Swelling salaries

Macdonald & Company, a leading property recruitment specialist, launched the second ‘Middle East Salary Survey' for the real estate sector at the opening of a recent property exhibition in Dubai, UAE.

The highlight of this year's survey is the average rise of 13.2% in salaries across all disciplines in the Middle East real estate sector.

The survey has also reported that the average total monthly remuneration (basic, housing and transport allowances) of professionals in the property sector has risen by 10.7% since last year, to reach US$10,666.

"This salary survey has been broadened this year, especially in respect to Facilities Management. We decided that due to the growth of FM within the Middle East it was paramount that this year's survey covered a broader spectrum of disciplines within FM, including: Facilities Managers, FM Operations, FM Consultants and Health & Safety positions" concluded Christopher Stokes, senior consultant, Macdonald & Company.

The results of the FM proportion of the survey revealed an overall salary-increase of approximately 15% per annum. The demand for FM professionals located in the Middle East has increased dramatically, which has driven their market value up, placing more focus on international candidates who can provide value for money and broader experience.

With the Middle East's significant job mobility rate, this year's Salary Survey highlights the number of new professionals entering the market.

The results indicate that one in three survey participants began working in the region within the last two years, and fewer than 40% have worked here for five years or more.

However, 60% of the survey respondents have actually had between two and five different jobs since arriving in the Middle East.

Moreover, the salary survey provides a positive outlook for the future, with 71% of the survey's respondents anticipating an increase in economic activity over the next year. A mere 31% of those asked from the UK are optimistic about next year's economic prospects.

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