By Staff Reporter
UAE Jobseekers Demand 30% Higher Salaries as Living Costs Rise and Talent Shortages Grow
The UAE job market is currently experiencing a significant mismatch between salary expectations and offers, as jobseekers demand up to 30% more than employers are willing to offer, according to the latest Naukrigulf Hiring Outlook Report.
This disparity is particularly pronounced for senior roles, where the gap widens even further.
The demand for higher salaries comes as the cost of living in the country continues to rise, driven by increased housing rents, education fees, transportation, and healthcare costs. With the UAE’s population growth, from 9.79 million in 2021 to 11.35 million in 2025, the demand for goods and services has intensified, further escalating living expenses.
Despite this, employers are facing an influx of global job seekers, which has increased the talent pool but simultaneously made it harder for candidates to secure significant salary hikes. The report notes that while professionals expect higher pay, the larger pool of candidates is moderating salary growth.
Certain sectors, especially those in technology and specialized fields, are seeing salary premiums. IT, cybersecurity, and AI professionals can command 25-50% more than the average, while sales and marketing professionals in high-growth industries like SaaS and fintech can secure 20-30% higher salaries.
However, a shortage of skilled talent is hindering companies’ recruitment efforts. Key sectors such as engineering, technology, and operations are facing severe talent shortages, contributing to hiring delays and creating a challenging environment for employers looking to fill critical positions.
News Source: Khaleej Times
