UAE job trends 2025: Most in-demand and highest-paying roles unveiled

Dubai: The UAE’s growing asset management sector, coupled with increased investor interest, regulatory advancements, and a rise in Family Offices and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), has fuelled demand for banking and finance roles.

Fundraising and institutional sales professionals are particularly sought after for their industry expertise and regional networks, with businesses, according to global recruitment firm Michael Page’s UAE 2025 Salary Guides.

The guide has drawn real-time data across 17 industries, providing valuable insights into hiring trends, salary benchmarks, and recruitment challenges facing businesses today.

Jon Ede, Regional Director UAE at Michael Page, said, “In 2024, the workforce grew by 9 per cent, and the number of new companies increased by 14.5 per cent. These numbers reflect the success of the UAE’s strategic initiatives, solidifying its position as a top destination for businesses and talent alike.”

Meanwhile, the report states that compliance professionals with Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) authorisation are also in high demand. Moreover, Chief Compliance Officers and MLROs are among the most sought-after high-paying roles. Ede said, “Companies are facing mounting pressure to attract and retain top talent.”

He added, “Businesses that embrace adaptability will be the ones to thrive. Employers who take a strategic approach, leveraging data-driven salary benchmarks, will position themselves for long-term success.”

Salaries in banking, finance: Heads of wholesale banking can expect average pay scales of Dh100,000 per month, and a senior relationship manager can expect salaries of Dh37,000.

The report states that the UAE’s sales and marketing sector has also seen steady growth, particularly within B2B industries. Increased investments in technology, real estate, energy, and logistics have increased the need for experienced professionals.

Key roles within this sector are - Business Development Manager, Chief Commercial Officer, and Strategic Sales Director. Business development, key account management, and communications skills are particularly valuable in this case.

Salaries in sales and marketing: Country managers can expect average salaries of Dh48,000, while key account managers can earn up to Dh26,000.  Chief marketing officers can get paid an average of Dh90,000 per month.

The talent market for digital professionals in the UAE has evolved significantly over the past few years, said the report.

The top 5 positions in demand within this sector are: head of software development, full-stack software engineer, agile product manager, senior DevOps engineer, and digital adoption specialist.

Salaries of IT specialists: The head of digital marketing can expect anything from Dh35,000 to Dh6,000 per month.

The study also addressed the issue of growing skills shortage. The report states that increased demand for specialised expertise and changing employee expectations force businesses to rethink their hiring strategies.

According to the insights from Michael Page, skill shortages continue to be a key challenge for hiring managers. In the past year, 37 per cent of business leaders reported difficulties finding candidates with the right expertise, while almost one in three (30 per cent) faced challenges in retaining talent. Nearly half (48 per cent) cited aligning salary expectations with candidates as their biggest hurdle. Ede said that offering a well-rounded package – including benefits, career development opportunities, and workplace incentives – can help businesses stand out from the competition.