Charterhouse UAE 2025 Salary Guide
Foreword
As we write our Foreword, a ceasefire has been agreed and rolled out in the Gaza conflict, Trump is now the 47th President of the United States and the UAE continues to set the standard once more for the “place of choice” across numerous global indices.
Regional salary levels in 2024 were largely stagnate with limited increments apparent across certain specialised areas; where regional supply of talent is either under-developed and/or evolving in nature. The tilted supply and demand equation continues to be a consideration across most areas of the UAE job and recruitment market; with an ongoing influx of talent (via population growth) has in many areas outstripped the pace of job creation. This is also now apparent away from some of the traditional areas and sources of job migration and subsequently, employers have been able to take advantage of both deeper talent pools and an increasingly competitive job market, where salaries and overall packages tend to be “open to negotiation”.
In general, the job search within the UAE is becoming more sophisticated, specific and selective in nature. Whilst salary can often be a negotiation point, the cost of recruitment and employment means that companies are increasingly aware of hiring strategy and plans. This has a definite ripple effect in the market and whilst the UAE is largely business friendly, it does also rank high on the global cost index.
One sentiment that our survey demonstrates is that the “one glove fits all” analogy doesn’t necessarily apply. Recruiters are often either cited or asked to present a “salary hike figure” however, our in-house view is to steer away from that. Each regional(and even Emirate) market has its different dynamic before even factoring-in the numerous nuances of each industry and sector. Whilst the supply & demand relationship can be viewed and commented-on at a macro level, it will likely have a different drip-down effect across the various sectors and/or the nature of the job in question (reflected also in the survey).
The view at Charterhouse, is that following on from some flatlines in 2024, 2025 should see small to moderate increases in wage bands across the mid-to-senior professional lines of our market focus. This will be mirrored however, with the ongoing high supply of talent pools either already in the market, on the ground & looking or open to relocation for a UAE job opportunity.
The lifestyle versus “salary-style” consideration is now a definite and apparent equation within the UAE and regional market. The destination of choice versus any perceived or previous hardship-posting is a thing of the past. Whilst the upside to this is a larger and more varied career opportunity (as the market grows and diversifies), the competition for jobs remains unabated.
As always and in to our 21st year, Charterhouse Middle East will always update and adapt with the trends, within these very excitement and dynamic times for the UAE and the region.
Where Charterhouse Sits
In May 2024, Charterhouse celebrated 20 years of operations in the GCC, a significant milestone for the company, presenting an ideal time to reflect upon and recognize past achievements, whilst also looking ahead to reaffirm corporate goals for the future.
As we enter a fresh new year, the market looks set to face further challenges due to uncertainty surrounding the global economic landscape. One thing which is evident despite this is the increased appetite from international talent looking to secure a relocation to the region, specifically the UAE due to the prospect of long term career progression and improved standards of living. Whilst the preference for most employers will remain focused on securing locally available talent, this may prove difficult in an increasingly saturated market, pushing employers to consider relocating individuals from further afield who possess the desired technical skillset and capabilities.
At Charterhouse we recognise the need for agility and staying well-informed of the latest market trends in order to offer the best service levels to all of our clients and candidates who we represent.
The longstanding reputation of the Charterhouse brand and our team of experts is what sets us apart in a heavily competitive market, which is leaning closer towards a dependence on automated technology and AI.
Charterhouse will continue to prioritise people whether it be our own team, driving a strong working culture which has seen us recognised consecutively as a Great Place to Work, or supporting our clients and candidates as a strategic business partner centred around trust, transparency and reliability.
Our expertise and coverage within this salary guide for 2025, focuses across the following core areas of market disciplines:
Salary Guide Notes
Our survey collates figures across a range of sources and brings together salary information from our candidate database, client input on budgets and grading systems and our market intelligence via research, benchmarking and information gathering. The survey, in turn, reports figures (Low & High) which is an accurate and impartial reflection of the market ranges within job offers.
The figure ranges cited include our categorisation of gross monthly fixed compensation and would exclude any monetary benefit or allowance linking to education, leave travel, insurances and any other perks (financial or non-financial). This standardisation is there to allow for any anomalies whilst also accommodating for the varied nature of package structures across the client/company base within the UAE market.
The Charterhouse Commitment
We commit to a high level of professional service and integrity with an approach of engagement across our candidate and client network. Our team consists of specialised consultants, whom within their sectors, are positioned to provide the strongest talent and recruitment solutions on the agenda of delivery to succeed. We ensure accuracy and integrity of any information and/or consultancy input and this holds true within the survey presented.
We hope this information provides a useful and informative summary across its area of attention.