UAE jobs guide: Salary scales for most in-demand vacancies revealed; earn up to Dh200,000

With Covid-19 cases at an all-time low in the UAE, the economy has started to boom and companies have started hiring again. With new visa schemes and permits, the UAE government is also making it easy for expats to move here.

Michael Page’s 2022 UAE salary and hiring insights guide has offered some interesting takeaways when it comes to salary benchmarks, in-demand positions, key skills and experiences.

According to the report, some of the most in-demand jobs offer salaries ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh200,000 per month.

Jon Ede, regional director – Middle East, PageGroup, writes in the Foreword: “With the very successful launch of the long-awaited Expo 2020 Dubai, coupled with the UAE’s overall positive handling of the pandemic and other government initiatives, a significant return in market confidence has led to a strong recovery in the UAE job market.

“A catalyst for change, the pandemic has cemented a long-term impact on the world of work as we knew it. Never has it been more important to understand what attracts, motivates and helps retain talent – understanding these aspects should influence any organisations’ hiring management strategy moving forward.”

Here are some of the most sought-after positions in the UAE, with pay scales, according to the 2022 UAE salary and hiring insights guide:

Banking and Financial Services

1. Investments Associate

2. Finance Manager - Investments

3. Institutional Sales - Director, Associate

4. Compliance Manager

5. Corporate Development / Investments - Manager / Director

6. Fund Finance Manager

SALARY SCALE

A Wholesale Banking Head (EVP) can make up to Dh147,000 per month; while a Relationship Officer can get up to Dh25,000.

Consultancy, Strategy and Change

Industry Roles

1. Corporate Strategy & Planning professionals

2. Business Project & Transformation professionals

3. Strategic Partnership / JV / BD professionals

External Consulting

1. Public Sector

2. Tech & Digital

SALARY SCALE

An entry-level job in Corporate Strategy & Planning pays up to Dh28,000 per month; and goes all the way up to Dh120,000 for senior leadership roles. Analysts / Associates in management/strategy consulting can make up to Dh25,000 per month.

Data and Analytics

Industry Roles

1. Data Engineering professionals

2. Industry specific Analytics professionals

3. Senior leadership across Data Analytics & Science

Data Science

1. Predictive Analytics focused professionals

2. Statisticians

SALARY SCALE

A Chief Data Officer can make up to Dh140,000 per month; while a Data Analytics Manager can get up to Dh55,000 per month.

Digital

1. User Experience Design

2. Growth-focused Digital Marketing

3. Product Development

4. Digital Transformation Project Management

5. E-commerce Leadership

SALARY SCALE

A Digital Marketing Head makes up to Dh60,000 per month; while a Social Media Manager can get up to Dh30,000.

Engineering and Manufacturing

1. COO

2. General Manager

3. Plant Manager

4. Business Excellence Manager

5. R&D Manager

SALARY SCALE

A COO starts out with a Dh60,000 per month salary, which can go all the way up till Dh100,000. A Production Engineer can make up to Dh12,000 per month.

Finance and Accounting

1. Regional Head of Finance / Finance Director

2. Tax Managers (Direct & Indirect)

3. Credit Manager / Controller

4. Internal Audit / Risk Manager

5. FP&A Manager / Senior Analyst

SALARY SCALE

A Group/Regional CFO at an SME can make up to Dh120,000 per month, which goes all the way up till Dh200,000 at MNCs. A Finance Manager can make up to Dh45,000 per month, while a General Ledger Accountant can get up to Dh15,000.

ALSO READ:

• UAE jobs: Minimum wage introduced in new labour law

• UAE: Salaries up 3.6% in 2021, higher increases likely in 2022

• New UAE labour law: 6 paid leave options for employees

• New UAE labour laws explained: Flexible working hours, paid leaves; 3-year contracts

• UAE jobs: How new labour law empowers women; equal pay, extended maternity leaves

Healthcare and Life Sciences

Healthcare

1. Nurse

2. Laboratory Technician

3. Doctor / Physician

Life Sciences

1. Regional Sales Manager

A General Manager (Sales) starts out at Dh60,000 per month, which can go up to Dh120,000. A Key Account Executive (Sales) can make up to Dh20,000. A Marketing Manager can get up to Dh55,000, while a Brand Manager makes between Dh18,000 to Dh33,000.