International Workplace Group (IWG), the world’s leading platform for flexible work solutions, announced the results of the fourth edition of its annual Work From Anywhere Index for 2026. Cairo ranked 39th globally, securing its place among the world’s top 50 destinations for professionals who combine continuous travel with flexible work, Invest-Gate reports.
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, ranked first in this year’s index, followed by Tokyo in second place and Barcelona in third.
Cairo’s rise in the ranking highlights its growing role as a regional hub for flexible work and remote workers, supported by continuous improvements in digital infrastructure, cultural and tourism diversity, affordable living costs compared to many global capitals, and the growing availability of flexible and co-working spaces across the Egyptian capital.
Global Shift Towards Flexible Work and Connecting Travel with Productivity
The IWG Index evaluates cities based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including climate quality, internet speed, accommodation options, transport efficiency, food and cultural diversity, and access to flexible workspaces.
This year’s index was released alongside the publication of a new global study conducted by the Group, which showed that Work From Anywhere (WFA) policies have become a major and stable option in modern workplaces.
Top 10 Cities in the World for 2026
- Bangkok (Thailand)
- Tokyo (Japan)
- Barcelona (Spain)
- Porto (Portugal)
- Vancouver (Canada)
- Budapest (Hungary)
- Naples (Italy)
- Medellín (Colombia)
- Lisbon (Portugal)
- Seoul (South Korea)
Flexible Work Adoption in Egypt
IWG’s comprehensive study showed that companies worldwide are increasingly adopting flexible work models, with 51% of employees saying their companies provide flexible work policies, along with clear positive results:
- 90% reported a better work-life balance.
- 80% said their productivity increased because of this flexibility.
- 80% prefer job offers that include flexible work policies.
- 62% would consider changing jobs to gain more flexible work options.
These figures reflect the reality of the Egyptian market, where the technology, financial services, and creative industries are expanding the use of flexible work models. Cairo’s advanced ranking confirms the capital’s ability to attract a new generation of professionals and freelancers while meeting their expectations.
Combining Holidays with Work (Extended Trips)
Remote work has become a major factor in reshaping travel habits. Around 48% of workers worldwide plan to extend their holidays or short trips during 2026 by continuing to work remotely, while 43% said they have already worked from tourist destinations without using their annual leave.
According to the study, the main reasons for this trend are:
- 54% aim to reduce work-related stress and improve mental health.
- 53% want to spend more time with family and friends.
- 52% seek to make the most of their annual leave.
- 51% use flexible work to cope with the rising cost of living and enjoy longer holidays at lower costs.
Internet quality and speed ranked as the top priority when choosing destinations (38%), an area where Cairo has made significant progress thanks to continuous investments in telecommunications networks and technology infrastructure.
IWG Expands Its Investments in Egypt and the Region
IWG continues to strengthen its presence in Egypt, one of its fastest-growing markets worldwide, aiming to reach 150 flexible workspace centres by 2030, while also expanding its network across the Middle East as part of its global network of more than 5,000 locations in over 120 countries.
Executive Comment
Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG, commented: “We are seeing unprecedented demand from professionals who want to extend their trips while working remotely or stay for longer periods outside their home countries as digital nomads. Thanks to flexible work solutions and technological advancements, employees now have the freedom to choose where and when they work, whether from a nearby flexible workspace or a shared office anywhere in the world.”
He added: “The era of long and exhausting daily commutes to traditional offices is clearly declining. The shift toward flexible work models has become a permanent and sustainable direction in the global business environment, with more companies adopting these policies to improve productivity, reduce stress, and achieve a better work-life balance for their employees.”