THE GLOBAL BUYER IS CHANGING

How second citizenship, remote wealth, and digital nomads are shaping Qatar, Egypt, and Bahrain’s markets

In a world redefined by mobility, technology, and shifting values, the profile of the global property buyer is undergoing a profound transformation. High-net-worth individuals, digital entrepreneurs, and international families are no longer tied to a single location. Instead, they are seeking flexibility, security, and lifestyle quality across borders, and this shift is significantly influencing property markets in emerging hubs like Qatar, Egypt, and Bahrain.

Across the region, developers and policymakers are responding with new products, residency schemes, and investment opportunities aimed at capturing this new wave of global citizens. From second citizenship options to real estate designed for remote-first lifestyles, the region is pivoting to meet the demands of today’s global buyer.

THE RISE OF SECOND CITIZENSHIP AND RESIDENCY

One of the most defining trends is the growing demand for second citizenship and residency-by-investment programmes. For global buyers, second citizenship isn’t just about travel freedom, it’s about economic security, educational opportunities, and lifestyle flexibility.

Egypt has responded by expanding its citizenship-by-investment programme, offering paths to citizenship through real estate purchases, bank deposits, or direct investment. With minimum investments starting from $250,000, Egypt is positioning itself as an attractive, accessible gateway to both African and Middle Eastern markets. Areas like New Cairo and the North Coast are particularly popular among global investors seeking luxury properties in stable, high-growth zones.

Qatar, offers permanent residency options to high-net-worth individuals who invest in real estate worth at least 3.65 million Qatari Riyals. This residency comes with significant benefits, including access to healthcare, education, and business opportunities. Developments like Lusail City and The Pearl-Qatar have become prime destinations, blending upscale living with long-term investment value.

In Bahrain, the Golden Residency Visa, launched in 2022, has become a major draw for investors, retirees, and remote workers. By purchasing property valued at BD 200,000 or meeting specific income requirements, individuals can secure a 10-year renewable residency. Projects like Bahrain Bay and Diyar Al Muharraq are seeing increased demand from international buyers attracted to Bahrain’s liberal lifestyle and strategic Gulf location.

REMOTE WEALTH AND LOCATION FREEDOM

The pandemic permanently shifted how wealth is managed and where people live. With remote work normalised, high-net-worth individuals are no longer tethered to business capitals like London or New York. Instead, they are choosing homes based on lifestyle, safety, and connectivity.

Qatar’s real estate market has responded to this by offering high-end developments that combine work and leisure seamlessly. At Msheireb Downtown Doha, residential units come with integrated smart home offices, sustainable living features, and proximity to major cultural and financial hubs. Connectivity, security, and premium wellness amenities are key selling points for the new remote elite.

Egypt is also tapping into this trend. Communities like O West in West Cairo and Mountain View iCity are marketing themselves as live-work-play environments, featuring fibre-optic internet, co-working spaces, and recreational facilities, all designed to attract remote professionals who value a better work-life balance without sacrificing career ambitions.

In Bahrain, Amwaj Islands and Marassi Al Bahrain have become popular among digital nomads and remote entrepreneurs looking for waterfront living, upscale amenities, and convenient access to major Gulf cities. The country’s low tax environment and competitively priced luxury properties make it especially appealing to mobile, globally minded buyers.

THE DIGITAL NOMAD EFFECT

Once associated primarily with young freelancers, the profile of the digital nomad is rapidly evolving. Today’s digital nomads include high-earning consultants, remote executives, and global investors seeking secure, well-connected, and aesthetically pleasing locations for temporary or seasonal living. 

Qatar is adapting to this shift by expanding opportunities for short- and medium-term property investments, especially in Lusail and The Pearl. These developments offer yacht marinas, tech-enabled communities, and upscale retail environments designed to meet the needs of a mobile, international demographic.

Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, particularly El Gouna and the fast-developing Ras El Hekma, are marketing themselves as flexible lifestyle destinations. With serviced residences, co-working facilities, and visa support, they appeal to remote professionals and seasonal residents who move between continents. 

Bahrain, long recognized for its relatively liberal environment compared to other Gulf nations, is actively attracting digital nomads. Through initiatives like Work From Bahrain, the country offers flexible rental options, beachfront co-working spaces, and simplified visa processes tailored to remote workers.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

The implications of these trends are far-reaching. Developers in Qatar, Egypt, and Bahrain are reimagining masterplans to prioritize flexibility, whether through fully furnished, turnkey residences, short-term ownership models, or mixed-use communities that seamlessly integrate living, working, and leisure spaces.

At the same time, governments are modernizing regulatory frameworks to make investment smoother and more appealing. Streamlined property registration, transparent legal procedures, and expanded residency privileges are becoming the norm rather than the exception.

What’s increasingly evident is that today’s global buyer is not merely acquiring a property, they are investing in a lifestyle, a safety net, and a sense of belonging. 

As these nations continue to innovate and adapt, they are positioning themselves as top choices for a new generation of mobile, discerning global citizens, individuals who seek more than just real estate. They want homes and opportunities that align with the future they’re intentionally designing.

Cityscape| May 11, 2025