DUBAI: The UAE job market continues to thrive in 2025, with high demand for skilled professionals across multiple industries, from banking and finance to technology, sales, and construction.
As companies compete to attract and retain top talent, salaries for key roles have surged, particularly in sectors experiencing rapid growth and digital transformation.
Compliance and Investment roles dominate
The financial sector remains one of the highest-paying industries in the UAE. According to Michael Page’s 2025 UAE Salary Guide, heads of wholesale banking can command salaries of up to Dh220,000 per month, while senior relationship managers earn between Dh37,000 and Dh60,000.
With regulatory frameworks tightening, compliance officers and Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs) are among the most sought-after professionals, earning between Dh40,000 and Dh115,000 per month. Similarly, institutional sales professionals in investment banking can earn up to Dh220,000 monthly.
The rising focus on financial planning and risk management has driven demand for Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) experts and Chief Risk Officers, who can earn between Dh75,000 and Dh170,000 per month.
Rising demand for key Account and Commercial roles
The UAE’s business-to-business (B2B) sales and marketing sector has seen steady expansion, fuelled by increased investments in real estate, technology, and logistics. Chief Commercial Officers (CCOs) earn up to Dh135,000 per month, while country managers can expect salaries of Dh48,000. Key account managers and business development managers earn between Dh20,000 and Dh50,000, depending on experience.
In the consumer sector, the demand for marketing professionals remains strong. Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) can command salaries of up to Dh120,000 per month, while brand managers earn between Dh25,000 and Dh45,000. Trade marketing managers and consumer insights experts are also in high demand as businesses refine their strategies to engage a growing customer base.
Digital transformation driving high salaries
The UAE’s booming tech sector continues to attract top talent, with increasing demand for software engineers, cybersecurity experts, and digital transformation specialists. Heads of software development earn between Dh45,000 and Dh55,000 per month, while full-stack engineers and DevOps specialists earn between Dh20,000 and Dh40,000.
Cybersecurity professionals are among the most well-compensated, with Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) earning up to Dh120,000 per month, while penetration testers and security consultants earn between Dh20,000 and Dh40,000.
Development and Project Management in demand
The real estate sector continues to experience significant growth, particularly in development and project management. Chief Development Officers earn between Dh100,000 and Dh220,000 per month, while project directors and design managers can command salaries between Dh50,000 and Dh100,000.
Sales professionals in the real estate industry are also highly rewarded, with chief commercial officers earning between Dh80,000 and Dh150,000 per month, while real estate sales directors can earn up to Dh70,000.
Salary trends across 17 industries
- Banking and Financial Services: Dh25,000 - Dh220,000
- Consultancy, Strategy, and Change: Dh15,000 - Dh185,000
- Data and Analytics: Dh15,000 - Dh120,000
- Digital: Dh12,000 - Dh120,000
- Engineering and Manufacturing: Dh8,000 - Dh148,000
- Finance and Accounting: Dh10,000 - Dh180,000
- Healthcare and Life Sciences: Dh15,000 - Dh180,000
- Human Resources: Dh8,000 - Dh150,000
- Legal and Policy (In-House): Dh25,000 - Dh170,000
- Legal (Private Practice): Dh22,000 - Dh180,000
- Procurement and Supply Chain: Dh10,000 - Dh175,000
- Property and Construction: Dh15,000 - Dh220,000
- Retail: Dh7,000 - Dh150,000
- Sales and Marketing (B2B): Dh10,000 - Dh150,000
- Sales and Marketing (Consumer): Dh12,000 - Dh250,000
- Secretarial and Office Support: Dh7,000 - Dh51,000
- Technology: Dh10,000 - Dh150,000
Skill shortages and competitive hiring trends
Despite rising salaries, many businesses face challenges in securing top-tier talent. The report highlights that 37 percent of companies struggle to find qualified candidates, while 30 percent cite employee retention as a major issue. Employers are now focusing on offering competitive benefits, career progression opportunities, and enhanced workplace incentives to attract skilled professionals.
As the UAE job market continues to evolve, professionals with specialised expertise in high-demand industries will find lucrative opportunities. Companies that prioritise talent retention and adapt to shifting workforce expectations will be best positioned for sustained success.