JobXDubai

Planning your career in the UAE for 2026? This is the only guide you will need. We’ve analysed the entire 52-page Michael Page 2026 Salary Guide to bring you the complete salary data, market analysis, and in-demand skills for every major industry.

Whether you are looking for a new job, negotiating a raise, or hiring top talent, the information below provides the benchmarks you need to make informed decisions.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know for 2026

• Strong Economic Growth: The UAE’s economy is forecast to grow by 4.5%, led by finance, technology, and professional services. This creates a stable environment for job seekers.
• A Candidate’s Market: Employers report that recruiting and retaining staff is getting harder. With nearly two-thirds of professionals open to new roles, companies must offer competitive packages.
• More Than Just Money: While salary remains a top driver, work-life balance and career development are now equally important for employees.
• High-Demand Sectors: Technology (especially AI), Finance (Wealth Management & FinTech), and Consultancy (Digital & ESG) are leading the charge in hiring.

Article Index: Jump to Your Sector

1. Banking and Financial Services
2. Consultancy, Strategy And Change
3. Data and Analytics
4. Digital
5. Engineering and Manufacturing
6. Finance and Accounting
7. Healthcare and Life Sciences
8. Human Resources
9. Legal and Policy (In-House)
10. Legal (Private Practice)
11. Procurement And Supply Chain
12. Property and Construction
13. Retail
14. Sales and Marketing (B2B)
15. Sales and Marketing (Consumer)
16. Secretarial and Office Support
17. Technology
18. Energy

A Snapshot of the UAE Job Market

The UAE’s job market is dynamic. New business formations are up 14%, and young professionals make up over half of the workforce. This signals a vibrant economy where skilled individuals are in a strong negotiating position. Before making a move, it’s wise to understand the full picture, including the cost of living in Dubai.

Below you will find the detailed salary data for every major sector. All salaries are presented as a monthly range in thousands of UAE Dirhams (AED ‘000).

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Banking and Financial Services

Driven by an influx of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and a FinTech boom, this sector has high demand for wealth management, compliance, and corporate banking specialists.

Wholesale Banking

Role	From	Avg	To
Head of Wholesale Banking (EVP)	110	190	240
Head of Corporate Banking (SVP)	100	120	140
Head of Unit	60	75	90
Senior Relationship Manager	50	60	70
Relationship Manager	37	45	50
Relationship Officer / Assistant	27	30	37

Retail Banking

Role	From	Avg	To
Head of Consumer Banking (EVP)	110	150	180
Head of Retail Banking (SVP)	95	100	132
Head of Assets / Sales	77	105	130
Senior Manager Products / Sales	45	55	65
Manager Products / Sales	30	40	50
Officer / Assistant Manager	22	28	33

Institutional Sales

Role	From	Avg	To
Managing Director	130	180	200
Head of Distribution	70	100	150
Director	70	90	110
Vice President	55	70	80
Associate	40	50	65
Client Services Officer	30	32	40

Investment Banking – M&A / DCM / ECM / LEV FIN

Role	From	Avg	To
Managing Director	100	150	180
Executive / Senior Director	75	95	130
Director	70	90	100
Vice President	60	75	90
Associate	45	55	65
Analyst	32	40	45

Private Equity / Investments

Role	From	Avg	To
Managing Director / CIO	95	135	170
Senior Vice President / Senior Director	80	100	120
Vice President / Director	65	80	90
Senior Associate	50	60	70
Associate	40	50	60
Analyst	30	35	40

Venture Capital / Investments

Role	From	Avg	To
Managing Director	90	110	140
Senior Vice President / Senior Director	70	85	100
Vice President / Director	60	70	80
Senior Associate	45	50	60
Associate	35	40	50
Analyst	25	30	35

Insurance

Role	From	Avg	To
Managing Director	80	115	155
Senior Vice President / Senior Director	65	75	95
Vice President / Director	50	60	70
Senior Associate	30	40	50

Compliance

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Compliance Officer & MLRO	70	90	120
Compliance Manager/VP & MLRO	55	65	75
Compliance Officer & MLRO	45	50	60
Compliance Associate	25	30	35
Analyst – AML/Fraud/Regulatory	20	25	30

Risk

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Risk Officer	85	105	180
Head of Risk	60	75	90
Manager	40	45	55
Senior Analyst	25	30	35
Analyst	22	25	30

Operations (Investments/Funds)

Role	From	Avg	To
COO	75	105	150
Head of Operations	55	65	80
Operations – Middle Office	30	35	40
Operations – Back Office	20	25	30

Finance & Accounting (Investments/Funds)

Role	From	Avg	To
CFO	85	130	200
Finance Director	60	80	100
Financial Controller	48	55	65
Finance Manager	35	45	50
Senior Accountant	22	25	30
Accountant (Qualified)	20	22	27
Fund Accountant	20	30	40

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Consultancy, Strategy And Change

The focus is shifting from traditional strategy to execution. Professionals who can lead digital transformation and advise on ESG are highly sought after.

Internal Strategy and Transformation

Role	From	Avg	To
Corporate Strategy & Planning	40	55	90
PMO	35	48	75
Project & Programme Management	30	45	70
Process Improvement & Business Excellence	35	48	72
Change & Transformation	32	46	75
Strategic Partnerships & Business Development	40	52	85

Management Consulting and Strategy Consulting

Role	From	Avg	To
Partner	70	125	200
Director	60	90	135
Senior Manager	48	70	100
Manager	38	52	70
Senior Consultant	22	36	55
Consultant	16	28	42
Analyst / Associate	13	22	32

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Data and Analytics

The market is maturing from AI experimentation to deployment. This creates huge demand for engineers and scientists who can integrate AI into business workflows.

Data Leadership & Strategy

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Data Officer	80	100	120
Head/Director of AI	70	95	120
Head/Director of Data Science	70	80	90
Head/Director of Data Analytics	70	80	90
Head/Director of Data Management/Engineering	50	60	70
Head/Director of Governance	50	60	70

Data Foundations

Role	From	Avg	To
Data Governance Manager	35	47.5	60
Data Architect	35	47.5	60
Master Data Management	30	37.5	45
Data Governance/Quality Specialist	20	25	30

Data Engineering

Role	From	Avg	To
Data Engineering Manager	45	55	65
AI Platform Engineer	35	40	45
Data Engineer	30	35	40
Cloud Data Engineer	30	35	40
MLOps	30	37.5	45

Analytics & Insights

Role	From	Avg	To
Data Analytics Manager	35	47.5	60
Strategic and Business Insight	30	45	60
Business Intelligence Manager	30	45	60
Data Visualisation Specialist	20	27.5	35
Data/Reporting Analyst	20	27.5	35
Analytics Business Partner	35	45	55

Data Science & AI

Role	From	Avg	To
Data Science Manager/Lead	50	62.5	75
AI Solution Architect	35	42.5	50
Applied Data Scientist (Domain Specific)	40	47.5	55
Data Scientist	40	47.5	55
Computer Vision/NLP Specialist	30	37.5	45
GenAI Engineer	30	37.5	45
AI/ML Engineer	25	35	45

Product Delivery

Role	From	Avg	To
AI Product Manager	30	37	45
Data Product Manager	30	35	40

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Digital

Talent that blends technical expertise with strategic impact is highly valued. A significant gap exists for senior product leaders who can bridge AI technology with customer-centric design.

Digital Marketing

Role	From	Avg	To
Head of Digital Marketing	40	50	60
Senior Digital Marketing Manager	30	40	50
Growth Hacker	20	30	40
Digital Marketing Manager	20	27.5	35
CRM Manager	20	24	30
Social Media Manager	15	22.5	30
SEO/SEM Manager	15	20	25
Account Manager	12	15	18
Digital Marketing Executive	12	15	18

User Experience and Design

Role	From	Avg	To
UX Director	50	60	70
UX/UI Consultant/Advisor	40	55	70
Head of User Experience	35	45	55
Product Designer	20	27.5	35
UX/UI Designer	20	27.5	35
Visual/Graphic Designer	12	18.5	25

Digital Transformation and Strategy

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Digital Officer	60	90	120
Head of Digital	50	62.5	75
Digital Transformation Manager	40	52.5	65
Agile Lead	35	42.5	50
AI Platform Delivery	35	42.5	50
Scrum Master	30	35	40
Digital Strategist	25	32.5	40
Digital Project Manager	25	35	45

Product and E-commerce

Role	From	Avg	To
Product Director	50	60	70
Head of E-Commerce/Omnichannel	35	47.5	60
Head of Product	30	40	50
AI Product Manager	30	40	50
Product Manager	25	32.5	40
E-Commerce Manager	22	28.5	35
Product Owner	20	25	30
E-Commerce Specialist	18	20	22

Development

Role	From	Avg	To
CTO	60	75	90
Head of Development	45	50	55
Software Development Manager	35	40	45
Blockchain Developer	30	40	50
Senior DevOps Engineer	30	40	50
Senior QA Analyst	30	35	40
Lead Developer	25	30	35
Senior Back End Developer	25	32.5	40
Senior Front End Developer	22	30	38
Full Stack Developer	20	22.5	25
DevOps Engineer	20	25	30
Test Automation Engineer	20	27.5	35
Back End Developer	18	22.5	27
Front End Developer	18	21.5	25
Mobile Native Developer	18	21.5	25

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Engineering and Manufacturing

Automation and digital tools are transforming this sector, creating high demand for professionals who combine core engineering expertise with strong digital skills.

Management

Role	From	Avg	To
VP	70	120	140
CEO	90	140	170
COO	70	100	115
Managing Director	75	100	115
General Manager	55	85	100
Global Manufacturing Director	60	80	95
Business Excellence Director	50	60	75
Business Excellence Manager	40	50	60
Operations Director	60	70	85
Manufacturing Director	50	62	75
Factory / Plant Manager	40	50	60
Production Manager	25	30	40
Production Supervisor	15	20	25
Production Engineer	9	11	14

Quality, Sustainability and Maintenance

Role	From	Avg	To
Quality Director (QA / QC)	45	55	65
Quality Manager (QA / QC)	30	35	45
Quality Engineer (QA / QC)	10	15	17
Sustainability Manager	35	40	50
Maintenance Manager	30	36	40
Maintenance Supervisor	13	17	21
Maintenance Engineer	10	12	15
HSE Director	40	50	65
HSE Manager	30	35	45
HSE Supervisor/Coordinator	13	17	23
HSE Engineer / Officer	9	13	17

Research and Regulation

Role	From	Avg	To
R&D / NPD Director	50	65	80
R&D / NPD Manager	30	35	40
Senior R&D / NPD Technologist	16	20	25
R&D / NPD Technologist	10	12	17
Lab Manager	30	34	40
Regulatory Affairs Director	50	55	70
Regulatory Affairs Manager / Associate	22	30	35
Regulatory Affairs Engineer	12	15	18
Continuous Improvement Manager	30	35	40
Continuous Improvement Engineer	12	15	18

Project

Role	From	Avg	To
Project Director	45	60	90
Project Manager	35	40	45
Project Engineer	10	18	25
Design Manager	15	20	30

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Finance and Accounting

Demand is high for candidates with experience in AI, digital transformation, and automation. The establishment of finance shared service centres is also a major trend.

Senior Finance

Role	From	Avg	To
Group / Regional CFO – SME	70	90	120
Group / Regional CFO – MNC	110	150	200
CFO – SME	60	75	90
CFO – MNC	80	100	120
FP&A Director – SME	50	60	65
FP&A Director – MNC	60	65	75
Finance Director – SME	60	65	75
Finance Director – MNC	65	70	80
Financial Controller – SME	35	40	45
Financial Controller – MNC	45	50	55
Finance Manager – SME	25	30	35
Finance Manager – MNC	35	40	45
FP&A Manager – SME	30	35	40
FP&A Manager – MNC	37	42	48

Controlling Roles

Role	From	Avg	To
Senior FP&A Analyst – SME	23	26	28
Senior FP&A Analyst – MNC	25	28	32
Finance Analyst / Associate – SME	18	22	25
Finance Analyst / Associate – MNC	23	25	28
Credit Manager – SME	28	32	36
Credit Manager – MNC	35	42	47
Financial / Management Accountant – SME	18	22	25
Financial / Management Accountant – MNC	22	25	28
Business Controller / Finance Business Partner – SME	30	32	37
Business Controller / Finance Business Partner – MNC	40	43	45
Credit Controller – SME	20	23	25
Credit Controller – MNC	25	30	35

Accounting Roles

Role	From	Avg	To
General Ledger Accountant – SME	13	15	18
General Ledger Accountant – MNC	15	18	20
Junior Accountant (General) – SME	10	13	15
Junior Accountant (General) – MNC	14	17	18
AR / AP Manager – SME	20	22	25
AR / AP Manager – MNC	25	28	32
AR / AP Accountant – SME	12	14	16
AR / AP Accountant – MNC	14	16	18
Assistant Accountant – SME	8	10	12
Assistant Accountant – MNC	10	14	16
Payroll Manager – SME	18	20	22
Payroll Manager – MNC	20	23	26

Audit

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Audit Officer – SME	55	65	70
Chief Audit Officer – MNC	70	100	140
Head of Internal Audit – SME	40	55	60
Head of Internal Audit – MNC	60	75	85
Audit Manager – SME	30	35	40
Audit Manager – MNC	35	40	45
Senior (Internal) Auditors – SME	18	21.5	25
Senior (Internal) Auditors – MNC	20	25	30
(Internal) Auditors – SME	16	18	22
(Internal) Auditors – MNC	18	23	27

Treasury

Role	From	Avg	To
Treasurer – SME	65	70	80
Treasurer – MNC	80	105	130
Head of Treasury – SME	50	60	70
Head of Treasury – MNC	70	80	90
Treasury Manager – SME	35	40	45
Treasury Manager – MNC	45	50	55
Treasury Analyst – SME	20	23	26
Treasury Analyst – MNC	25	27.5	30

Tax

Role	From	Avg	To
Tax Director – SME	60	70	80
Tax Director – MNC	80	95	115
Tax Manager – SME	40	45	50
Tax Manager – MNC	45	50	55
Senior Tax Analyst / Associate – (Direct Tax) – SME	22	28	31
Senior Tax Analyst / Associate – (Direct Tax) – MNC	28	32	36
Indirect Tax / VAT Manager – SME	25	30	35
Indirect Tax / VAT Manager – MNC	30	38	45
Indirect Tax / VAT Accountant – SME	18	20	22
Indirect Tax / VAT Accountant – MNC	18	23	26

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Healthcare and Life Sciences

Digital health, telemedicine, and AI-driven solutions are creating demand for professionals skilled in health informatics and data analytics. Local pharmaceutical manufacturing is also a key growth driver.

Sales

Role	From	Avg	To
General Manager / VP / C-suite	60	85	110
Regional Sales Director	40	60	80
Regional Sales Manager	30	37.5	45
Clinical Application Specialist	20	27.5	35
Sales Representative	12	16	20

Marketing

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Marketing Officer	60	85	110
Marketing Director	50	65	80
Regional Marketing Manager	30	40	50
Regional Marketing Specialist	15	20	25
Product Specialist	15	18	25

Regulatory Affairs

Role	From	Avg	To
Regulatory Affairs Director	50	60	70
Regulatory Affairs Manager	30	40	50
Regulatory Affairs Associate	20	23.5	27

Medical Science

Role	From	Avg	To
Medical Director	50	60	80
Medical Manager	35	47.5	60
Medical Science Liaison (MSL)	30	35	40

Healthcare (Hospitals / Laboratories / Clinics)

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Executive Officer	80	115	150
Chief Medical Officer	70	90	120
Chief Operation Officer	80	90	120
Chief Nursing Officer	70	95	120
Doctor / Physician (Consultant)	40	70	100
Doctor / Physician (Specialist)	25	42.5	60
Laboratory / Quality Director	40	55	70
Laboratory / Quality Manager	30	35	40
Clinical Research Associate	20	27.5	35
Revenue Cycle Management (RCM)	30	50	70
Patient Experience	25	35	40

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Human Resources

HR is shifting from a support function to a strategic driver of retention and performance. HR analytics and Organisational Design are key growth areas.

Generalist

Role	From	Avg	To
VP HR / CHRO	80	85	110
HR Director	70	80	90
Head of HR	50	60	70
Regional HR Manager / HR Business Partner	35	45	55
HR Manager	25	38	45
HR Coordinator / Specialist	18	25	30

Recruitment / Talent Acquisition

Role	From	Avg	To
Head of Talent Acquisition / Director	50	65	80
Talent Acquisition Manager	30	40	50
Talent Acquisition Specialist	20	25	30

Learning & Development / Training

Role	From	Avg	To
Head of Learning Development / Director	60	60	80
Learning & Development / Training Manager	40	45	55
Learning & Development / Training Officer	20	25	30

Talent Management

Role	From	Avg	To
TM Director	60	70	80
TM Manager	45	50	55
TM Specialist	30	35	40

Reward

Role	From	Avg	To
Head of Reward/C&B	60	70	80
Compensation & Benefits Manager	35	45	55
Compensation & Benefits Officer / Analyst	20	30	35

Organisational Design/Development

Role	From	Avg	To
OD Director	60	70	80
OD Manager	45	50	55
OD Specialist/Officer	30	35	40

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Legal and Policy (In-House)

The market demands specialists over generalists, especially in financial services, energy, and digital regulation. Mid-level counsels (3-5 years) saw a massive 15% salary increase.

In-House

Role	From	Avg	To
General Counsel / Chief Legal Officer	85	120	175
Head of Legal / Legal Director	65	90	120
Senior Legal Counsel	40	48	58
Legal Counsel	32	40	50
Paralegal	22	30	35

Policy

Role	From	Avg	To
Public Affairs/Regulatory Affairs Manager	65	80	90
Policy Head	45	60	80
Policy Expert/Advisor	40	50	70
Policy Manager	30	35	45
Policy Specialist	25	30	35

Compliance

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Compliance Officer	75	90	130
Compliance Director	50	65	80
Compliance Manager	38	45	55
Compliance Specialist	22	30	35

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Legal (Private Practice)

Competition for top talent is fierce, with core recruitment areas in Projects, Corporate (M&A, PE), and Litigation.

Generalist

Role	From	Avg	To
Partner	90	130	200
Counsel	75	85	110
Senior Associate	52	65	95
Associate	37	48	85
Newly Qualified	30	40	60
Paralegal	22	30	45
Legal Secretary	18	22.5	27

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Procurement And Supply Chain

Driven by digital transformation and sustainability, companies need professionals who can lead ESG-aligned sourcing and implement AI-driven procurement systems.

Procurement

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Procurement Officer	100	125	150
VP / Executive Director of Procurement	80	100	120
Procurement Director	70	85	100
Procurement Manager	40	50	60
Category Manager	30	35	45
Buyer / Procurement Specialist	15	25	30
Assistant Buyer	12	15	20

Supply Chain

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Supply Chain Officer	100	125	150
VP of Supply Chain	80	100	130
Supply Chain / Logistics Director	65	70	90
Supply Chain Manager	35	45	55
Operations Manager	30	35	50
Demand Planning Manager	30	40	50
Customer Service Manager	24	28	35
Supply Planning Manager	30	40	50
Logistics Manager	28	30	40
Fleet / Transportation Manager	20	25	35
Warehouse Manager	20	25	35
Warehouse Supervisor	18	20	25
Demand / Supply / Inventory Planner	18	25	30
Supply Chain Coordinator	14	18	20
Logistics Executive / Coordinator / Specialist	12	15	20

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Property and Construction

The UAE real estate market continues to set records. There is persistent demand for development, design, and project management professionals with full lifecycle delivery experience.

Master Developers

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Development Officer	100	150	200
Chief Projects / Delivery Officer	100	140	180
Development Director	65	80	100
Development Senior Manager	40	50	60
Development Manager	30	40	50
Design Director	50	65	80
Design Manager	35	40	45
Project Director	60	75	90
Project Manager	35	42	50
Facilities Director	55	70	85
Asset Management Director	50	70	90
Facilities Manager	30	40	50
Leasing Manager	20	35	50
Infrastructure Director	60	75	90
Infrastructure Manager	35	45	55
Planning Director	60	75	90
Project Controls Director	50	65	80
MEP Director	45	60	75
Senior QA/QC Manager	45	55	65
QA/QC Manager	35	40	45

Real Estate Sales & Marketing – Master Developers

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Commercial Officer/ Chief Sales Officer	80	100	120
Sales Director	45	65	85
Sales Manager	20	25	30
Marketing Director	55	70	85
Marketing Manager	25	35	45

PMC/Engineering Consultancy

Role	From	Avg	To
Project Delivery / Design / Commercial – Director	65	80	95
Project Delivery/ Design / Commercial – Manager	35	50	65
Engineer	15	22	30
Architect	15	20	25
Urban Planner	30	37	45

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Retail

While luxury fashion demand is muted, the beauty sector is a standout performer. Brands need to localize effectively, investing in digital capabilities and consumer insights.

Retail Operations

Role	From	Avg	To
CEO	90	120	180
Managing Director / General Manager	70	80	120
Sales Director	35	50	65
Retail Director	30	45	60
Sales Manager	20	30	35
Operations Manager	25	40	50
Retail / Area Manager	30	35	45
Training Manager	25	30	40
Trainer	15	20	30
Wholesale Manager	25	30	35
Key Account Manager	20	25	30
Store Director – Luxury	40	50	60
Store Director – Value to Mid-Range	20	30	40
Store Manager – Luxury	25	35	45
Store Manager – Value to Mid-Range	15	25	30
Sales Associate – Luxury	12	15	20
Sales Associate – Value to Mid-Range	7	11	15

Marketing & Communications

Role	From	Avg	To
Marketing Director	40	55	70
Marketing Manager	30	40	45
PR Manager	25	35	40
Trade Marketing Manager	20	25	35
PR Executive	15	20	25
Marketing Executive	15	20	25

Buying & Merchandising / Planning

Role	From	Avg	To
Merchandise / Buying Director	50	65	70
Head of Merchandising / Buying	40	50	60
Merchandise Manager / Buying Manger	25	35	40
Senior Merchandiser / Buyer	20	25	30
Merchandiser / Buyer	15	20	25

Visual Merchandising

Role	From	Avg	To
Head of Visual Merchandising	35	45	50
Visual Merchandise Manager – Regional	20	30	40
Visual Merchandise Manager – Local	20	30	35
In store Visual Merchandiser	12	15	20

Design

Role	From	Avg	To
Head of Design	25	30	40
Fashion Designer	20	25	30
Designer	15	20	30

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Sales and Marketing (B2B)

Strong hiring momentum continues, driven by investment in construction, energy, technology, and logistics. The UAE’s investment in AI is attracting many tech vendors to hire sales staff locally.

Sales

Role	From	Avg	To
CEO	100	120	160
CCO/ Vice President	75	90	135
Regional Sales Director	55	70	85
Regional Sales Manager	35	40	60
Business Development Manager	25	35	50
Country Sales Manager	35	45	60
Project Sales Manager	20	30	40
Key Account Manager/Area Sales Manager	20	30	45
Sales Engineer	15	25	30
Business Development Executive	10	15	20

Marketing

Role	From	Avg	To
CMO	80	100	130
Head of Marketing/Marketing Director	55	70	100
Regional PR/Comms Director	40	60	80
PR/Comms Manager	30	45	65
Regional Head of Product	40	60	75
Bid Director	40	50	65
Bid Manager	25	35	50
Manager – Sales Analytics	20	30	40
Marketing Research	12	24	30

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Sales and Marketing (Consumer)

More international brands are basing senior leaders in the UAE, making it a true decision-making hub. Businesses are looking for leaders who can use analytics and customer insights to drive growth.

Sales

Role	From	Avg	To
CEO (commercial)	110	150	180
Vice President	80	100	120
General Manager	60	80	120
Sales / Commercial Director	60	80	100
Country Manager	40	50	60
Regional Sales Manager / GCC Sales Manager	30	45	55
Key Account Manager / National Account Manager	20	25	35
Key Account Executive	10	15	20

Marketing

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Marketing Officer	80	90	120
Head of Marketing / Marketing Director	60	70	80
Marketing Manager / Group Product Manager	45	50	60
Senior Brand Manager	35	40	45
Brand Manager	25	30	35
Assistant Brand Manager / Marketing Executive	15	20	25

Trade Marketing

Role	From	Avg	To
Head of Trade Marketing	40	55	65
Trade Marketing Manager (Regional Role)	25	33	45
Trade Marketing Manager (Country Specific)	20	25	30
Trade Marketing Executive	13	15	20

Consumer Insights

Role	From	Avg	To
Consumer Insights Director	40	50	60
Consumer Insights Manager	20	30	40
Consumer Insights Executive	15	17	20

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Secretarial and Office Support

A surge in new company setups is driving high demand for experienced Office Managers and Executive Assistants, particularly those with experience in start-up environments.

Financial Services and Management Consultancies

Role	From	Avg	To
Receptionist	12	15	18
General Administration	12	15	18
Personal Assistant	22	26	30
Team Assistant	15	18	24
Executive Assistant	25	30	40
Office Manager	25	35	45

Government/Semi Government

Role	From	Avg	To
Receptionist	10	14	16
General Administration	12	15	18
Senior Administration	18	22	25
Legal Secretary	20	25	30
Team Assistant	17	22	25
Executive Assistant	18	28	40
Office Manager	22	30	40

SME

Role	From	Avg	To
Receptionist	8	10	15
General Administration	8	10	15
Personal Assistant	15	18	22
Executive Assistant	15	18	22
Office Manager	18	20	25

MNC

Role	From	Avg	To
Receptionist	10	15	20
General Administration	12	15	18
Office Manager	25	30	35

MNC Legal Firms

Role	From	Avg	To
Receptionist	11	15	17
Legal Secretary	22	28	30
Office Manager	25	35	40

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Technology

Leadership hiring (CIO, VP, Head of Tech) has become more prominent as companies focus on governance and long-term transformation. Cybersecurity and Cloud skills remain critical.

Executive / Leadership

Role	From	Avg	To
Chief Information Officer (CIO)	70	110	150
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)	60	100	140
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)	60	90	120
IT Director	50	70	90
Head of IT	40	55	70
IT Manager	20	30	40

Enterprise Applications

Role	From	Avg	To
Head of Applications	50	65	80
Business Applications Manager	30	40	50
Technical / Functional Consultant	25	32.5	40
ERP Project Manager	30	42.5	55
ERP Consultant	25	30	35
ERP Business Analyst	20	25	30
ERP Support Analyst	10	14	18

Business Analysis & Project Management

Role	From	Avg	To
PMO Leadership (Head/Manager)	35	52.5	70
IT Business Partner	35	45	55
Programme Manager	40	60	80
Project Manager	25	42.5	60
Change Manager	35	40	45
Senior Business Analyst	25	35	45
Business Analyst	20	27.5	35

Infrastructure

Role	From	Avg	To
Infrastructure Head / Director	40	55	70
Infrastructure Manager	25	37.5	50
Infrastructure Engineer	15	17.5	20
Systems Administrator	15	20	25
Network Engineer	15	20	25
Infrastructure Specialist	20	25	30
Service Delivery Manager	32	38.5	45
Database Administrator	20	25	30

Technical Services

Role	From	Avg	To
Technical Support Manager	20	30	40
IT Support Engineer	10	15	20
Application Support Analyst	13	17.5	22

Cloud, DevOps, & Architecture

Role	From	Avg	To
Head of Enterprise Architecture	50	65	80
DevOps Lead	45	57.5	70
DevOps Engineer	20	30	40
Solutions Architect	30	40	50
Site Reliability Engineer	18	21.5	25
Cloud Architect	30	45	60
Enterprise Architect	35	47.5	60
Cloud Engineer	20	27.5	35
Cloud Manager	35	45	55

Testing

Role	From	Avg	To
Test Manager	35	42.5	50
Test Lead	25	30	35
QA/Test Analyst	15	20	25

Cybersecurity / Information Security

Role	From	Avg	To
Cybersecurity Architect	35	47.5	60
IT Security Manager	35	45	55
IT Security Engineer	20	30	40
Security Analyst	15	20	25
SOC Manager	15	22.5	30
SOC Engineer	8	11.5	15
Penetration Tester	20	30	40
Application Security Specialist	25	30	35
Security Consultant	20	27.5	35
Information Security Manager	25	35	45
Information Security Engineer	12	16	20
Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Manager	25	30	35

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Energy

The Middle East energy sector is undergoing a massive transition. While oil and gas remain vital, heavy investment in clean energy (solar, wind, hydrogen) is creating a growing need for workers who understand both traditional and renewable technologies.

Management Consulting and Strategy Consulting

Role	From	Avg	To
CEO	60	90	110
COO	55	70	90
Business Development Manager	30	35	40
Commercial Manager	30	45	60
Contracts & Procurement Specialist	22	30	45
Investment Analyst	18	25	35
Sustainability Manager	32	35	50
Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) Specialist	30	40	50
Project Manager	35	55	65
Construction Manager	35	45	70
Operations Manager	35	45	55
Engineering Manager	30	45	60
Asset Manager	30	42	55
Offshore Installation Manager	38	55	70

Engineering Roles

Role	From	Avg	To
Senior Process Engineer	28	35	45
Senior Drilling Engineer	35	42	55
Senior Maintenance Engineer	25	32	40
Renewable Energy Engineer	20	27	35
Civil Engineer	18	25	30
Pipeline Engineer	20	27	35
Electrical Engineer	18	25	32
Mechanical Engineer	18	25	32
ROV Technician	15	22	30
HSE Engineer	18	25	32
Reliability Engineer	20	27	35

Renewables Engineering

Role	From	Avg	To
Commissioning Engineer	15	20	28
Project Engineer	18	24	30
Production Engineer	20	26	32
Solar Design Engineer	18	25	32
Wind Resource Analyst	18	25	32
Grid Integration Engineer	20	28	35
EV Charging Infrastructure Engineer	20	27	35
Wind Farm Site manager	25	32	40
Power Purchase Agreement Manager	25	35	45
Green Finance Manager	28	40	55

Energy Transition

Role	From	Avg	To
Smart Grid Specialist	25	35	45
Energy Transition Consultant	28	40	55
VP of Energy Transition	55	70	95
Hydrogen & New Energies Specialist	30	45	60

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the overall job market outlook for the UAE in 2026?

A: The outlook is very positive. The economy is projected to grow by 4.5%, driven by non-oil sectors. This is creating a competitive, candidate-driven market where skilled professionals have a strong advantage.

Q: Which industries are hiring the most in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

A: Technology (specifically AI and Data Analytics), Banking and Financial Services (Wealth Management, Private Equity), and Consultancy (Strategy, Digital Transformation) are the most active sectors. Property, Construction, and Energy also show robust demand.

Q: What are the most in-demand skills for 2026?

A: Digital and tech skills are critical across all sectors. Key areas include AI Engineering, MLOps, Data Science, Digital Strategy, ESG Advisory, and Relationship Management. Professionals combining technical knowledge with commercial awareness are highly valued.

Q: Are salaries expected to increase in the UAE?

A: While overall salary growth is moderate, professionals in high-demand roles and sectors are seeing significant increases. The guide shows that specialists, such as mid-level legal counsels or AI engineers, can command premium salaries due to talent shortages.

Q: What do I need to know about working in the UAE?

A: The UAE is a global hub that attracts talent from around the world. Understanding the work culture and visa requirements is important. For instance, the UAE Green Visa offers new long-term residency options for skilled professionals. Before you start applying, make sure your approach is effective with your ultimate guide to a job search in Dubai.

Further Reading

• Michael Page UAE Salary Guide 2026: Access the full, detailed report directly from the source.