Top high-paying UAE job sectors to be offered in 2025: Know the list here

As the UAE job market continues to develop into 2025, some key sectors are beginning to stand out for job seekers who are hoping for salary increases. Knowing where the anticipated salary increases will occur can help professionals determine their next career steps, and negotiate their pay.

Based on recent reports and industry information, this year’s biggest salary increases are found within the technology, healthcare, financial services, and real estate sectors.

Technological Sector:

There is still high demand for IT workers, software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts in the UAE. Companies such as Microsoft Gulf, IBM Middle East, and SAP UAE have invested in their digital transformation, resulting in salary increases for skilled labour from *one* part of the industry to the next. Those who are the most rewarded, considering salary, will be those with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and software development.

Healthcare Sector:

Due to the growing infrastructure and government spending, the majority of healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, and a variety of medical specialists) are seeing vast improvements in salary. The largest healthcare providers in the UAE – NMC Health, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and Aster Dm Healthcare – are growing their staff and offering higher salary packages. This can only continue as the value of this sector has continued to be highlighted in the wake of the pandemic, and investments continue.

Finance Sector:

With Dubai and Abu Dhabi further establishing their status as global financial centers, the finance sector is seeing an increase in compensation for positions in banking, investment, compliance, and FinTech. The rise has been pushed by major entities such as Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), and Mashreq Bank. The most desirable skill areas include digital payments and regulatory compliance.

Real Estate and Construction:

The UAE continues with ambitious new urban developments, meaning salaries are increasing for real estate professionals, project managers, and construction engineers. Major companies like Emaar Properties, DAMAC Properties, and Nakheel are continuing to deliver ambitious major projects, which create labour demand in this sector.

Other Growing Areas:

Other industries with possible salary growth include logistics companies like Aramex, renewable energy companies like Masdar, and education companies like GEMS Education, which all reflect broader economic diversification in the UAE.

Job Hunter Tips:

Keep up to date with industry-specific trends and necessary skills.

Upskill or reskill in a growing field (for example, AI or sustainable technologies).

Build an active network within your industry to uncover hidden opportunities.

Negotiate your salary based on what you know about the current market, which will help set yourself up to maximise your financial reward.