The world is opening up for the growing number of founders, investors, and entrepreneurs operating from abroad – there are now over 50 countries with digital nomad visas (DNVs) that allow globally-minded individuals to explore new territories without needing to set up a new office. With these modern arrangements, professionals can scale their start-up or build an international business portfolio anywhere, from the heart of the Balkans to a beachfront penthouse in Rio.

With so many countries emerging as digital nomad locations, it can be hard to know where to set sail for. You may already have a particular city in mind, but if your curiosity knows no bounds, we have some suggestions below.

Firstly, there are some considerations you should weigh up to ensure you make the right decision:

• Digital nomad infrastructure – is there widespread, fast Wi-Fi, dedicated spaces for remote working?
• Career opportunities – is there a potential new customer base, and a network of industry peers to help keep your skills and knowledge up to date?
• Climate – do you thrive in the heat, or are you more at home in fresh, Nordic air?
• Application process – each country has its own eligibility rules for securing a DNV, with some, such as Romania, catering to a wide audience, while others like Norway, require a higher income and closer local business ties.
• Transport links – how easily can you travel for meetings? Is there an international airport, a marina for yachts, or a reliable chauffeur service?
• Culture – are you a foodie, art lover, or sports fanatic? Do you prefer a hike on the weekend or exploring the nightlife?

With these factors in mind, let’s look at some of the best countries and best cities for digital nomads.

Portugal

With Lisbon and Porto frequently placing in the top ten of the world’s best digital nomad cities, Portugal should be a consideration for everyone. It has a high quality of life, fantastic climate, and a wealth of culture and history. Lisbon has become a global hub for entrepreneurs, particularly in tech, so the possibilities for networking and scaling up are vast.

Portugal’s digital nomad visas allow you to stay temporarily for up to three years, with the option to apply for longer-term and permanent residency, further boosting Portugal’s reputation as one of the best countries for digital nomads. Applicants must have a minimum monthly income of €3,480, sufficient savings and proof of self-employment or other contract outside Portugal.

Top cities

Lisbon – networking, thriving culture, nightlife, Michelin-star dining

Porto – laid-back lifestyle, art, local heritage

Malaysia

With its fast-growing economy, Malaysia is an exciting place to be right now, and a great strategic base for expansion into ASEAN markets. Cities like the capital, Kuala Lumpur, have a modern infrastructure and English-speaking business sector that makes comfortable living and remote working viable. Of course, the incredible scenery, tropical climate, and delicious food are also a big plus.

Malaysia has one of the easiest digital nomad visas to apply for, with an entirely online process and the option to live in the country for up to two years. There are no restricted nationalities, and the minimum required monthly income is $2,000 USD.

Top cities

Kuala Lumpur – modern infrastructure, international connections, nightlife

Penang – coastal living, history, culture, cuisine capital

Brazil

A recent adopter of digital nomad visas, Brazil is a great option for those with an adventurous spirit. Famously one of the most naturally diverse and beautiful countries in the world, Brazil also has excellent infrastructure for remote working in buzzy melting pots like São Paulo, one of the world’s best cities for digital nomads.  You may choose to visit for a taste of the country-wide Carnival each February/March, or the São Paulo F1 Grand Prix in November, but no matter the dates, there’s no shortage of world-class dining, entertainment and fellow entrepreneurs to connect with.

Brazil’s digital nomad visas are for one year, with an option to renew for one more year. They require a minimum monthly income of $1,500 USD, and that your work is based outside of Brazil.

Top cities

São Paulo– business capital, networking, international connectivity

Brasilia – capital city, modernist architecture, mild climate

Florianopolis – beaches, laid-back, large digital nomad community

Croatia

A fantastic option for connectivity across EU countries, Croatia also has the benefit of a Mediterranean climate and coastline and a rich history. Popular destinations like Split and Dubrovnik lie on the coast, where luxury seaside properties and hotels are in abundance, while the capital Zagreb is inland, with many of the best museums and galleries in the country, as well as a thriving start-up scene.

DNVs in Croatia are available to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with a monthly income of at least €3,295, and are granted for up to 18 months. With the community quickly growing, this is no doubt one of the best digital nomad visas available.

Top cities

Split – large digital nomad community, strong digital infrastructure, coastal Mediterranean lifestyle

Zagreb – capital city, culture, history, less busy tourist season, growing entrepreneur community for networking opportunities

Spain

Spain is as popular for digital nomads as it is for tourists, and for good reason: the country’s DNV has a very generous limit of up to five years and allows for family members to accompany the applicant. There’s a huge variety between the many historic cities and regions of the country, from the Basque Country to the Balearic Islands, so it’s an appealing choice for those who like to stay on the move. The country’s historic ties to Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas make it a melting pot of international trade and business, providing ample networking opportunities.

Spain’s DNV requirements include a non-EU/EEA nationality, employment outside of the country, a university degree or three years’ professional experience and minimum monthly earnings of €3,000.

Top cities

Barcelona – thriving culture, international hub, great networking, digital infrastructure

Madrid – business capital, historic culture, international connections

Valencia – laid-back, beach culture, growing community

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are many more countries with digital nomad visas on offer for the adventurous entrepreneur. But with these pins in your map, many more digital nomad locations will come into your range, as well as endless opportunities for business, career and network growth.

If your business is growing and in need of additional full or part-time employees, our recruiters are ready to help. Get in touch with your requirements today.

The post Best Countries and Cities for Digital Nomads: Top Locations and Easiest Visas appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Gone are the days of Mad Men-style secretaries, where touch-typing and answering the phones were the top priority. The PA role has changed drastically over the last 20 years and it’s showing no sign of stabilising anytime soon.

In a world of start-ups, virtual businesses, and international ventures, it is becoming more and more popular for companies to need ‘all-in-one’ roles that cover the position of receptionist, PA, office manager, and other functions, leading to the development of a hybrid role.

The traditional PA vs. a modern day PA

At the turn of the century, the PA role looked very different to what we see today. What was previously a reactive role is now a vital support position to businesses and leaders alike. Although many aspects of the traditional role, such as diary management and booking meetings, have remained, a PA or EA often works at the heart of an organisation, playing a key role in all areas of a business. . In fact, a survey by the Guardian, found that 16% of PAs and secretaries said their boss regularly takes their recommendations on business decisions.1

In a fast-moving and uncertain world, managers are realising that support staff are a highly skilled and adaptable resource that can be deployed strategically across various departments to consolidate existing teams. Rather than limiting themselves to hiring for ‘siloed’ roles, companies are therefore seeking out these ‘hybrid PAs’, who are just as comfortable organising data, running events or managing marketing campaigns, as they are taking minutes and arranging diaries. The significant increase in demand shows they’re making a huge difference to business success.

The hybrid PA in Dubai

Businesses need to find ways of maximising revenues and one such way is to have PAs take on more responsibilities.

According to our data, the receptionist/EA role is the most popular iteration of this, a result of smaller offices needing someone to cover all responsibilities while keeping their headcounts down. We are also seeing EAs take on project management responsibilities, such as events or conference arrangements, negating the need for events managers.

As the workplace continues to change, PAs need to adapt to keep up with this shifting market. The role is no longer static, meaning candidates looking to excel in this career path need to take advantage of learning opportunities and potential for upskilling wherever possible. Perhaps this means taking on a new project in your current role, or looking for a new role that has a little more variety. The stronger the skill development, the better placed candidates will be in the job search.

If you are an experienced PA and are looking for exciting opportunities in the UAE take a look at the roles we have here.

1 https://www.theguardian.com/careers/personal-assistant-diary-management

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The basics

Address: Lobby Level, Armani Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
Telephone: +971 4 888 3666
www.armanihoteldubai.com/en/dine/ristorante

A snapshot

Armani/Ristorante has slowly been gaining a reputation as a bastion of innovative Italian food in Dubai. One of three restaurants in the Armani Hotel Dubai, it promises modern interpretations of classic dishes and traditional flavours, served with the best ingredients and by some of Dubai’s best chefs.

A bit of background

With Armani in the title, this hotel restaurant has plenty to live up to, with many expecting the same ideas of glamour and luxury as the high-end fashion house. It doesn’t disappoint. We’re in awe before even walking through the door – located within the Burj Khalifa, the restaurant boasts amazing views of the iconic Dubai Fountain, providing the perfect backdrop for the spectacular that’s about to come. When we eventually make it to the restaurant, the staff are very welcoming and attentive, with the hostess chatting to our party as we’re shown to our table and a cold towel provided upon sitting down. We open the culinary adventure with an bottle of Laurent-Perrier Rose, as recommended by the sommelier. Head Chef Alessandro Salvatico then came over to chat with our table, providing an overview of the evening’s offerings. We decided to trust his judgement on the five-course menu.

The food

As with most traditional Italian eateries, we start with a selection of bread rolls (some stuffed with artichokes, others rolled in herbs and oil) and beautifully fragrant olive oils.

However, the real fun starts with an amuse bouche – a raviolo filled with Italian cheese, basil puree, tomatoes, breadcrumbs and an anchovy butter foam. The pasta was cooked to perfection and the flavours complemented each other perfectly, causing more than one member of our party to claim it was one of the best things they’d eaten that year!

The first course was a sashimi of sorts; finely cut raw salmon topped with various baby vegetables and deliciously sweet shrimps, accompanied by a small pastry filled with sour cream and topped with caviar. This dish was a sight to behold, beautifully crafted by Chef Alessandro and his team, and paired expertly with a pinot grigio. We then moved onto a pasta dish of spinach tagliatelle with shrimps and a brown butter sauce. Once again, the pasta was perfectly al dente and although simple in its flavours, they worked together in perfect harmony. This was paired with an Italian white expertly chosen by the sommelier, who was happy to answer any questions we had.

For our third course, we had turbot, with green bean puree, herbs, radishes and very sweet orange tomatoes. The fish was cooked faultlessly, allowing the flavour of the turbot to really shine. This was paired with two half glasses of wine, an extremely fragrant chardonnay and a very light red wine. Steak soon followed, with a meltingly tender cut served with seared foie gras. Not ones to fix something that’s not broken, this course was accompanied by a full bodied red wine. To finish off, we enjoyed the signature dessert course, a delectable combination of mango, papaya, vanilla chantilly, passion cremeaux, coconut crumble and exotic sorbet.

The venue

The décor is classically Armani minimalist, which is a nice change from the typical Dubai extravagance. Bright and contemporary, it’s a clean-lined space dominated by oversized white leather banquettes and circular tables.

In summary

All in all, it was a great evening. Though we would love to be selfish and keep Armani/Ristorante all to ourselves, the work of Chef Alessandro and his team is too good to stay hidden for long. With a private dining room perfect for secluded and intimate gatherings, it’s the ideal spot for business lunches, celebratory dinners and entertaining clients.

The post In Review: Armani/Ristorante, Dubai appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Exercise and avoid the summer sun in Dubai and the MENA region

Unlike other cities in the world, staying active during the work day can seem impossible in Dubai during the summer months. With average temperatures during the day nudging 40°C, it’s not the ideal environment in which to take a walk around the block to get your legs moving after sitting at your desk all day, especially if you’re permanent staff based in the same office day in, day out. While there are many benefits to going outside during your work day, you don’t want to leave the air-conditioned bliss of your office. Here are some tips for staying active when you can’t leave your air-conditioned office.

Change your desk set up

Making a few simple changes to your desk can encourage you to stay active while working. It can be as easy as putting a couple of ankle weights underneath your desk to encourage you to get your legs moving while you’re sitting still. If your company has the scope, ask them for a standing desk or an exercise ball. These are two pieces of equipment that will keep you mobile for hours at a time, which will help burn calories and keep the blood flowing without leaving your desk.

Take advantage of the AC

When going outside in the heat to exercise is out of the question, why not take advantage of your cool office environment? Instead of going for a lunchtime run during a cooler time of year, utilise your office stairs for the same purpose. Running up and down stairs will get your heart pumping, and because climbing creates more resistance, you may get a better workout than jogging outside. If running isn’t your thing, for an hour a week, turn the office meeting room into a yoga or pilates studio. Organise a group of your interested co-workers and, if possible, bring in an external teacher to lead the session. It’s a great way to utilise space while everyone is having their lunch, and this gentle exercise means you can stretch and re-focus in the middle of the day.

Change phone habits

How long do you spend on the phone each day at work? What if, every time you took a call, you stood up or went for a walk while talking? This simple habit can really help get you moving throughout the work day, and should be easy to implement in your day to day with enough practice.

Find excuses to move

Unfortunately, in an office environment, there aren’t many opportunities to move throughout the work day. It means that you must make the effort to move around during your work day. An easy way to do this is to download an app that will give you a reminder to get up every hour to stretch or take a walk. Another idea is to change up the kitchen or bathroom you visit throughout the day. Instead of going to the facilities next to your office, walk up to the next floor up to take more steps.

As one of the leading recruitment agencies in Dubai, we publish workplace insights on a regular basis. Check them out here.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many people and businesses. Challenges arising from the coronavirus have resulted in many workers finding themselves with less work than usual. If you’re currently out of work or have more free time due to the pandemic, why not make the best of it?

You can use the extra time as an opportunity to gain new knowledge and improve your job skills. To help you get started, we’ve put together the best free online courses to complete during the pandemic.

Introduction to Marketing

https://alison.com/course/introduction-to-marketing

Although your chosen career path may not involve marketing; having a base-level of knowledge of this part of business is always an advantage. The Introduction to Marketing course from Alison is a great way to learn about marketing management fundamentals. You will get the best of both theoretical and practical elements, while learning about the different strategies and platforms for marketing.

After completing the course, you’ll understand how marketing works for different types of businesses. The course only takes a few hours to do, so it’s a quick and easy way to get to grips with the basic principles of marketing.

Introduction to cybersecurity: stay safe online

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/introduction-cyber-security-stay-safe-online/content-section-overview?in_menu=1190776

Cyber security is a massive focus in any company and it is the responsibility of everyone in the business to stay safe online. This free online course from the Open University helps you gain essential cyber security skills. The lessons learned will be a great benefit in both your work and personal life, especially if you work in a business support role. It’s likely you’ll have access to sensitive company information, so it’s essential for you to learn how to be vigilant while online.

In the course, you’ll learn how to protect your digital life, whether you’re at home or work. The course has been developed with support from the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Programme and is endorsed by the CPD Standards Office, proving its expertise and reliability. Finally, it is an excellent way of showing professional development, as your current or future employer will appreciate how conscientious you are about cyber safety.

Harvard free online courses 

https://online-learning.harvard.edu/subject/business

Some of the top educational institutions in the world have responded to the pandemic by offering free online resources, including Harvard University. Harvard free online courses are available across many subjects and within their business courses category, you will find a great choice of free material.

Whether you’re interested in learning about the basics of accounting, or how to improve your business leadership skills, you will find a course to suit. Also, as one of the best business schools world-wide, Harvard is an impressive name to have on your CV.

Free business course online

https://www.oxfordhomestudy.com/courses/business-studies-online/free-business-course-online

If you’re looking to advance your career, this free online business course is an excellent first step. As an introductory-level course, you’re given a set of lessons to help you understand how a business functions. Being able to apply this to your work gives you a greater understanding of all levels of business hierarchy.

The course covers everything from business models to human resource management. Not only will it help you in your daily work, but it also shows any potential employer your commitment to improving your skills.

Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19

https://www.coursera.org/learn/manage-health-covid-19

When it comes to improving your skills, it doesn’t just have to be about work or your CV. As we go through this unprecedented time, our mental health becomes more important than ever, with several free mental health and wellbeing courses created to help cope with the pandemic.

The Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19 course has been created in collaboration with the Psychology Department of the University of Toronto. You will explore how to manage anxiety, find tools to cope with crises and look at the effects of isolation. The course also covers how to manage the consumption of news, along with control measures to protect against depression.

This is only a selection of the hundreds of resources online to explore. Anything that helps you make the most of your free time is worth completing, whether it’s something to further your career aspirations, or something to aid your personal development. If you’re considering a new role when restrictions lift, or you’re looking to recruit the right candidate to fill a position, Tiger Recruitment is here to help. Contact us today for more information.

The post Five free online courses to try during lockdown appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The Basics

Address: Al Emreef Street Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai United Arab Emirates

+971 4 402 2222

Website: citysocialdubai.com

A Snapshot

The food was incredible, and the service was excellent. The views and layout of the restaurant help create a great atmosphere and a fun vibe. To complete your evening, Japanese speakeasy style bar 7 Tales, is upstairs and offers drinks to follow your meal.

A bit of background

Jason Atherton is known as one of Britain’s best-loved chefs and owner of multiple Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. He started out working alongside famous chefs including Marco Pierre White and Pierre Koffmann, before joining Gordon Ramsay Holdings in 2001.

The Food

We had the aged beef tartar in pickled shimeji, miso mayonnaise, egg jam, wagyu fat crouton to start which was very light and delicious. We then went onto our main course which was a succulent piece of wagyu rump cap served with Koffman’s triple-cooked chips, mixed salad accompanied by Béarnaise and peppercorn sauces. For dessert, we had the Hokkaido milk, white chocolate panna cotta which was simply delightful. Overall, the food was amazing.

The Venue

City Social is located at Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai Marina, is the perfect place for a brilliant dinner with a stunning view. On entering the newly opened restaurant, the stunning ambient setting welcomes you. Set on the 43rd floor, the views from the terrace highlight the magnificent views of the Dubai skyline and Marina.

In Summary

City social is a must for any foodie or anyone wishing to have a few drinks with a view to die for!

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