UAE salary guide 2021: These are the most in-demand occupations in the UAE

Dubai: In times of uncertainty, risk management is a highly sought-after skill. In a recent study published by Robert Half, a global recruitment agency, one of the highest paid jobs in the UAE is that of a Chief Risk Officer.

In its Salary Guide for 2021, the recruitment agency highlighted the top jobs that are in demand in the UAE and the sectors that have shown resilience during the COVID-19 crisis. According to the study, the most resilient industries in the UAE were pharmaceuticals, utilities, Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and the Government.

Top roles in demand

In the UAE, the following job roles were found to be most in demand:

• Financial planning and analysis

• Finance manager

• Executive assistants

• Chief Technology Officer

• HR Officer

As companies the world over met the challenge of COVID-19 by adapting business models and shifting to remote work systems, the most in-demand soft skills according to the study were adaptability, resilience, communications, leadership and empathy.

Here are some of the most in-demand sectors and the top jobs in each.

Note: Salaries are annual

Accounting and finance

In-demand jobs

• Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

Salary range at an SME - $82,200 (Dh301,937) to $123,500 (Dh453,640)

Salary range at a large company - $98,000 (Dh359,973) to $147,300 (541,062)

• Credit Manager

Salary range at an SME - $69,300 (Dh254,552) to $101,900 (Dh374,299)

Salary range at a large company - $81,200 (Dh298,263) to $108,400 (Dh398,174)

• Chief Financial Officer

Salary range at an SME - $196,100 (Dh720,314) to $381,000 (Dh1.39million)

Salary range at a large company - $228,900 (Dh840,800) to $425,650 (Dh1.56million)

• Project Finance Manager

Salary range for a Finance Manager at an SME - $103,000 (Dh378,339) to $105,000 (Dh385,686)

Salary range at a large company - $98,100 (Dh360,340) to $145,400 (Dh534,083)

Financial services

In-demand jobs

• Business Development

• Traders

• Head of Finance

Salary range for Chief Risk Officer - $294,300 (Dh1.08million) to $490,500 (Dh1.8million)

Salary range for Head of Trading/Portfolio Management (Global Markets) - $228,800 (Dh840,428) to $376,000 (Dh1.38million)

Salary range for a Business Development Manager (Insurance and Reinsurance Underwriting) - $49,000 (Dh179,986) to $98,000 (Dh359,973)

Salary range for a Business Development Manager (Insurance and Reinsurance Broking) - $65,400 (Dh240,227) to $130,800 (Dh480,454)

Salary range for Head of FX Sales (Global Markets) - $140,600 (Dh516,451) to $196,200 (Dh720,681)

Technology

In-demand jobs

• Software Engineer

• Data Analysts and scientists

• Cyber Security Specialists

Salary range for IT Manager with over 10 years’ experience – $105,000 (Dh385,686) to $163,500 (Dh600,568)

Salary range for IT Security Analyst - $55,600 (Dh204,22) to $114,400 (Dh420,214)

Salary range for Development Management (Software development) - $98,000 (Dh359,973) to $162,900 (Dh598,364)

Human Resources, Business and Office support

Roles in demand

• HR Generalist

• HR Consultant

• Executive assistant

Salary range for HR Director - $212,000 (Dh778,718) - $358,000 (Dh1.31million)

Salary range for Head of HR - $163,480 (Dh600,494) - $295,000 (Dh1.08million)

Salary range for HR Manager - $81,745 (Dh300,265) to $147,100 (Dh540,327)

Salary range for Executive Assistant - $65,400 (Dh240,227) to $98,000 (Dh359,973)

Legal

In demand jobs

• Head of Legal

Salary range - $260,000 (Dh955,032) to $425,000 (Dh1.56million)

• Senior Legal Counsel

Salary Range for Legal Counsel with six to nine years’ experience - $163,500 (Dh600,568) to $220,500 (Dh809,940)

• Senior Associate

Salary Range - $160,000 (Dh587,712) to $250,000 (Dh918,300)

• Legal Counsel

Salary range for Legal Counsel with three to five years’ experience - $89,000 (Dh326,914) to $155,500 (Dh571,182)