The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, continues to attract global talent with its dynamic job markets and competitive salary packages. As these countries pursue ambitious economic diversification plans, understanding sector-wise salary trends is essential for professionals planning career moves and for businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent in 2025.
This article provides a detailed comparison of salaries across key sectors in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, highlighting current compensation trends, market demands, and opportunities for growth.
Technology & IT Salaries: UAE vs Saudi Arabia
The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has emerged as a thriving hub for technology startups and multinational companies. IT professionals in the UAE typically earn monthly salaries ranging from AED 12,000 to AED 30,000 depending on experience and specialization. Roles such as software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts are in high demand, with senior positions commanding salaries upwards of AED 50,000 per month.
In Saudi Arabia, the IT sector is rapidly growing, fueled by Vision 2030 initiatives. Salaries for IT professionals range from SAR 12,000 to SAR 28,000 monthly, with specialized roles in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing attracting premium compensation. The Kingdom is also focusing on developing local talent, which impacts salary structures and hiring practices.
Healthcare Sector Salary Comparison
Healthcare remains a critical sector in both countries, with increasing investments in infrastructure and services. In the UAE, doctors and specialists can expect salaries between AED 20,000 and AED 60,000 per month, depending on their field and experience. Nurses and allied health professionals earn between AED 8,000 and AED 20,000 monthly.
Saudi Arabia offers competitive packages for healthcare professionals as well, with physicians earning SAR 15,000 to SAR 55,000 per month. The government’s push to enhance healthcare services under Vision 2030 is driving demand for qualified medical staff, which is reflected in rising salaries and benefits.
Finance and Banking Salaries Across GCC
The finance sector in the UAE is well-established, with entry-level roles such as relationship managers and client service officers earning around AED 25,000 monthly. Senior roles like Finance Directors and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) command salaries ranging from AED 90,000 to AED 165,000 per month, particularly in Dubai’s growing asset management and private equity markets.
In Saudi Arabia, finance professionals earn slightly lower but competitive salaries, with mid-level managers earning SAR 20,000 to SAR 50,000 monthly. Compliance and risk management roles are increasingly valued, reflecting regulatory reforms and growing financial sector sophistication.
Engineering and Construction Salary Insights
The construction and engineering sectors are pivotal to the infrastructure growth in both countries. In the UAE, civil engineers, project managers, and quantity surveyors earn between AED 15,000 and AED 40,000 monthly, depending on expertise and project scale.
Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is expanding rapidly, with salaries for engineers ranging from SAR 12,000 to SAR 35,000 per month. The Kingdom’s mega-projects, such as NEOM and the Red Sea Development, are creating demand for skilled professionals, often accompanied by attractive expatriate packages.
Overall Salary Landscape in UAE and Saudi Arabia
While the UAE generally offers higher average salaries across most sectors, Saudi Arabia is closing the gap due to its aggressive economic reforms and investment in strategic industries. Both countries are experiencing rising demand for digital transformation, AI expertise, and healthcare professionals, which is reflected in premium salaries for these roles.
Cost of living, taxation policies, and quality of life factors also influence compensation packages. The UAE, with its tax-free salary environment, remains a preferred destination for many expatriates, while Saudi Arabia is enhancing its attractiveness through improved regulations and social reforms.
Sector-Wise Salary Comparison Table (Indicative Monthly Salaries)
Sector
UAE (AED)
Saudi Arabia (SAR)
IT & Technology
12,000 – 50,000+
12,000 – 28,000+
Healthcare
8,000 – 60,000+
15,000 – 55,000+
Finance & Banking
25,000 – 165,000+
20,000 – 50,000+
Engineering & Construction
15,000 – 40,000+
12,000 – 35,000+
Retail & Sales
11,000 – 80,000+
10,000 – 50,000+
Note: Salaries vary widely based on experience, qualifications, company size, and location.
Conclusion
Making an Informed Career Decision.
The salary comparison between the UAE and Saudi Arabia reveals robust opportunities across multiple sectors, with each country offering unique advantages. While the UAE generally leads in average salaries and tax benefits, Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic transformation is creating exciting prospects, especially in technology, healthcare, and infrastructure.
For professionals and businesses navigating these markets, staying informed about salary trends and labor market dynamics is crucial. Tailored advice and strategic HR planning can make a significant difference in attracting, retaining, and motivating talent in this competitive region.
If you want to understand how these salary trends impact your business or career, metier is here to help. As a boutique HR consulting firm specializing in the GCC region, we provide expert salary benchmarking, market insights, and strategic workforce planning tailored to your unique needs.
Contact metier today to schedule a consultation and gain personalized guidance to navigate the evolving job market successfully.
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