Are you considering pursuing a career in Dubai? Are you curious about the highest and lowest paying jobs in the city? In industries like marketing and advertising, hospitality, security, and investigation, foreign employees are needed to fill the void.
But remember, there are many factors to consider when choosing a job. These factors include the balance between work and life, the security of employment, and, most importantly, the level of income. Many ex-pats choose fairly priced Properties in Dubai as their home, as it is one of the best cities to do business in. Despite the high cost of living in Dubai, there are also plenty of jobs with excellent salaries. Keep reading if you are looking for a job that pays well and contributes to society at the same time. Here, you can see a list of high-paying and low-paying jobs in Dubai.
There is nothing like the skyscrapers surrounding Dubai and the architecture that is out of this world. The amazing Middle Eastern city attracts many professionals seeking employment security and career advancement. Various types of highly regarded jobs are available with different salaries. But remember, your CV is your single most important tool in the job search process.
In the UAE’s competitive job market, recruiters spend an average of six seconds reviewing your resume. Therefore, the use of buzzwords is one of the biggest CV pitfalls to avoid. And please note that there is a wide range of jobs targeting your unique set of skills, and you need time and patience to find them. If you are highly qualified, you can find a job like CEO or chief financial officer with a monthly salary of 200,000 dirham. Property developers in the UAE often seek highly qualified professionals to fill key roles. These positions can include project managers, developers, and marketing specialists, among others.
Continue reading to find the top highest-paid, and lowest-paid jobs in Dubai with salaries and allowances.
The majority of people who come to Dubai on a visit visa fail to find employment in Dubai because they lack knowledge and preparation. To be eligible for a UAE golden visa, you must have a job offer with a salary of at least AED 20,000 per month. In addition, you must have a bank deposit of AED 1 million. With the right qualifications and experience, many job seekers can find a job in Dubai that meets these requirements. This job provides high salaries and other allowances. It is hard for Dubai’s job seekers without college degrees to find a good job in the city. According to searches, Dubai is the most suitable place for bankers and other educated professionals to find a high-salary job. In Dubai, there is no minimum wage rate, and employers pay you differently based on your age, qualification, experience, or nationality. If you want to know more about high-paying and low-paying jobs, continue reading.
The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a paradise for entrepreneurs and investors due to its dynamic economy, strategic location, and government support. Among the profitable businesses in the UAE are the tourism and hospitality industry, financial and investment services, and online retail stores. Additionally, professions such as business consultancy, luxury beauty and grooming services and real estate agencies are highly profitable due to the growing demand in the country. The UAE government has created an attractive environment for foreign investors by offering tax exemptions and company registration facilities.
A high quality of life and competitive salaries contribute to the emirate’s 80% ex-pat population. Dubai’s average monthly salary is AED 21,500, which is approximately equal to USD $5,853. On average, workers in Dubai earn more than their counterparts in Western countries. If you are looking for a high-paying job in Dubai, check out the following list. Here are some of the most in-demand, high-paying jobs in Dubai:
As a CMOS, you are responsible for company marketing operations. You have to boost the company’s brand by designing effective marketing strategies. To qualify for this high-paying job in Dubai, you need a degree in sales and marketing, along with experience.
Salary: 488,000 AED (most experienced).
Another high-paying job position in Dubai is Chief financial officer. They are the first strategy advisors of the company with the highest salary. In this position, you have to make all accounting, finance, profit, and investment decisions. To be a professional in the field, you need to be proficient in accounting, finance, and delivering shareholder value.
Salary: Around 20,000 AED
Lawyers are among the most important and high-paying jobs in almost all organizations because of the legal matters and rescuing businesses from a legal perspective. As a lawyer, you have to prepare all legal arrangements and agreements. To be a lawyer in Dubai, you need a law degree and experience.
Salary: 60,000 AED
If you are a surgeon, neurologist, gynecologist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, you can easily find a job around the world. Like all over the world, if you are a doctor, you can find a highly valued and highly paid position in Dubai. To achieve a high-paying position in Dubai as a doctor, you need experience and training of a minimum of 8-10 years. Some specialists, such as cardiologists or neurologists, can earn up to 180,000 per month!
Salary: 180,000 AED
There is in high demand for bankers in the retail sector, the corporate sector, and other fields to make decisions about long-term loans and other investments. As an employee in the banking sector, you will receive an excellent salary from Dubai banks.
Salary: 49,000 AED
Engineers can work on different construction projects and fields like mechanical, computer, electrical, etc. Pay attention; if you have more experience, you will earn more per month.
Salary: 144,000 to 170,000 AED
As an IT manager, you manage business strategies like design, support, development, and testing. They also confirm and set up the IT department. The IT manager has roles such as determining policies, team management, and organizing the entire setup. The experience required is about 10-12 years, and you, as an IT manager, must be up to date-with the latest technologies.
Salary: 117,000 AED
Retail merchandisers play a significant role in the decision-making process of a company. If you want to find a job in this field, you need to know industry trends. Moreover, you should encourage customers to use your products or services. If you want to reach a high-level merchandiser position, a degree in retail management or marketing can help you.
One of the jobs that Dubai really needs is professional and qualified pilots. That is because of the increasing number of large airlines such as Etihad, Emirates, and FyDubai. If you work as a pilot in Dubai, more than a high-paying job, there are other great perks like school fees, allowances, and free houses.
Salary: 58,000 AED
Most individuals working in the retail sector in Dubai and the UAE hold degrees in marketing or business. These buyers and merchandisers have a significant impact on commercial companies and brands. The average monthly salary for someone in this field is around 55,000 AED.
In recent years, data engineering has become one of the most sought-after professions, offering high salaries and benefits. The average salary for data engineers ranges from 17,000 AED to 40,000 AED. Data engineers analyze information to help companies plan effectively for their business strategies.
The hairdressing industry in Dubai has seen significant growth in recent years. As a result, many hairdressers are considering migrating to Dubai to establish beauty salons. The average monthly income of a hairdresser is around 8,000 AED, excluding the additional earnings they make through service fees or tips. With this monthly income, the standard of living in Dubai for hairdressers is considered favorable.
Dubai, with its booming commercial sector, has seen a significant rise in the demand for teasers and advertisements. If you have solid experience in videography and creating promotional content, choosing Dubai as your work destination is a smart decision. Major companies in Dubai invest heavily in creating high-quality advertisements and promotional videos. Additionally, photographers and videographers can apply for the UAE freelance visa and benefit from its advantages.
Another high-paying job in Dubai is that of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer. Professionals in this field possess a deep understanding of programming, software engineering, and data science. By developing computer programs modeled after the human brain, AI engineers help reduce the need for on-site labor. Applications of AI include traffic control systems (land and air), healthcare, education, and treatment processes.
Given the growing importance of this profession, the UAE has implemented a dedicated AI strategy and recently inaugurated the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to train professionals in this field. Additionally, you can obtain UAE residency through education in such institutions.
UAE Labour Law does not specify a minimum salary but mentions that salaries should cover employees’ basic needs. Nevertheless, apart from the high-paying jobs in Dubai, we have also provided a list of the lowest-paying jobs.
Manual labor jobs in Dubai are among the lowest-paid ones. These kinds of jobs include gardeners, security guards, drivers, and maids. Jobs in the nursing sector, tourism, receptionists, and secretaries are also paid less than management and professional jobs.
Their salaries are around 2,500 AED per month…
While teaching is a respectable career in society, it is not among the high-paying jobs. The salary can change based on the capability and knowledge of the teacher. However, teaching can be a rewarding career that can bring satisfaction and joy. The salary may not be high, but the rewards that come from helping mold future generations can be priceless.
Salary: 2,400 to 4,000 AED
In the accounting field, there are some middle-level accountants who receive lower salaries. The amount of salary in the sector can increase based on your experience, expertise, qualifications, and nationality. This means that middle-level accountants should strive to increase their qualifications and experience in order to be eligible for higher salaries. Thus, by investing in their professional development, they can increase their earning potential.
Another low-paying job in Dubai is the position of bar manager. While to be a bar manager, you have to be a hard-working person; there is no need for any special skills. The job requires you to manage the bar staff, handle customer orders and complaints, and maintain the inventory. The average salary for a bar manager in Dubai ranges from 4000-5000 AED per month.
If you have a valid license and experience, you can work as a school bus driver. The normal amount of salary ranges from Dh. 2000-4500 based on your experience and the type of vehicle. The job requires you to have knowledge of routes and traffic laws. You must also be able to maintain the bus in a safe and clean condition. Working hours vary from school to school.
Most maids and nannies who work in Dubai are from India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. While you have to work hard for this job, the salary is low. Despite the low pay, many people opt to work in Dubai in order to send money to their families in their home countries. Working in Dubai also provides a chance for people to experience a new culture and to save money for their futures.
Personal assistants are required in every organization for employees in top positions. It requires many skills and also high qualifications to handle everyday functions in a company. Individuals who seek a position as an assistant may receive a high salary or a low one. It strongly depends on the scale of the organization or their nationality.
Each year many people come from other developing countries and work as laborers in Dubai. This is a low-paying job with an expected salary of Dh.600-1500. This job includes hard labor, such as carrying heavy objects, long hours of standing in the sun and working with dangerous machinery. Despite the hard work, the salary is still low, and many laborers struggle to make ends meet.
If you are planning to migrate to Dubai for work, we have compiled a list of the most in-demand jobs in the UAE for 2024 to help you make the best career choice.
The most sought-after jobs in Dubai (UAE) include:
Certainly, not all the in-demand jobs in Dubai are included in the list above, but we have highlighted the professions currently needed in Dubai’s job market.
Holding a job and earning an income in Dubai comes with several advantages, including:
As one of the world’s major business and economic hubs, Dubai offers significantly higher earnings for high-paying jobs compared to many other global cities. This distinction stems from favorable tax policies, thriving international markets, and advanced infrastructure in sectors like technology, tourism, and real estate. Unlike many major cities with high personal income tax rates, Dubai has no income tax, allowing workers to enjoy a higher net income. Furthermore, multinational companies in Dubai often provide more competitive compensation packages than those in other cities to attract top talent.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary in Dubai (USD) | New York (USD) | London (USD) | Singapore (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | 250,000 – 350,000 | 300,000 – 400,000 | 200,000 – 300,000 | 220,000 – 320,000 |
| Specialist Doctor | 204,000 – 300,000 | 200,000 – 350,000 | 150,000 – 250,000 | 170,000 – 280,000 |
| Lawyer | 204,000 – 272,000 | 180,000 – 280,000 | 120,000 – 200,000 | 140,000 – 220,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 163,200 – 190,800 | 150,000 – 200,000 | 110,000 – 160,000 | 130,000 – 190,000 |
| Finance and Accounting Specialist | 204,000 – 272,000 | 180,000 – 280,000 | 120,000 – 200,000 | 140,000 – 220,000 |
Note: These figures are approximate and may vary depending on experience, expertise, industry, and other factors.
To secure a high-paying job in the UAE, consider the following steps:
To secure high-paying jobs in Dubai, having specialized, up-to-date skills along with international capabilities is essential. Key requirements include managerial expertise, proficiency in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, and professional-level fluency in English.
Fluency in both English and Arabic is a significant advantage in today’s job market, especially in the UAE. English, as the international language of business, is crucial for communication with multinational companies and foreign clients. On the other hand, knowledge of Arabic, the official language of the region, helps establish stronger connections with local partners, understand workplace culture better, and build trust in professional environments.
Holding recognized international certifications is a key factor in professional success, especially in high-paying roles. Certifications such as MBA (Master of Business Administration), CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), PMP (Project Management Professional), and AWS Certified Solutions Architect in the IT field are highly valued in global markets. These certifications not only validate individual expertise but also demonstrate proficiency in global standards and a commitment to professional growth. In Dubai, companies prioritize candidates with these certifications, as they are considered reliable and knowledgeable professionals.
In Dubai, many people make their living by finding Profitable Businesses in the UAE, a high-paying job, earning money, and sending it back home. Depending on your expertise and knowledge, you can choose from a wide range of jobs available in Dubai. Working in Dubai can provide people with a chance to experience a new culture while also providing an opportunity to save money for their future. For those who are looking for a long-term investment opportunity, Dxboffplan provides a platform to purchase UAE off-plan properties at a great rate, giving potential buyers an opportunity to capitalize on the high returns of the UAE real estate market.
With a salary of AED 10,000 - 15,000 (USD 2,700 - 4,000) each month, you have a decent chance of saving some money, while a salary of AED 15,000 - 20,000 (USD 4,000 - 5,400) per month is highly desired.
Register on job portals, attend online job fairs, browse classifieds and sign up with recruitment agencies to find a job.
To find a high-paying job in Dubai, it is essential to keep your specialized skills updated, network, and use reliable job search websites like LinkedIn, Bayt, and GulfTalent.
Yes, Dubai, as a global destination for professionals, offers many job opportunities for expatriates.
Specialized skills in areas such as IT, oil and gas engineering, project management, digital marketing, and human resource management are essential for high-paying jobs in Dubai.
Yes, to work in Dubai as an expatriate, you need a work permit and residence visa. The process of obtaining these permits is typically handled by the employers or companies hiring you.
No, the United Arab Emirates does not have a personal income tax. This is one of the main attractions of Dubai for individuals seeking high-paying jobs.
To find a high-paying job in Dubai's tourism and hospitality industry, you need to have significant experience in managing hotels, restaurants, or large events.
In Dubai, Iranians with various skills and experiences can access high-paying jobs such as financial advisors and accountants, marketing and sales specialists, chefs, oil and gas engineers, and executive managers and project managers.
Although fluency in Arabic can be an advantage, in many jobs in Dubai, proficiency in English is sufficient.
