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- Senior Associate - Private Equity
Location: Dubai, UAE - Senior Human Resources Officer
Location: Dubai, UAE
How much are you worth?
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
28 questions, 8,914 respondents, the most comprehensive salary survey the GCC has seen.
The level of response ArabianBusiness.com has received for the survey, in addition to the detail of the questions we asked, has allowed us to be highly specific when we mine into the data, or hugely expansive when we take a step back to provide the big picture.
We can tell you, for example, that the majority of you last year took a pay cut, are highly concerned about inflation, looking for another job and being driven to do so by salary and rising costs of living.
You will also not move unless paid substantially to do so.
We can tell you who the highest paid Gulf employees are, what really motivates you, and who the most loyal nationalities are.
For some the big picture will be enough - and you can find our stories taken from the data on the right hand navigation bar. Start with the salary survey FAQ which provides easy access to key findings, or the top level graphs accessable from the tabs above.
Others of you, however, will wish there was more specific information to you, in your industry, at your level of seniority. And we have catered for that too.
The comprehensive response to the survey has given us access to hugely detailed levels of information as to what motivates staff, from specific nationalities, from specific GCC countries, from specific levels of seniority.
The best way we can answer every single question is not to write 10,000 stories, but to let you mine the data yourself .
You will find, within stories, as well as at the bottom of this page, a series of interactive questions allowing you to slice and dice the data to find the specific answers you need.
Want to know, within countries, industries and nationalities:
Why do people want to leave their job?
Who did best for pay rises last year?
What are the best paid industries?
What are the best paid jobs?
What are the best paid nationalities?
What was the average pay rise last year?
Now you can with a click of a button.
However the key interactive question, and one that we have separated out from the rest, is the 'salary calculator'.
The number of responses that we have had has allowed us to produce for the first time in this region a tool which will let you know whether you are ‘overpaid' or ‘underpaid' for the job that you have.
The calculator has started off with 8914 entries, but will be continually refined as more and more of you use it to find out information.
Allowing you to find the median salary for what you do will go some way to address the widespread belief, held by over two thirds of the region's work force, that they are underpaid. Rather than believing you are not paid adequately, you can simply find out, and perhaps even have your perceptions challenged.
The ArabianBusiness.com Salary Survey is a resource not only for employees wanting to understand their value in the marketplace, but also for companies across the region looking to retain, and grow, a loyal staff in a tightening job market.
Salary, contrary to popular perception, is not the be all and end all of an employee's desires. In fact almost as many of us want to improve and to get ahead in our professional lives.
The successful employers in 2008 will be those companies that offer their staff a tailored approach, understanding that a one size fits all policy to retain them will not work. These employers will know that what motivates one section of the work force, will not another.
In short, the ArabianBusiness.com salary survey provides both employers and employees with the insights and tools that they need to begin building a bigger, better, and more prosperous 2008.
Salary Search
Use the salary search to find out if you are overpaid or underpaid for your current position in your country of employment. You will only need to enter this information once.
Salary Survey
Posted by ibrahim, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 1 May 2008 at 14:56 UAE time
Concerning the salary survey, it would be more accurate result obtained if column years of working experience to be included in the Salary Search Panel.
Kind regards
Posted by ibrahim, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 1 May 2008 at 14:56 UAE time
Concerning the salary survey, it would be more accurate result obtained if column years of working experience to be included in the Salary Search Panel.
Kind regards
racism or reality?
Posted by red, white and blue, Texas, USA on 29 April 2008 at 01:51 UAE time
Yes, many Westerners get paid at a higher salary than other nationalities in UAE. Fair? Maybe.
2 factors are at work here.
1) The quality of education tends to be higher in Western countries. Nothing racist in this statement - it is just a fact. Want a good education? Go to a Western University.
2) People from poorer countries accept lower salaries - that is an irrefutable fact.
How do I know? I worked in a UAE government hospital for 5 years alongside various nationalities. It was run by Western staff and a Western company in the beginning and was top-notch.
The UAE government then decided to take over it added many non-Western staff. Sorry to say but the quality and the level of corruption skyrocketed. Many Western staff left and the quality left with it. That is a fact. Nothing racist about my comments at all. Just the plain facts.
If you want a better life/standards/salary then do away with corruption/racism, etc. in your own country. I hear many Indian nationals complaining here but we all know that the caste system although officially illegal is in full force there.
So clean up your own backyard before griping all of the time about what the Gulf countries do. Stay in your own country. That is what I did. I got fed up and returned to my own lovely country.
I love it here!
Posted by red, white and blue, Texas, USA on 29 April 2008 at 01:51 UAE time
Yes, many Westerners get paid at a higher salary than other nationalities in UAE. Fair? Maybe.
2 factors are at work here.
1) The quality of education tends to be higher in Western countries. Nothing racist in this statement - it is just a fact. Want a good education? Go to a Western University.
2) People from poorer countries accept lower salaries - that is an irrefutable fact.
How do I know? I worked in a UAE government hospital for 5 years alongside various nationalities. It was run by Western staff and a Western company in the beginning and was top-notch.
The UAE government then decided to take over it added many non-Western staff. Sorry to say but the quality and the level of corruption skyrocketed. Many Western staff left and the quality left with it. That is a fact. Nothing racist about my comments at all. Just the plain facts.
If you want a better life/standards/salary then do away with corruption/racism, etc. in your own country. I hear many Indian nationals complaining here but we all know that the caste system although officially illegal is in full force there.
So clean up your own backyard before griping all of the time about what the Gulf countries do. Stay in your own country. That is what I did. I got fed up and returned to my own lovely country.
I love it here!
Show all comments
Country of Residence
Posted by John, Simi Valley, USA on 21 April 2008 at 22:31 UAE time
I am little confused about this, I am a Lebanese National with American Passport and currently I work and reside in the US.
Posted by John, Simi Valley, USA on 21 April 2008 at 22:31 UAE time
I am little confused about this, I am a Lebanese National with American Passport and currently I work and reside in the US.
Not
Posted by richard on 15 April 2008 at 17:43 UAE time
I currently work in Saudi Arabia. The difference in pay has nothing to do with "race" but with "nationality". There is a difference. Being from the U.S., I see the distinction. I am a black man, but my salary is in the same range as that of people of other races who are from the U.S.. What I have seen around where I work, the pay pretty much goes like this:
Highest to lowest:
Westerners (U.S., U.K., Germany, France, etc)
South Africans
Other African Nations*
Saudi Nationals
Philippinos, Malaysians, Indonesians
Indians
Pakistanis, Bangladeshis
*The pay for the other African Nations depends on "which" African nation, and what field they are in, for some they might be near the bottom of the scale, for others it might be near the top.
Now if you look at how the pay breaks down, you should notice something. Notice that people who originate from a higher cost of living location are paid more than people from the lower cost of living area?
Posted by richard on 15 April 2008 at 17:43 UAE time
I currently work in Saudi Arabia. The difference in pay has nothing to do with "race" but with "nationality". There is a difference. Being from the U.S., I see the distinction. I am a black man, but my salary is in the same range as that of people of other races who are from the U.S.. What I have seen around where I work, the pay pretty much goes like this:
Highest to lowest:
Westerners (U.S., U.K., Germany, France, etc)
South Africans
Other African Nations*
Saudi Nationals
Philippinos, Malaysians, Indonesians
Indians
Pakistanis, Bangladeshis
*The pay for the other African Nations depends on "which" African nation, and what field they are in, for some they might be near the bottom of the scale, for others it might be near the top.
Now if you look at how the pay breaks down, you should notice something. Notice that people who originate from a higher cost of living location are paid more than people from the lower cost of living area?
SALES MANAGER
Posted by abayassi, Dammam, Saudi Arabia on 10 April 2008 at 23:41 UAE time
MIDDLE EAST
Posted by abayassi, Dammam, Saudi Arabia on 10 April 2008 at 23:41 UAE time
MIDDLE EAST
$US Salary for working in Abu Dhabi
Posted by Kevin., Sydney, Australia on 10 April 2008 at 11:12 UAE time
Hi,
I would like to obtain an estimate on salary ($US) figure of what I could expect if working in Abu Dhabi for a large international construction firm.
I am currently a Senior Project Engineer / Project Manager in the Building Construction Industry in Australia and have over 10 years work experience in both building and civil works with project management experience.
Also, what is considerd a reasonable accomodation allowance in Abu Dhabi. I have been told $7,500US per month. Is this sufficient?
Regards,
Kevin
Posted by Kevin., Sydney, Australia on 10 April 2008 at 11:12 UAE time
Hi,
I would like to obtain an estimate on salary ($US) figure of what I could expect if working in Abu Dhabi for a large international construction firm.
I am currently a Senior Project Engineer / Project Manager in the Building Construction Industry in Australia and have over 10 years work experience in both building and civil works with project management experience.
Also, what is considerd a reasonable accomodation allowance in Abu Dhabi. I have been told $7,500US per month. Is this sufficient?
Regards,
Kevin
Most loyal employees
Posted by mia on 3 April 2008 at 11:14 UAE time
I think the reason why Saudi nationals are the most loyal employees is that they receive higher salaries compared to other nationalities who do the same work as they does. An indian secretary for example receive AED1500-2000 while a Saudi national secretary receive AED4000 or more, to think that they are doing the same job. Why do they differ in salary?
Posted by mia on 3 April 2008 at 11:14 UAE time
I think the reason why Saudi nationals are the most loyal employees is that they receive higher salaries compared to other nationalities who do the same work as they does. An indian secretary for example receive AED1500-2000 while a Saudi national secretary receive AED4000 or more, to think that they are doing the same job. Why do they differ in salary?
salaries GCC
Posted by Ian McPhee on 30 March 2008 at 21:21 UAE time
What most of the comments seem to miss is that employers will offer salaries based on supply and demand. What employers NEED and are willing to pay for are qualified personnel with EXPERIENCE (not qualifications), ability to make decisions, flexible to meet the demands of the job, and ability to work in a multicultural harsh environment. Ex-pats from EU / N.America must be enticed to work in an environment harsher than their native country, where they have little or no rights, away from family, for the one reason, to try to make some money for the future. Further more, the ex-pat positions are temporary. Many GCC nationals are fortunate not to have to work for a roof over their head and basic necessities of life.
Posted by Ian McPhee on 30 March 2008 at 21:21 UAE time
What most of the comments seem to miss is that employers will offer salaries based on supply and demand. What employers NEED and are willing to pay for are qualified personnel with EXPERIENCE (not qualifications), ability to make decisions, flexible to meet the demands of the job, and ability to work in a multicultural harsh environment. Ex-pats from EU / N.America must be enticed to work in an environment harsher than their native country, where they have little or no rights, away from family, for the one reason, to try to make some money for the future. Further more, the ex-pat positions are temporary. Many GCC nationals are fortunate not to have to work for a roof over their head and basic necessities of life.
Discrimination against origin
Posted by Toufic Mourtada, UAE on 12 March 2008 at 15:39 UAE time
This is a calculator of how much discrimination there is in UAE. I cannot imagine why a German engineer would be paid more than an engineer with same credentials coming from Punjab. The nationality should make no difference in what people earn but rather it is the qualifications. So you better take the nationality filter and replace with a range of years of experience.
Editors Reply The point is not whether people should, but that people do. German engineers get paid more than Punjabi engineers. That's a fact. For the survey to be useful, it has to be based on the realities of the market.
That said, years of experience would also affect the result, as would things like MBAs, but we could only ask for so much detail from respondents.
We will look at adding addition details in next year's survey.
Posted by Toufic Mourtada, UAE on 12 March 2008 at 15:39 UAE time
This is a calculator of how much discrimination there is in UAE. I cannot imagine why a German engineer would be paid more than an engineer with same credentials coming from Punjab. The nationality should make no difference in what people earn but rather it is the qualifications. So you better take the nationality filter and replace with a range of years of experience.
Editors Reply The point is not whether people should, but that people do. German engineers get paid more than Punjabi engineers. That's a fact. For the survey to be useful, it has to be based on the realities of the market.
That said, years of experience would also affect the result, as would things like MBAs, but we could only ask for so much detail from respondents.
We will look at adding addition details in next year's survey.
Errors in the calculator - useless
Posted by Errors in the calculator, -, - on 12 March 2008 at 13:56 UAE time
I don't know if I'm the only one experienced this problem, but have you tried to a salary calculation, based on e.g. an civil engineer from Germany based in UAE, with a salary of respectively $ 75.000 and $ 55.000 - the outcome is far from the same and changes around 25 %. What kind of calculator is this and what's the purpose? - just to give people an illusion that their salaries are enough? I'm so sick of these manipulating surveys here in UAE!
Editors reply Many thanks for your comment. As more and more people enter their details the calculator will get ever more accurate. What we need are more Germans who are electrical engineers in the UAE entering their details. As more people enter their details the calculator will deliver greater accuracy. At the moment, it could be that there are not enough German electrical engineers living in the UAE to make it entirely accurate.
Keep coming back...
Posted by Errors in the calculator, -, - on 12 March 2008 at 13:56 UAE time
I don't know if I'm the only one experienced this problem, but have you tried to a salary calculation, based on e.g. an civil engineer from Germany based in UAE, with a salary of respectively $ 75.000 and $ 55.000 - the outcome is far from the same and changes around 25 %. What kind of calculator is this and what's the purpose? - just to give people an illusion that their salaries are enough? I'm so sick of these manipulating surveys here in UAE!
Editors reply Many thanks for your comment. As more and more people enter their details the calculator will get ever more accurate. What we need are more Germans who are electrical engineers in the UAE entering their details. As more people enter their details the calculator will deliver greater accuracy. At the moment, it could be that there are not enough German electrical engineers living in the UAE to make it entirely accurate.
Keep coming back...
Inaccuracy observed for CIO position
Posted by SP, Toronto, Canada on 10 March 2008 at 17:35 UAE time
The information that you have is inaccurate for sure....see below
You have said you are earning $100,000. The average annual salary of C.I.O. in United Arab Emirates for nationals of Canada is $10,000.
Editors reply This will be rectified shortly.
Posted by SP, Toronto, Canada on 10 March 2008 at 17:35 UAE time
The information that you have is inaccurate for sure....see below
You have said you are earning $100,000. The average annual salary of C.I.O. in United Arab Emirates for nationals of Canada is $10,000.
Editors reply This will be rectified shortly.
Discrimination?
Posted by Sheyma, Bahrain on 7 March 2008 at 15:25 UAE time
As a local national, I have always been naive to the fact that there is a blatant discrimination that goes on in the Gulf. Discrimination is wrong no matter who it is that is in the butt of it, but what is even more mind boggling is that here, locals are discriminated against. Get a job as a foreign hire and you win so much more in salary, payments, and annual tickets back to your country. While locals get salaries that are less, payments that are minute - because you put in the category of assumption that you own your home or live with family since you are local, and of course - there are no extra perks for you since you don't have to travel back home. In fact, that goes even further to say that a lot of companies give their local employees less holiday since they don't have to go abroad to visit family. SO, not only do we get paid less while being less expensive because we don't need annual tickets, we also work MORE since we have half the holidays others do.
This is something that definitely should be focused on and worked out.
Posted by Sheyma, Bahrain on 7 March 2008 at 15:25 UAE time
As a local national, I have always been naive to the fact that there is a blatant discrimination that goes on in the Gulf. Discrimination is wrong no matter who it is that is in the butt of it, but what is even more mind boggling is that here, locals are discriminated against. Get a job as a foreign hire and you win so much more in salary, payments, and annual tickets back to your country. While locals get salaries that are less, payments that are minute - because you put in the category of assumption that you own your home or live with family since you are local, and of course - there are no extra perks for you since you don't have to travel back home. In fact, that goes even further to say that a lot of companies give their local employees less holiday since they don't have to go abroad to visit family. SO, not only do we get paid less while being less expensive because we don't need annual tickets, we also work MORE since we have half the holidays others do.
This is something that definitely should be focused on and worked out.
DISCRIMINATION?
Posted by adrian, dubai, philippines on 4 March 2008 at 15:52 UAE time
I am always asking that question to myself why there is a salary rate here in UAE is different according to races. Racial discrimination, or it is really different skills? Many other factors can be raised on this matter. For example, two different people by race works on the same field, same scope of work, and everything is the same as far as job description is concerned. But, the other one has a twice salary than the other. If only the skills will matter how can there be a difference? In our society or in any parts of the world discrimination is always there. It is a matter on how we handle it. If you let yourself to be discriminated then you will. Or, sometimes we have no choice but to accept it, because of money, unemployment, and etc... But the question is, how can we get rid of it. Well, I could say that it is our choice, if your brain and your essence will not agree on anything then move-on. Don't work with a sense of injustice just because your salary is not fair. Be wise and be assertive if you know and believe in your credibility, stand-up, and be recognized.
Posted by adrian, dubai, philippines on 4 March 2008 at 15:52 UAE time
I am always asking that question to myself why there is a salary rate here in UAE is different according to races. Racial discrimination, or it is really different skills? Many other factors can be raised on this matter. For example, two different people by race works on the same field, same scope of work, and everything is the same as far as job description is concerned. But, the other one has a twice salary than the other. If only the skills will matter how can there be a difference? In our society or in any parts of the world discrimination is always there. It is a matter on how we handle it. If you let yourself to be discriminated then you will. Or, sometimes we have no choice but to accept it, because of money, unemployment, and etc... But the question is, how can we get rid of it. Well, I could say that it is our choice, if your brain and your essence will not agree on anything then move-on. Don't work with a sense of injustice just because your salary is not fair. Be wise and be assertive if you know and believe in your credibility, stand-up, and be recognized.
Quit Complaining!
Posted by Indian, Dubai, UAE on 1 March 2008 at 15:05 UAE time
Complaints! Grumbling! Discussions! Thats all we do. Honestly is that really going to help us? Ever since I came to the UAE, I have come across Asians complaining about low salaries. While its a very real fact that we are often paid less than our counterparts, has anyone thought to ask WHY this is happening? If we just look around us you will see that we put ourselves in this situation. We stick to people of our 'kind' in the workplace, dont mix in the office, dont give our opinions, dont open out mouths when we think something is not fair, basically suffer from a lack of confidence. We dont act like professionals and we are the first people to use terms like 'the whites' which is also DISCRIMINATION since we are putting them into a category based on skin colour.
so coming down to it - WE ARE ASKING FOR IT!!!
I am Indian, proud of it, look Indian and studied and worked in India. I am a professional and act like one and will never work for any company that I think is racial and have said so at interviews as well. The result - I dont feel my skin colour makes any difference.
So all you people out there, stop grumbling and do something about it, For starters you could start being more confident and speak up for what you believe in and do it politely and diplomatically. And voila! You will be a much happier person in your workplace.
Posted by Indian, Dubai, UAE on 1 March 2008 at 15:05 UAE time
Complaints! Grumbling! Discussions! Thats all we do. Honestly is that really going to help us? Ever since I came to the UAE, I have come across Asians complaining about low salaries. While its a very real fact that we are often paid less than our counterparts, has anyone thought to ask WHY this is happening? If we just look around us you will see that we put ourselves in this situation. We stick to people of our 'kind' in the workplace, dont mix in the office, dont give our opinions, dont open out mouths when we think something is not fair, basically suffer from a lack of confidence. We dont act like professionals and we are the first people to use terms like 'the whites' which is also DISCRIMINATION since we are putting them into a category based on skin colour.
so coming down to it - WE ARE ASKING FOR IT!!!
I am Indian, proud of it, look Indian and studied and worked in India. I am a professional and act like one and will never work for any company that I think is racial and have said so at interviews as well. The result - I dont feel my skin colour makes any difference.
So all you people out there, stop grumbling and do something about it, For starters you could start being more confident and speak up for what you believe in and do it politely and diplomatically. And voila! You will be a much happier person in your workplace.
Discrimination
Posted by Khalil, Dubai, Jordan on 28 February 2008 at 11:07 UAE time
If this is the case, why the hell do companies (or government) have HR departments & organization charts? But I agree with "Comment 26", you need to take a stand and follow through...
Posted by Khalil, Dubai, Jordan on 28 February 2008 at 11:07 UAE time
If this is the case, why the hell do companies (or government) have HR departments & organization charts? But I agree with "Comment 26", you need to take a stand and follow through...
The simple cure for wage discrimination...
Posted by Hursh Chandhok on 27 February 2008 at 18:58 UAE time
It's been done.
Assume that you are being paid less than your differently colored peers who deliver the same results as you (& further assume that this is an objective fact, not your own perception). Please- stop whining and go tell your boss, "Sir, I'm doing a white (or blue, or green) man's job so why won't you pay me a white (or...) man's salary? If not I'll find someone (possibly your competitor) who will!". Obviously you should be ready to follow through with your threat to quit. On the other hand, if you're ready to accept second class treatment, that's just what you're going to get. And this is nobody's fault but your own.
Of course this tactic will not work for manual laborers and domestic workers- they certainly can't be left to the tender mercies of market forces, regardless of skin color.
Posted by Hursh Chandhok on 27 February 2008 at 18:58 UAE time
It's been done.
Assume that you are being paid less than your differently colored peers who deliver the same results as you (& further assume that this is an objective fact, not your own perception). Please- stop whining and go tell your boss, "Sir, I'm doing a white (or blue, or green) man's job so why won't you pay me a white (or...) man's salary? If not I'll find someone (possibly your competitor) who will!". Obviously you should be ready to follow through with your threat to quit. On the other hand, if you're ready to accept second class treatment, that's just what you're going to get. And this is nobody's fault but your own.
Of course this tactic will not work for manual laborers and domestic workers- they certainly can't be left to the tender mercies of market forces, regardless of skin color.
Salary
Posted by The Consultant, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 26 February 2008 at 19:04 UAE time
Hussain, thank you for your feedback but you have not understood my previous comment properly.
Firstly, I am absolutely NOT saying that you should try to get ahead in life by kissing behinds. People who try that approach to compensate for lack of ability usually get found out eventually. A positive attitude is something different, it means working hard and demonstrating to your employers that you are an asset to the company. Most importantly, it means understanding that you have to EARN the right to a promotion or a pay rise. This is in contrast to Shahid's original comment, where he seemed to be suggesting that people should simply be given the higher paid job purely because they have a bit of paper that (they believe) is more prestigious than the one their boss has.
The point I was making was that paper qualifications are only part of the story. You can have all the qualifications you want, but if you cannot demonstrate a high level of ability, as well as a talent for management, you are not going to get that promotion.
Can a person perform a management role in one field, even although his qualification is in another area? Maybe, maybe not - it depends on the person and it depends on the job. Of course a doctor needs to have a medical degree; on the other hand, Richard Branson can't fly a 747 but he seems to be doing an ok job of running Virgin Airlines. Until recently in the United States, approximately half of CFOs were not CPA holders!
It is my experience that the "discrimination" complaint is often flawed - either the complainer is comparing his job to a different, more valuable job that requires a specialist skill set (and consequently pays better) or is kidding himself that he has the talent to do the better-paying job that he covets, or may even just secretly lack the drive to actually to move out of a job he is comfortable with to take on the responsibility of the higher position. Conversely, when genuinely talented people find themselves underpaid, they tend to do something about it, even if that means leaving the company for a new employer.
Finally, I cannot speak about the plight of Saudi Nationals, but here in the UAE, there is no question of a private sector employer underpaying a UAE National. When you come across a talented National that you want to offer a job to, if they already work for the government, you will have a hard time persuading them to move across. Those who are willing to work in the private sector can command a very good salary (better than a Westerner with the same qualifications and experience). As I said in my earlier post, there are plenty of well-paid Indians and Arabs in the UAE, but these are the guys with talent, valuable skills and a solid work ethic. Sadly not everyone fits that description.
Posted by The Consultant, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 26 February 2008 at 19:04 UAE time
Hussain, thank you for your feedback but you have not understood my previous comment properly.
Firstly, I am absolutely NOT saying that you should try to get ahead in life by kissing behinds. People who try that approach to compensate for lack of ability usually get found out eventually. A positive attitude is something different, it means working hard and demonstrating to your employers that you are an asset to the company. Most importantly, it means understanding that you have to EARN the right to a promotion or a pay rise. This is in contrast to Shahid's original comment, where he seemed to be suggesting that people should simply be given the higher paid job purely because they have a bit of paper that (they believe) is more prestigious than the one their boss has.
The point I was making was that paper qualifications are only part of the story. You can have all the qualifications you want, but if you cannot demonstrate a high level of ability, as well as a talent for management, you are not going to get that promotion.
Can a person perform a management role in one field, even although his qualification is in another area? Maybe, maybe not - it depends on the person and it depends on the job. Of course a doctor needs to have a medical degree; on the other hand, Richard Branson can't fly a 747 but he seems to be doing an ok job of running Virgin Airlines. Until recently in the United States, approximately half of CFOs were not CPA holders!
It is my experience that the "discrimination" complaint is often flawed - either the complainer is comparing his job to a different, more valuable job that requires a specialist skill set (and consequently pays better) or is kidding himself that he has the talent to do the better-paying job that he covets, or may even just secretly lack the drive to actually to move out of a job he is comfortable with to take on the responsibility of the higher position. Conversely, when genuinely talented people find themselves underpaid, they tend to do something about it, even if that means leaving the company for a new employer.
Finally, I cannot speak about the plight of Saudi Nationals, but here in the UAE, there is no question of a private sector employer underpaying a UAE National. When you come across a talented National that you want to offer a job to, if they already work for the government, you will have a hard time persuading them to move across. Those who are willing to work in the private sector can command a very good salary (better than a Westerner with the same qualifications and experience). As I said in my earlier post, there are plenty of well-paid Indians and Arabs in the UAE, but these are the guys with talent, valuable skills and a solid work ethic. Sadly not everyone fits that description.
Salary discremination
Posted by Hussain M, Khobar/Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 26 February 2008 at 13:11 UAE time
I agree with Shahid on salary discrimination.
Westerners are most definitely paid up to 5 times more for the same job a national or Asian would get. I have been stressing this point here on Arabian Business for months.
With regard to "the consultants'" comment that "They might also consider that perhaps some of these "nothing" Europeans got their jobs because they have a more positive attitude to life than someone who thinks his degree gives him the right to succeed, or looks down on respectable trades as "nothing", what you seem to be saying is that a carpenter from say Belgium can easily be a senior architect? A head chef from France can be a senior editor? So long as he is happy and positive.
So basically what you're saying is that everyone should kiss (behinds) to get the job they want rather than deserve it through merit and hard work?
If that's the case then farmers and peasants should have run the Manhattan project back in the 40's, and Einsteins and the scientific elite are no different from Shakespeare and his poetry.
I see no reason for a Greek gardener to earn 20000 SR.mo while a GCC national in the same position with more years of experience would earn 3000 SR.mo or less.
The survey mentioned Saudi nationals as the most loyal...what it didn't mention is we are the most underpaid of all GCC nationals.
I used the salary calculator tool and I'm telling you, even though I work for the biggest oil company on the face of the earth... I'm underpaid... so the calculator tells me.
Posted by Hussain M, Khobar/Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 26 February 2008 at 13:11 UAE time
I agree with Shahid on salary discrimination.
Westerners are most definitely paid up to 5 times more for the same job a national or Asian would get. I have been stressing this point here on Arabian Business for months.
With regard to "the consultants'" comment that "They might also consider that perhaps some of these "nothing" Europeans got their jobs because they have a more positive attitude to life than someone who thinks his degree gives him the right to succeed, or looks down on respectable trades as "nothing", what you seem to be saying is that a carpenter from say Belgium can easily be a senior architect? A head chef from France can be a senior editor? So long as he is happy and positive.
So basically what you're saying is that everyone should kiss (behinds) to get the job they want rather than deserve it through merit and hard work?
If that's the case then farmers and peasants should have run the Manhattan project back in the 40's, and Einsteins and the scientific elite are no different from Shakespeare and his poetry.
I see no reason for a Greek gardener to earn 20000 SR.mo while a GCC national in the same position with more years of experience would earn 3000 SR.mo or less.
The survey mentioned Saudi nationals as the most loyal...what it didn't mention is we are the most underpaid of all GCC nationals.
I used the salary calculator tool and I'm telling you, even though I work for the biggest oil company on the face of the earth... I'm underpaid... so the calculator tells me.
Survey details
Posted by Moe, AbuDhabi, UAE on 26 February 2008 at 11:25 UAE time
Could you provide the number of participants in this survey (in each of the countries included) to reflect how accurate this information is.
Editors Reply: Most of the information you need is included in this report. In total we received almost 9000 respondents, almost 8000 of which were from the GCC. You can find a breakdown of country responses in the tab at the top of each page. Kindly look under You and Your Company. .
Posted by Moe, AbuDhabi, UAE on 26 February 2008 at 11:25 UAE time
Could you provide the number of participants in this survey (in each of the countries included) to reflect how accurate this information is.
Editors Reply: Most of the information you need is included in this report. In total we received almost 9000 respondents, almost 8000 of which were from the GCC. You can find a breakdown of country responses in the tab at the top of each page. Kindly look under You and Your Company. .
Salary
Posted by SHAUN, duabi, uae on 26 February 2008 at 08:57 UAE time
In work in Dubai Drydock where the salary for workers is 1200 basic, plus food, plus accommodation. The food is not worth eating and we have to work continuously.
Our salary should increase by at least 50%.
Posted by SHAUN, duabi, uae on 26 February 2008 at 08:57 UAE time
In work in Dubai Drydock where the salary for workers is 1200 basic, plus food, plus accommodation. The food is not worth eating and we have to work continuously.
Our salary should increase by at least 50%.
Posted by The Consultant, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 25 February 2008 at 09:32 UAE time
In response to "An Asian"'s comments on discrimination:
Taking your receptionist example, firstly you are comparing the extremes of the salary range - the average European receptionist would not be paid "five times" what an employee from the subcontinent would earn.
Secondly, how many companies in the UAE actually employ a European receptionist? I would estimate it's about 2%. So, in reality, a European woman who wants to be a receptionist does not automatically get a "big" salary, actually 98% of the time she does not even get considered for the job!
Furthermore, you are assuming that the two jobs advertised are identical, which is unlikely to be the case. The better paying job might, for example, also incorporate an administrative or PA role that requires genuine fluency in English, a skill which is at a premium in the UAE. Company bosses are not stupid and will not pay a high salary just for the sake of having a European on reception, if the skill set required can easily be provided by someone who is willing to accept less money.
As a final thought, ask yourself, how is it possible for some employers to get away with offering such poor salaries? They can only do so because someone, somewhere is willing to take the job at that salary. And that is not the Europeans' fault - don't blame them for only accepting jobs that pay a decent living wage.
A helpful survey
Posted by Saradhi, Sharjah, UAE on 25 February 2008 at 08:03 UAE time
Indeed it is an excellent survey published by Arabian Business, which really helpful for those who are looking for betterment, to realize and to take legitimate step for each individual, in their career, according to the present market scenario. I really impressed with one of the vital topics "Promotion prospects key to retaining talent". Thanks Arabian Business once again and request to cover more important topics related to this subject.
Posted by Saradhi, Sharjah, UAE on 25 February 2008 at 08:03 UAE time
Indeed it is an excellent survey published by Arabian Business, which really helpful for those who are looking for betterment, to realize and to take legitimate step for each individual, in their career, according to the present market scenario. I really impressed with one of the vital topics "Promotion prospects key to retaining talent". Thanks Arabian Business once again and request to cover more important topics related to this subject.
Market Pricing by Nationalities
Posted by Prof Philbert, Salmiya/ Kuwait on 25 February 2008 at 07:18 UAE time
It has long been the vogue that people who are coming to work in the GCC region are classified by nationalities and package is offered accordingly. But it must be admitted even among the dominant nationalities, there is different scales of pay by the citizenship and going market price for the services based on education and length of experience. Diversity in workplace is celebrated everywhere and and the minority rights are protected by labour laws and international conventions.
Posted by Prof Philbert, Salmiya/ Kuwait on 25 February 2008 at 07:18 UAE time
It has long been the vogue that people who are coming to work in the GCC region are classified by nationalities and package is offered accordingly. But it must be admitted even among the dominant nationalities, there is different scales of pay by the citizenship and going market price for the services based on education and length of experience. Diversity in workplace is celebrated everywhere and and the minority rights are protected by labour laws and international conventions.
Professional Capability, salary discrimination
Posted by Patricia de Leon, Dubai, UAE on 24 February 2008 at 23:18 UAE time
I agree that generalizations must not be made when making arguments. When Shahid argued irrationally that "Indian education is 100 times better..." it only lessens the core issue and taints the argument being made.
I have to say though that The Consultant shouldn't be so defensive. I don't think most people (even Shahid) look down on carpenters, photographers and the like. In fact, I don't think that's even the point here.
The point is how can a photographer who may be good at his trade possibly manage a marketing team when they don't have the know-how of that profession?
In Dubai, I think these people have so far been able to survive in their positions BECAUSE of their "people skills" and because of what I call crutches: the actual qualified staff who do all the grunt work (and sometimes mgmt work) and have the know-how to run the operation under the "supervision" of these managers.
I'm not saying that people can't branch out of their chosen careers - more simply, I'm not saying that carpenters can't ever be marketing managers. If they want to change to a profession, then experience must be garnered first (working their way from the bottom) coupled with study of that field.
When you think about it, it's understandable that there are some who get upset that their bosses got the position based on a "postive attitude" and "basic management ability" when you consider the amount of money that employees have poured into their education and the amount of time they have put in along with their efforts to get that degree.
Yes, basic management skills and attitude is essential but only as equally essential as qualifications. And who's to say that a person who has the qualifications, doesn't have these same mgmt skills? Why not choose them then?
Of course not all companies are corrupt and there are some who are blind to skin colour. I doubt thought that they are the majority, though.
All that most of us are asking for is Equal Opportunity Employment. I can understand some countries may want to protect their own citizens. (ie Emaratisation and Saudiisation...heck, this concept is not even exclusive to the GCC. How about less tuition fees in the universities for UK citizens compared to international students?) But discrimination in the workplace even within expats? Surely, this workplace segmentation is also harming society as a whole.
Invisible racial lines are being drawn. Dubai, in particular, isn't really a melting pot. It is, in essence, just a salad bowl.
Posted by Patricia de Leon, Dubai, UAE on 24 February 2008 at 23:18 UAE time
I agree that generalizations must not be made when making arguments. When Shahid argued irrationally that "Indian education is 100 times better..." it only lessens the core issue and taints the argument being made.
I have to say though that The Consultant shouldn't be so defensive. I don't think most people (even Shahid) look down on carpenters, photographers and the like. In fact, I don't think that's even the point here.
The point is how can a photographer who may be good at his trade possibly manage a marketing team when they don't have the know-how of that profession?
In Dubai, I think these people have so far been able to survive in their positions BECAUSE of their "people skills" and because of what I call crutches: the actual qualified staff who do all the grunt work (and sometimes mgmt work) and have the know-how to run the operation under the "supervision" of these managers.
I'm not saying that people can't branch out of their chosen careers - more simply, I'm not saying that carpenters can't ever be marketing managers. If they want to change to a profession, then experience must be garnered first (working their way from the bottom) coupled with study of that field.
When you think about it, it's understandable that there are some who get upset that their bosses got the position based on a "postive attitude" and "basic management ability" when you consider the amount of money that employees have poured into their education and the amount of time they have put in along with their efforts to get that degree.
Yes, basic management skills and attitude is essential but only as equally essential as qualifications. And who's to say that a person who has the qualifications, doesn't have these same mgmt skills? Why not choose them then?
Of course not all companies are corrupt and there are some who are blind to skin colour. I doubt thought that they are the majority, though.
All that most of us are asking for is Equal Opportunity Employment. I can understand some countries may want to protect their own citizens. (ie Emaratisation and Saudiisation...heck, this concept is not even exclusive to the GCC. How about less tuition fees in the universities for UK citizens compared to international students?) But discrimination in the workplace even within expats? Surely, this workplace segmentation is also harming society as a whole.
Invisible racial lines are being drawn. Dubai, in particular, isn't really a melting pot. It is, in essence, just a salad bowl.
Nutritionist
Posted by Valerie Houghton, Abu Dhabi, UAE on 24 February 2008 at 20:43 UAE time
Vague term, anybody can call themselves a nutritionist. Dietitians and registered dietitians are in the UAE, but have very different qualifications. Need to be more specific with info on this topic. Nutritionist in the USA can be anyone as well, in some States, not a regulated title.
Posted by Valerie Houghton, Abu Dhabi, UAE on 24 February 2008 at 20:43 UAE time
Vague term, anybody can call themselves a nutritionist. Dietitians and registered dietitians are in the UAE, but have very different qualifications. Need to be more specific with info on this topic. Nutritionist in the USA can be anyone as well, in some States, not a regulated title.
...in a competitive environment with rational customers...
Posted by Hursh Chandhok on 24 February 2008 at 19:16 UAE time
A would-be employer specifying the 'right' skin colour or nationality in a recruitment advertisement is restricting supply (since the available resource pool obviously shrinks), and consequently drives up his company's recruitment cost. A supplier who tries to restrict the sources of supply available to his customers is called a monopolist; a customer who tries to do the same is a fool.
Now assuming that all human beings are created equal (and I have found no reason so far to doubt this assumption), this means that the company that wants a 'UK/US educated employee' ends up paying more for the same quality of resource. So in time, that company will be driven out of business by the competition. The smart Asian receptionist (or manager, or programmer, or investment banker) meanwhile will contribute to the country's brain drain of the best and brightest by moving to the US/UK (where it is illegal to specify race in recruitment advertisements - and employers are smart enough to recruit the best, regardless of race).
Company loses, country loses.
Of course if the company's customers are also foolish (i.e. they are happy to pay more for the same goods/services), or else competition is non existent then of course there is no problem for the company. He may go on filling his ranks with employees of any color he pleases and pass on the cost of his inefficient policies to his daft customers.
It's all down to supply & demand. Deal with it.
Posted by Hursh Chandhok on 24 February 2008 at 19:16 UAE time
A would-be employer specifying the 'right' skin colour or nationality in a recruitment advertisement is restricting supply (since the available resource pool obviously shrinks), and consequently drives up his company's recruitment cost. A supplier who tries to restrict the sources of supply available to his customers is called a monopolist; a customer who tries to do the same is a fool.
Now assuming that all human beings are created equal (and I have found no reason so far to doubt this assumption), this means that the company that wants a 'UK/US educated employee' ends up paying more for the same quality of resource. So in time, that company will be driven out of business by the competition. The smart Asian receptionist (or manager, or programmer, or investment banker) meanwhile will contribute to the country's brain drain of the best and brightest by moving to the US/UK (where it is illegal to specify race in recruitment advertisements - and employers are smart enough to recruit the best, regardless of race).
Company loses, country loses.
Of course if the company's customers are also foolish (i.e. they are happy to pay more for the same goods/services), or else competition is non existent then of course there is no problem for the company. He may go on filling his ranks with employees of any color he pleases and pass on the cost of his inefficient policies to his daft customers.
It's all down to supply & demand. Deal with it.
RACIAL DESCRIMINATION
Posted by AN ASIAN, UAE on 24 February 2008 at 16:35 UAE time
There is plenty of discrimination here in the Gulf. See the employment sections of any newspaper here in UAE- example a UK/US receptionist is paid five times the salary of an Asian - how can this be fair?
Posted by AN ASIAN, UAE on 24 February 2008 at 16:35 UAE time
There is plenty of discrimination here in the Gulf. See the employment sections of any newspaper here in UAE- example a UK/US receptionist is paid five times the salary of an Asian - how can this be fair?
Salary "discrimination"
Posted by The Consultant, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 24 February 2008 at 15:47 UAE time
Every time there is news item about salaries you can guarantee that someone like Shahid will write in and complain about discrimination. I am sure that carpenters and photographers of all nationalities will be unhappy to see their professions dismissed as "nothing".
These letters always take the same tone - that the writer and his like are more deserving of the job because of their qualifications are allegedly superior - and throw in a few wild statements ("Indian education is 100 times better than South African") Really?!
Perhaps some of these letter writers should consider that qualifications are only part of the story, no degree gives you any right to a top job; attitude, interpersonal skills and basic management ability are usually just as important. They might also consider that perhaps some of these "nothing" Europeans got their jobs because they have a more positive attitude to life than someone who thinks his degree gives him the right to succeed, or looks down on respectable trades as "nothing".
Finally, there are plenty of well paid and highly successful Asians here in Dubai and, despite being a highly qualified European myself, I am quite used to working in organisations where Indians make up many of the senior positions and earn as much if not more than the Europeans. Many of them will also have started out as lowly paid employees, the difference is whether you use "discrimination" as an excuse for failure, or motivate yourself to succeed.
Posted by The Consultant, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 24 February 2008 at 15:47 UAE time
Every time there is news item about salaries you can guarantee that someone like Shahid will write in and complain about discrimination. I am sure that carpenters and photographers of all nationalities will be unhappy to see their professions dismissed as "nothing".
These letters always take the same tone - that the writer and his like are more deserving of the job because of their qualifications are allegedly superior - and throw in a few wild statements ("Indian education is 100 times better than South African") Really?!
Perhaps some of these letter writers should consider that qualifications are only part of the story, no degree gives you any right to a top job; attitude, interpersonal skills and basic management ability are usually just as important. They might also consider that perhaps some of these "nothing" Europeans got their jobs because they have a more positive attitude to life than someone who thinks his degree gives him the right to succeed, or looks down on respectable trades as "nothing".
Finally, there are plenty of well paid and highly successful Asians here in Dubai and, despite being a highly qualified European myself, I am quite used to working in organisations where Indians make up many of the senior positions and earn as much if not more than the Europeans. Many of them will also have started out as lowly paid employees, the difference is whether you use "discrimination" as an excuse for failure, or motivate yourself to succeed.
Inflation
Posted by Peter Nunn, Doha, Qatar on 24 February 2008 at 13:57 UAE time
What are your sources for quoting inflation in the region particularly Qatar and what is the basket of commodities used in this source?
Editors Reply: All the inflation figures quoted in the story are 'official' inflation figures, quoted by the government of that country.
Posted by Peter Nunn, Doha, Qatar on 24 February 2008 at 13:57 UAE time
What are your sources for quoting inflation in the region particularly Qatar and what is the basket of commodities used in this source?
Editors Reply: All the inflation figures quoted in the story are 'official' inflation figures, quoted by the government of that country.
skewed
Posted by David G on 24 February 2008 at 13:42 UAE time
This tool does not seem a fair indicator. In my personal experience, UK nationals get paid more in media jobs than Indians do. While your tool reflects that for the UAE, it does not do so for Bahrain, and throws up nothing for Saudi Arabia.
This does not mean there are no nationals of those countries working in Saudi Arabia, just that they haven't participated in your survey. Nor have high-income UK nationals in Bahrain.
One more thing - your job categories do not differentiate between journalist/ editor/ sub-editor/ reporter/ assistant editor - each of these pays differently. So if a junior reporter logs in to find the average salary across countries and across expat nationalities is $35,000, he'd feel underpaid, while a managing editor looking at the same number would feel overpaid. Surely that's odd.
Editors Reply: The more people use this tool, the more accurate its findings will be. We have started with 9000 salaries from across the GCC, across industry sectors. Over the next few weeks we expect to add many thousands more.
At the moment that may mean that at the edges of the survey you get some unexpected results. However, the way that we have structured it means that within a matter of weeks, days even, a lot more depth will be added across positions within different countries and within different nationalities.
Basically, keep coming back.
You are right too on job classifications. The next salary survey we do will have a revamped classification system that is far more intuitive.
Posted by David G on 24 February 2008 at 13:42 UAE time
This tool does not seem a fair indicator. In my personal experience, UK nationals get paid more in media jobs than Indians do. While your tool reflects that for the UAE, it does not do so for Bahrain, and throws up nothing for Saudi Arabia.
This does not mean there are no nationals of those countries working in Saudi Arabia, just that they haven't participated in your survey. Nor have high-income UK nationals in Bahrain.
One more thing - your job categories do not differentiate between journalist/ editor/ sub-editor/ reporter/ assistant editor - each of these pays differently. So if a junior reporter logs in to find the average salary across countries and across expat nationalities is $35,000, he'd feel underpaid, while a managing editor looking at the same number would feel overpaid. Surely that's odd.
Editors Reply: The more people use this tool, the more accurate its findings will be. We have started with 9000 salaries from across the GCC, across industry sectors. Over the next few weeks we expect to add many thousands more.
At the moment that may mean that at the edges of the survey you get some unexpected results. However, the way that we have structured it means that within a matter of weeks, days even, a lot more depth will be added across positions within different countries and within different nationalities.
Basically, keep coming back.
You are right too on job classifications. The next salary survey we do will have a revamped classification system that is far more intuitive.
Salry discriminations
Posted by Nirmal Jit Singh, Bangalore, India on 24 February 2008 at 12:57 UAE time
I could not agree more than with Shahid's comment.
Posted by Nirmal Jit Singh, Bangalore, India on 24 February 2008 at 12:57 UAE time
I could not agree more than with Shahid's comment.
Salary discremination
Posted by Shahid, Dubai, UAE on 24 February 2008 at 12:33 UAE time
In my career of 10 years i have seen many U.S. and European managers who were, back home, nothing but carpenters, photographers etc., and have assumed posts of division managers, marketing managers in most reputed companies in the UAE.
It is now high time that responsible people employed for recruiting take a thorough look at the prospective employees experience and education level as well before judging them. Indian education is far better than many European and USA universities, and 100 times better than South African, still few companies issue advertising asking for USA, Europe and South African educated personnel.
Whereas in USA and Europe many big companies have entrusted their future to Indians (PEPSI, CITIBANK and many IT companies) have either Indian as CEO or chairman.
This part of the world needs to look at realty, not continue the age old rule of thumb.
Posted by Shahid, Dubai, UAE on 24 February 2008 at 12:33 UAE time
In my career of 10 years i have seen many U.S. and European managers who were, back home, nothing but carpenters, photographers etc., and have assumed posts of division managers, marketing managers in most reputed companies in the UAE.
It is now high time that responsible people employed for recruiting take a thorough look at the prospective employees experience and education level as well before judging them. Indian education is far better than many European and USA universities, and 100 times better than South African, still few companies issue advertising asking for USA, Europe and South African educated personnel.
Whereas in USA and Europe many big companies have entrusted their future to Indians (PEPSI, CITIBANK and many IT companies) have either Indian as CEO or chairman.
This part of the world needs to look at realty, not continue the age old rule of thumb.
Why the bulgarian nationality is not in?
Posted by Nassy, Dubai, Bulgaria - UAE on 21 February 2008 at 14:53 UAE time
I don't understand why the Bulgarian nationality is not included, there is even Bulgarian Sunday School in Dubai and for small country like Bulgaria-quite a lot Bulgarians are working in Dubai...obviously I am one of them.
Editors' Reply: The nationality list is based on the numbers of respondents we had from that nationality. If we received very few responses from Bulgarians, we could not meaningfully include them in the results.
Posted by Nassy, Dubai, Bulgaria - UAE on 21 February 2008 at 14:53 UAE time
I don't understand why the Bulgarian nationality is not included, there is even Bulgarian Sunday School in Dubai and for small country like Bulgaria-quite a lot Bulgarians are working in Dubai...obviously I am one of them.
Editors' Reply: The nationality list is based on the numbers of respondents we had from that nationality. If we received very few responses from Bulgarians, we could not meaningfully include them in the results.
survey covers a vast section? Discrimination
Posted by ramit shrivastava, Manama, Bahrain on 21 February 2008 at 08:49 UAE time
I really appreciate the survey, but the sample does not look to be from a varied cross section of society. For example the annual salary as per nationality in all countries shows Pakistanis and Bangladeshis in a range of 45k whereas Indians do not figure at all - that's surprising and raises doubts.
Editors Reply: We are increasing the list of nationalities shown so that it also includes nationalities from India, Palestine, the Philippines... Kindly note the average salary is worked out by adding all the salaries of respondents from a nationality that took part in the survey, and dividing it by the total count of that nationality. There will be some very well paid Indians, but many more who are situated in the lower salary echelons.
Posted by ramit shrivastava, Manama, Bahrain on 21 February 2008 at 08:49 UAE time
I really appreciate the survey, but the sample does not look to be from a varied cross section of society. For example the annual salary as per nationality in all countries shows Pakistanis and Bangladeshis in a range of 45k whereas Indians do not figure at all - that's surprising and raises doubts.
Editors Reply: We are increasing the list of nationalities shown so that it also includes nationalities from India, Palestine, the Philippines... Kindly note the average salary is worked out by adding all the salaries of respondents from a nationality that took part in the survey, and dividing it by the total count of that nationality. There will be some very well paid Indians, but many more who are situated in the lower salary echelons.
Salary differences according to nationality
Posted by Patricia de Leon, Dubai, UAE on 19 February 2008 at 21:33 UAE time
Isn't interesting that with all the advances the GCC has gone through a person's salary still depends on their nationality? So an ill-experienced Caucasian will still earn more than an educated, superiorly experienced Asian.
If it's not true, then why does the salary calculator ask for nationality?
Editors reply: It's not necessarily true. It may be the type of Canadians coming to the UAE are the more educated Canadians - as with citizens of the US and Europe. That explains why proportionally they are in the higher income groups. What is clear is that there are nationality differences. The survey does not make any comment on the rightness or wrongness of this - just notes it to make the salary survey and calculator a more accurate reflection of the workplace in the region.
Posted by Patricia de Leon, Dubai, UAE on 19 February 2008 at 21:33 UAE time
Isn't interesting that with all the advances the GCC has gone through a person's salary still depends on their nationality? So an ill-experienced Caucasian will still earn more than an educated, superiorly experienced Asian.
If it's not true, then why does the salary calculator ask for nationality?
Editors reply: It's not necessarily true. It may be the type of Canadians coming to the UAE are the more educated Canadians - as with citizens of the US and Europe. That explains why proportionally they are in the higher income groups. What is clear is that there are nationality differences. The survey does not make any comment on the rightness or wrongness of this - just notes it to make the salary survey and calculator a more accurate reflection of the workplace in the region.
Two-thirds of Gulf staff looking to quit job.
Posted by Zaka Ullah Khan, Faisalabad, Pakistan on 19 February 2008 at 16:22 UAE time
All lies, I know from my days till today I have not come across a single relative who had relocated to Pakistan or India. Rather they are making sure that they do not have to go back even if it becomes very difficult to live in Dubai.
And the other expatriates especially people from sub-continent they would rather die, sell their home belongings but would gladly bite the DUST of DUBAI.
Just a small fact. You give five years of your life to the USA, UK or any European country and if there is no criminal record they will respect your 5 years and give you NATIONALITY. In UAE you can die serving the country but your children along with your body in a box would be sent back.
Posted by Zaka Ullah Khan, Faisalabad, Pakistan on 19 February 2008 at 16:22 UAE time
All lies, I know from my days till today I have not come across a single relative who had relocated to Pakistan or India. Rather they are making sure that they do not have to go back even if it becomes very difficult to live in Dubai.
And the other expatriates especially people from sub-continent they would rather die, sell their home belongings but would gladly bite the DUST of DUBAI.
Just a small fact. You give five years of your life to the USA, UK or any European country and if there is no criminal record they will respect your 5 years and give you NATIONALITY. In UAE you can die serving the country but your children along with your body in a box would be sent back.
Asian Labour Under the Whipping Boys
Posted by Prof Philbert, Salmiya/ Kuwait, Kuwait on 13 February 2008 at 07:08 UAE time
It is an incontrovertible fact that cultivating loyalty and nurturing talent in GCC depends on a good package as reward for all sacrifices. The situation is accentuated from skilled to unskiller labour. The tallest building in Dubai - the Burj is the crowning effort of Asian labour who has dared all before them to build it. So also is every other construction project that depends on highly productive labour force from the managerial levels to the ordinary workers. Look around what is happening to countries that turns a Nelson eye to the demands of labour.
Posted by Prof Philbert, Salmiya/ Kuwait, Kuwait on 13 February 2008 at 07:08 UAE time
It is an incontrovertible fact that cultivating loyalty and nurturing talent in GCC depends on a good package as reward for all sacrifices. The situation is accentuated from skilled to unskiller labour. The tallest building in Dubai - the Burj is the crowning effort of Asian labour who has dared all before them to build it. So also is every other construction project that depends on highly productive labour force from the managerial levels to the ordinary workers. Look around what is happening to countries that turns a Nelson eye to the demands of labour.
Job Loyalty - Part 2
Posted by Louie Tedesco, Dubai on 12 February 2008 at 09:44 UAE time
The statements by Glory are absolutely correct and they reflect the harsh reality of life in this region. They should be posted in the departure hall of every airport which brings workers to this region, with their signature required stating "I fully understand and agree to work in these conditions". At least then none could later say that they had no idea what they're getting in to. The only item missing from the list is discrimination, blatant one-sided discrimination against foreign workers yet full enforcement of the "all are created equal" slogan when locals are involved in work related disputes. Even the largest firms and quasi-government companies here are no better, offering Ramadan timings with either reduced working hours or overtime payments for Muslim staff, but requiring full working hours from others without any extra compensation or time off. Disregarding national law, coercing their workforce to either remain silent or to get sacked and deported if formal complaints are made.
What is lacking most is a clear commitment from the authorities that all are, in fact, "created equal" as is stated in the laws of various nations. Sponsors have to be held accountable for the actions of their business partners instead of feigning ignorance or pleading plausible deniability by dismissing any knowledge of wrongdoing by their business partners. There is no initiative to do so as any change in the existing system or improving employee working conditions would result in reduced income.
Comments by Glory are milestones that should be enforced by the authorities. Only when these well-known issues are resolved will a true worker loyalty manifest itself that will benefit companies and economies in this region. Until then, it's every person for themselves securing whatever benefits they can without due regard of any loyalty to their colleagues or company. Such comments and articles often grace the pages of this site and the local media yet those who are truly empowered to enforce change seem preoccupied with glittering showcase projects rather than with the welfare of the people who build them.
Posted by Louie Tedesco, Dubai on 12 February 2008 at 09:44 UAE time
The statements by Glory are absolutely correct and they reflect the harsh reality of life in this region. They should be posted in the departure hall of every airport which brings workers to this region, with their signature required stating "I fully understand and agree to work in these conditions". At least then none could later say that they had no idea what they're getting in to. The only item missing from the list is discrimination, blatant one-sided discrimination against foreign workers yet full enforcement of the "all are created equal" slogan when locals are involved in work related disputes. Even the largest firms and quasi-government companies here are no better, offering Ramadan timings with either reduced working hours or overtime payments for Muslim staff, but requiring full working hours from others without any extra compensation or time off. Disregarding national law, coercing their workforce to either remain silent or to get sacked and deported if formal complaints are made.
What is lacking most is a clear commitment from the authorities that all are, in fact, "created equal" as is stated in the laws of various nations. Sponsors have to be held accountable for the actions of their business partners instead of feigning ignorance or pleading plausible deniability by dismissing any knowledge of wrongdoing by their business partners. There is no initiative to do so as any change in the existing system or improving employee working conditions would result in reduced income.
Comments by Glory are milestones that should be enforced by the authorities. Only when these well-known issues are resolved will a true worker loyalty manifest itself that will benefit companies and economies in this region. Until then, it's every person for themselves securing whatever benefits they can without due regard of any loyalty to their colleagues or company. Such comments and articles often grace the pages of this site and the local media yet those who are truly empowered to enforce change seem preoccupied with glittering showcase projects rather than with the welfare of the people who build them.
Accomodation
Posted by bu6bu6 on 11 February 2008 at 17:44 UAE time
It is really strange why the government of Abu Dhabi didn't make a step till this moment to solve the obvious root cause of all life burdens, the accomodation! I heard this is intentional in order to expel all the low class. However, a huge pressure is also put on the middle class, and the whole community structure is or on the way to be damaged!
Posted by bu6bu6 on 11 February 2008 at 17:44 UAE time
It is really strange why the government of Abu Dhabi didn't make a step till this moment to solve the obvious root cause of all life burdens, the accomodation! I heard this is intentional in order to expel all the low class. However, a huge pressure is also put on the middle class, and the whole community structure is or on the way to be damaged!
Job Loyalty
Posted by CT, Dubai, UAE on 11 February 2008 at 16:42 UAE time
Not only have employees been hard hit this year; I bet a survey of small businesses would see many of those worrying about closing due to slow payments - plenty of business and tight deadlines, but when it comes to collecting the cheques, 90 day oustanding seems good!
Posted by CT, Dubai, UAE on 11 February 2008 at 16:42 UAE time
Not only have employees been hard hit this year; I bet a survey of small businesses would see many of those worrying about closing due to slow payments - plenty of business and tight deadlines, but when it comes to collecting the cheques, 90 day oustanding seems good!
Job Loyalty
Posted by Glory, Sharjah, UAE on 11 February 2008 at 09:04 UAE time
To get loyalty one must give respect.
A lot of attention is given to the plight of construction workers, but little is given to the thousands of employees whose rights are abused in the myriad of small businesses across the UAE.
Many of the employers here still have draconian thoughts believing as sponsors they "own" their workers. When a worker submits a resignation on an unlimited contract and it is refused time and time again this constitutes forced labour.
Salaries that have to be begged for rather than given as the workers right, salaries paid later, working staff in excess of the legal hours without payment of overtime, using "wasta" to have complaints "disappear" if an employee has the fortitude to approach the authorities, humiliating the employee in front of their peers or simply use threats of permanently expelling employees from the UAE forever are all illegal tactics used by these unscrupulous employers to control workers. Despite the fact it is illegal to do so, the practice of retaining passports continues.
Many of these businesses have high profile local partners and they use these connection to bluff about their power. I am sure that if their local partner was aware of the extent of their misuse of their name they would step aside from any association, but usually they are totally ignorant of what goes on at grass roots.
It is time the authorities increased their inspection staff and got tough with these employers who think they are above the law.
Posted by Glory, Sharjah, UAE on 11 February 2008 at 09:04 UAE time
To get loyalty one must give respect.
A lot of attention is given to the plight of construction workers, but little is given to the thousands of employees whose rights are abused in the myriad of small businesses across the UAE.
Many of the employers here still have draconian thoughts believing as sponsors they "own" their workers. When a worker submits a resignation on an unlimited contract and it is refused time and time again this constitutes forced labour.
Salaries that have to be begged for rather than given as the workers right, salaries paid later, working staff in excess of the legal hours without payment of overtime, using "wasta" to have complaints "disappear" if an employee has the fortitude to approach the authorities, humiliating the employee in front of their peers or simply use threats of permanently expelling employees from the UAE forever are all illegal tactics used by these unscrupulous employers to control workers. Despite the fact it is illegal to do so, the practice of retaining passports continues.
Many of these businesses have high profile local partners and they use these connection to bluff about their power. I am sure that if their local partner was aware of the extent of their misuse of their name they would step aside from any association, but usually they are totally ignorant of what goes on at grass roots.
It is time the authorities increased their inspection staff and got tough with these employers who think they are above the law.
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