The starting salaries for professional services roles in the UAE have decreased by an average of 0.7 per cent in 2024 as an influx of talent and more competition has created a surplus, according to recruitment consultancy Robert Half.
Finance and accounting roles took the biggest hit, with starting salaries down by an average of 2.1 per cent. Salaries for some accounting roles were down by 23 per cent, Robert Half said in its 2025 UAE Salary Guide.
The report analysed starting salaries across more than 100 professional services roles within the finance and accounting, financial services, technology, HR and legal sectors.
While those with accounting skills are still in demand – particularly those with financial planning and tax experience – the immediate availability of expats in the UAE is driving down their market value, the study found.
Starting salaries in admin, human resources and business support roles have decreased by 1.2 per cent, followed by IT and technology at 0.1 per cent.
In contrast, starting salaries for in-house legal roles have increased by 1.6 per cent as demand for mid-level legal counsel surges. Demand is being driven by many privately owned businesses considering an initial public offering and who require legal support, the research revealed.
Professionals in financial services experienced an average salary increase of 0.2 per cent this year.
“Although the influx of expats has made it easier and cheaper for businesses to hire, leaders should be mindful of the impact this could have on their existing employees,” Gareth El Mettouri, director – Middle East at Robert Half, said.
“Unable to secure pay rises in both their existing roles or new roles, many employees feel trapped, which impacts job satisfaction and productivity. If employers do not take steps to look after their best talent, they will move on as soon as the market shifts.”
Employers may struggle to find employees with the right skillsets, especially if they require Arabic speakers or those with previous UAE experience, he said. To attract those already living and working in the country, remuneration will need to be competitive, Mr El Mettouri added.
The UAE jobs market has recovered well from the Covid-19 pandemic thanks largely to fiscal and social measures taken by the government to attract skilled workers with new visas, and incentives for companies to set up or expand their operations. It has also introduced an unemployment insurance programme, which came into effect in 2023.
A February report by global HR platform Deel found that the UAE is the world's most popular country for international talent seeking employment visas.
According to the Robert Half report, following the introduction of corporate tax in June 2023, companies that were previously outsourcing their tax affairs are now looking to bring them in-house, which is driving demand for financial reporting and technical accounting roles, the data found.
In IT and technology, start-ups and artificial intelligence-focused companies that set up shop in the region during and after the pandemic are now reaching the next stage of maturity. These companies are seeking UX and UI specialists who can enhance the customer experience and accessibility, the report said.
“Organisations are looking for HR experts with transformation experience, particularly those who are planning to automate systems and procedures over the next few years,” the consultancy said.
In financial services, competition for compliance talent is increasing, especially for those with experience of Dubai’s jurisdiction.
“As one of the few global locations currently flourishing, there has been an influx of investment firms into the UAE, which are now seeking traders and general partners, bringing in talent from the UK, US, Netherlands and Singapore. Retail financial institutions are also growing in the area due to the prevalence of high net worth individuals," the report said.
However, the decline in salaries and oversupply of foreign talent is undermining in-role salary growth, with 75 per cent agreeing that it is harder to negotiate a pay rise than it was 12 months ago.
About 34 per cent of employees in the UAE said they need a higher salary to meet their obligations. Overall, 65 per cent will look for a new job before the end of 2025, with 30 per cent of those citing the rising cost of living as a major driver for their move.
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Scores in brief:
- New Medical Centre 129-5 in 17 overs bt Zayed Cricket Academy 125-6 in 20 overs.
- William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana 188-8 in 20 overs bt One Stop Tourism 184-8 in 20 overs
- Alubond Tigers 138-7 in 20 overs bt United Bank Limited 132-7 in 20 overs
- Multiplex 142-6 in 17 overs bt Xconcepts Automobili 140 all out in 20 overs
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
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BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
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