Revealed: UAE salary outlook for 2022

Businesses in the UAE are stepping up their hiring efforts to replace talent lost during the pandemic but they will need to reconsider salary and benefits offers to compete with global markets.

That's according to the recruitment firm Robert Half's 2022 Salary Guide, which shows the average pay hike for professional services roles in the UAE is currently 4 per cent. 

The most significant increases are in the legal sector (6 per cent), followed by finance & accounting (5 per cent), and technology (5 per cent).

Despite these pay increases, the UAE is still lagging in the global war for talent.

Across Europe and Australia, both vital sources of expat talent, the average pay increase is 11 per cent – raising concerns about the region’s area to compete.

Meanwhile, remote flexible working remain the most commonly requested benefit among candidates in all sectors.

While multinational companies are happy to facilitate remote working for employees, especially in finance and accounting, some smaller, local SMEs have been more resistant, the report says.

"Dubai continues to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurial talent thanks to foreigner-friendly initiatives like 100 per cent foreign ownership – and some professionals are even being offered a UAE passport, which is one of the best in the world for mobility. However, businesses still need to make working conditions desirable with additional benefits, flexible working and competitive remuneration," said Gareth El Mettouri, Associate Director – Middle East at Robert Half.

He also added that the rising costs of living could make it difficult to attract expat talent back to the region.