Trump’s H-1B visa fees could have a big winner: the Middle East

People walk on Creek Harbor while Dubai’s roofs with Burj Khalifa, the largest building (C) in the world, was seen in the background on February 5, 2025.
Fadel Senna | AFP | Getty images
The Middle East could become the main beneficiary of the US President Donald Trump’s plan for higher H-1B visa costs.
The sustained push in the Gulf region to become the next global artificial intelligence center – which attracts billions of dollars in investment from local sovereign funds, worldwide capital and Big Tech – could see it exceeding other geographies in the hope of slamming foreign expertise in uncertainty.
Investors have underlined how governments stimulate national technology strategies – such as Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 and the national water IA strategy – and the creation of a friendly environment for technological companies with long -term golden visas for qualified professionals, reduced regulations and other incentives for entrepreneurs.
“The Gulf countries, in particular Saudi Arabia, offer compat plans among the highest in the world to capture the best AI-Talent of Silicon Valley,” said Francesco Filia, CEO of Fasanara Capital.
Filia said that technology professionals are attracted to the Middle East by a mixture of high-level remuneration, a tax environment and the possibility of working on large-scale and innovative projects.
“The Gulf also offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with high quality infrastructure and access to everything that has to offer in Asia,” Filia told CNBC.
Although the Details of the White House plan to force companies to pay costs of $ 100,000 on H1-B requests remain vague, this decision should intensify the world war for technological talents.
“Water technological companies find the flexibility of the labor market for hiring high -level foreign talents as a key advantage,” Zachary Cefaratti, founder and president of Dalma Capital told CNBC.
“The impact of the increase in limitations for foreign work in other countries only increases the relative attractiveness of water as a talent center,” he added.
President Donald Trump signs a decree in the oval office of the White House on September 19, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Andrew Harnik | Getty images
The United Kingdom and Europe, whose technological sectors have a comparative lack of support and financing, could find it difficult to attract key expertise, while the often hostile tone that underlies the public debate on immigration could postpone potential hires to the region.
“To water, talented people are welcomed with open arms,” ​​said Simon Hopkins, CEO of Milltrust International Group, in CNBC. “The United States and the United Kingdom have both pulled in the foot with immigration policies not considered.
Hopkins said mobility will prove a key engine of the world economy and will ultimately help shape its winners and losers.
Not just a springboard
“What distinguishes water is its ability to combine the ambition with infrastructure, creating an environment where innovation moves quickly and wins a real traction,” CMO told the digital financial platform Wio Bank, in CNBC.
The United Arab Emirates, who had trouble keeping talents outside the oil and gas industry about 15 years ago, has since built a shopping and financial center which he hopes to compete with London and New York.
“Increasingly, the best technology and fintech talent see the region not only as a springboard, but as a place to build, grow and contribute significantly,” said Taher.
At the forefront of the water strategy is its visa options, ranging from options for creators, freelancers and self-employed workers in the coveted golden visa, a 10-year stamp that is not linked to an employer.

In April, Saudi Arabia unveiled a national skills platform aimed at strengthening its training and development of labor, as part of a broader strategy to combat global changes resulting from AI and automation.
“The futuristic city of Neom of Saudi Arabia and intelligent city projects supplied with the United Arab Emirates offer unique and large -scale opportunities for technology professionals,” said Filia. “The work on these cutting -edge data centers under construction will lead to a new generation to support urban development, financial technologies and logistics focused on AI.”
Keep the best talents
While countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia could benefit from the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s new working policies, not all talents take place towards the Gulf.
Michael Stall, Managing Director, ManpowerGroup UK, said there was no important way to citizenship in many Gulf states.
“You will always be considered at the limit, and not being part of the country. So there is a little insecurity that people feel there,” Squawk Box Europe “told Stall on Friday.
The War of Israel against Hamas brought the Gulf States like Qatar directly into cross -fires, which raises doubts about the region’s stability and security so that many seek to move. The geography of the United Arab Emirates, through the Strait of Hormuz of Iran, caused concerns this summer when Iran and Israel have exchanged direct fire, reminding residents through the Gulf that the region must always face the stability of its neighbors.
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