The UAE is home to the highest paying job roles in the IT, technology and finance sectors, recruitment specialist Michael Page found in its annual Emiratisation salary guide and hiring insights of 2023.
In 2022, Michael Page saw increased activity at the junior end of the market throughout, “particularly fresh graduates in industries like IT, technology, and finance, triggering an increase in salaries being offered” for Emiratis, the report said.
In the private sector finance and accounting industry, the highest salaries start from AED70,000 to AED150,000 per month in Abu Dhabi, whereas in Dubai, the highest salaries begin from AED65,000 to AED130,000 per month.
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In the public sector finance and accounting industry, the highest salaries begin from AED92,000 to AED165,000 per month in Abu Dhabi, whereas in Dubai, the highest salaries begin from AED70,000 to AED140,000 per month.
The report also highlights key topics like job application, candidate experience, and ideal job scenarios and covers industries such as human resources, legal, marketing, procurement and supply chain along with banking and financial services, technology and data.
“It is interesting to see the different approaches being taken up across a range of industries in the UAE. Research shows that businesses venturing into Emiratisation for the first time are mostly progressing with a bottom-up talent approach. Those close to achieving their quota continue to develop their Emiratisation strategy with a combination of entry roles, and senior roles mainly in human resources and finance. What’s important here are the tools and procedures that have been put in place to facilitate this transition,” Samantha Wright, Emiratisation Lead at Michael Page UAE said in an emailed statement.
Wright further added, “Platforms like NAFIS are dedicated to offering various benefits including the Emirati salary support scheme for specific industries. The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council has held over 1500 workshops and virtual meetings to assist private companies in straightening their Emiratisation policies.”
Aside from this, the UAE also saw a salary rise among fresh UAE national graduates as companies aimed at achieving their Emiratisation targets last year.
Companies focused on corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Moreover, the guide also noted that 78 percent of survey respondents were keen on joining companies that are proactively committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“Interest in CSR values ranged from human rights (61 percent) environmental responsibility (56 percent) and economic responsibility (50 percent). 61 percent of respondents also give immense importance to the leadership capabilities of their managers, followed by communication and respect. In line with the overarching trend in the UAE job market, over 72 percent of respondents prefer to integrate a hybrid model into their professional lives,” the report said.
Emiratisation in 2023
According to the report, “2022 saw the strongest push on Emiratisation across the UAE.”
As per UAE guidelines published by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), companies with over 50 employees must ensure that 2 percent of their workforce are UAE nationals. This came into effect on January 1, 2023.
MoHRE further increased the target to 4 percent by January 1, 2024.
Companies that fail to comply with the authority’s requirement will face financial and legal penalties set by MoHRE.
Similarly, companies that already exceed the mandated employment quota can expect financial discounts to help sustain growth, the report highlighter.
The salary guide’s findings show that almost “six in ten (59 percent) applicants consider a job title as the most important element of a job listing, followed by salary (59 percent) and location (41 percent). Candidates are also looking for a more transparent research process with 90 percent of respondents preferring visibility on salary range, and 77 percent interested in learning more about the organization’s non-monetary benefits.”
The overall outlook for Emiratisation in 2023 is “optimistic” based on collective efforts by authorities, businesses, and candidates, the report said.
Michael Page’s Wright also predicts that: “Adjustments to policies and deadlines are expected throughout the year, but overall, the wheels are in motion to ensure that Emiratisation efforts are seamlessly integrated into what is expected to be a promising year for the UAE.”
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