The United Arab Emirates seems to be positioning itself to surpass other regions, aiming to attract foreign talent affected by new American restrictions. It hopes to be the primary beneficiary of President Donald Trump’s plan to increase H-1B visa fees, at a time when global competition for tech talent is intensifying.
According to a report from CNBC, experts believe that the Middle East, led by the UAE, could benefit significantly from Trump’s proposal to raise H-1B visa fees. This is occurring as the UAE continues its pursuit to become a global hub for artificial intelligence, bolstered by billions in local sovereign wealth funds, foreign investments, and leading U.S. technology companies. The region appears poised to outshine other areas hoping to draw in foreign talent impacted by new U.S. regulations.
Investors have emphasized the role of governments in promoting national technology strategies, such as the UAE’s national AI strategy. The business-friendly environment for tech companies includes long-term golden visas for skilled professionals, streamlined regulations, and incentives for entrepreneurs.
UAE’s Flexibility
Zachary Sefarati, founder and chairman of Dalma Capital, noted that technology firms in the UAE find the flexibility of the labor market to attract foreign talent one of their key competitive advantages. He added that increasing restrictions on foreign labor in other countries enhance the appeal of the UAE as a talent hub.
On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order at the White House launching the “Trump Gold Card” program, which includes a fee of $100,000 on H-1B visa applications. This “Trump Gold Card” grants permanent residency and U.S. citizenship to foreigners investing $1 million in the United States.
Conversely, countries like the UK and certain European nations may struggle to attract tech experts due to limited support and funding for the sector, along with a prevailing negative discourse surrounding immigration, which could deter talent from moving to these nations.
Displacing Qualified Professionals
Simon Hopkins, CEO of Miltrast International Group, expressed that in the UAE, qualified professionals are welcomed with open arms. He remarked that the U.S. and UK have harmed their own interests with unthoughtful immigration policies; a better approach would have been focusing on curbing illegal immigration instead of driving away qualified individuals who contribute to economic growth.
Hopkins emphasized that ease of mobility for skilled workers will be a critical factor in shaping the global economy and determining winners and losers.
Encouraging Innovation
Amina Taher, executive director of marketing at Wio Bank, highlighted the UAE’s unique ability to combine ambition with infrastructure, creating an environment that fosters innovation and facilitates its practical implementation. She noted that the UAE, which struggled fifteen years ago to retain talent outside the oil and gas industry, has built a commercial and financial hub that competes with London and New York.
She explained that more professionals in technology and fintech now view the region as a suitable place for growth, contribution, and building lasting careers rather than merely a temporary stop.
Central to the UAE’s strategy is the array of visa options available, which include visas for creatives, freelancers, and self-employed individuals, in addition to the ten-year golden visa that is not tied to a specific employer.
An Attractive Environment
Francesco Filia, CEO of Vasanara Capital, stated that tech professionals are drawn to the region due to high salaries, an appealing tax environment, and job opportunities in major innovative projects. He added that Gulf states also offer a modern lifestyle, high-quality infrastructure, and proximity to Asian markets.
While the specifics of the White House’s plan to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications remain unclear, this decision is expected to escalate the global competition for tech talent.
Filia noted that projects like Saudi Arabia’s futuristic NEOM city and the UAE’s AI-supported smart cities present unique opportunities for tech professionals. He pointed out that work on the modern data centers being established will help train a new generation of skilled professionals capable of supporting advancements in smart cities, financial services, and supply chains.