifestyle gaps — particularly around schooling and entertainment — which remain important considerations for expatriate families.
These markets may not have the same lifestyle draw as Dubai or Doha, but their improved cost structures and stable tax environments make them attractive for short- to medium-term assignments.
The Gulf continues to be a magnet for expatriates. Tax-free salaries and government initiatives are strong drivers, but companies must carefully monitor housing and education inflation, which is rising faster than salary growth. AIRINC’s data shows that while the financial value proposition remains strong, the gap between headline salary competitiveness and net savings potential is narrowing in some hubs.
As we move into 2026, companies will need to balance the high salaries and tax advantages of Gulf hubs with the rising cost of living and intensifying competition for talent. Proactive policy adjustments and data-driven allowance reviews will be key to sustaining the region’s appeal for mobile employees.
I will be in the region this November, presenting new insights and facilitating discussions on how mobility continues to shape the Middle East’s evolving workforce.
In Riyadh, we’ll examine Mobility as the Engine of Saudisation and share perspectives on Global Mobility and Immigration Trends. In Dubai, we’ll host interactive, hands-on sessions that showcase how technology enables mobility teams to engage earlier in the talent cycle — when moves are still being discussed and candidates are under consideration.
Across both locations, we’ll also feature workshops for Corporate HR Leaders focused on delivering greater program value, a case study on Global Employment Company setups including insights from Halliburton, and a series of stories from community leaders who are advancing the practice of mobility across the region.
We look forward to connecting with peers, sharing practical examples, and continuing the conversation on how data and collaboration can strengthen mobility’s impact in the Gulf.
AIRINC's Global 150 Index has been offering valuable insights into the world’s leading cities for seven years. Over this time, the rankings have reflected shifts in salary levels, tax rates, living costs, and lifestyle conditions. The 2025 edition underscores how quickly conditions can change: U.S. cities gained ground on the back of cost and tax improvements, Canadian cities slipped due to lifestyle declines, and Tokyo recorded the largest drop in the 2025 Index. From established leaders like Zurich and Geneva to fast movers such as Houston, Chicago, and Guatemala City, the rankings continue to highlight the dynamic balance between financial strength and quality of life. Subscribe to our blog for more updates including more on each region!