What are the guidelines for the wage in UAE?
Every employer is expected to pay their employees’ salary on time and in full every month by the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization). According to the salary rules in Dubai (and the UAE), the Ministry can take legal action against an employer if salaries are not paid within 15 days of the due date.
The MOHRE also requires every employer to register with the WPS (Wages Protection System), an electronic system regulated by the Central Bank to streamline the payment of salaries and wages.
Types of Wages in UAE
Monthly Wages:
This is the most common form of payment. A monthly wage is paid according to your employment contract. It includes your minimum basic salary in the UAE, along with bonuses and allowances. This fixed amount is generally paid at the end of every month.
Hourly Wages:
If your job is based on the number of hours you work, you may receive an hourly wage. While there is no set minimum hourly wage in the UAE, your hourly rate is usually determined by factors like experience and the industry sector. This type of wage is mostly used for part-time or flexible jobs.
Weekly Wages:
Some employers offer weekly payments. This allows workers to receive wages more frequently. It’s especially useful for temporary or casual jobs, offering both flexibility for the employee and the employer.
Piece-rate Wages:
A piece-rate wage is used in industries where the quantity of work completed can be easily measured, like manufacturing or agriculture. Workers are paid based on the amount of work they produce or the number of units they complete.
Daily Wages:
A daily wage system is often used for temporary, seasonal, or casual jobs, where workers are paid for each day worked. It’s a flexible payment method, mostly ideal for short-term employment or for jobs with irregular hours.
Commission-based Wages:
In sales or service roles, employees may receive a commission-based wage, where pay is tied to a percentage of sales or services rendered. Since it has no fixed salary cap, it allows individuals to earn more based on their performance.
Average Salaries in the UAE by Profession
Below is a list of average salaries in the country, based on a recent salary study:
Industry | Low seniority | High seniority |
Banking & Finance | AED 20,000 | AED 110,000 |
Consultancy | AED 22,000 | AED 120,000 |
Data & Analytics | AED 20,000 | AED 100,000 |
Digital Marketing | AED 15,000 | AED 60,000 |
UX/UI Design | AED 20,000 | AED 60,000 |
Digital Transformation & Strategy | AED 25,000 | AED 120,000 |
Product & E-Commerce | AED 20,000 | AED 60,000 |
Software Development | AED 17,000 | AED 55,000 |
QA & Testing | AED 20,000 | AED 40,000 |
Engineering & Manufacturing | AED 15,000 | AED 90,000 |
Accounting & Auditing | AED 20,000 | AED 95,000 |
Healthcare & Life Sciences | AED 25,000 | AED 90,000 |
Human Resources | AED 25,000 | AED 70,000 |
Legal & Policy | AED 30,000 | AED 110,000 |
Procurement & Supply Chain | AED 18,000 | AED 85,000 |
Property & Construction | AED 35,000 | AED 85,000 |
Retail | AED 15,000 | AED 45,000 |
Sales & Marketing | AED 25,000 | AED 60,000 |
Secretarial & Office Support | AED 18,000 | AED 33,000 |
Technology | AED 20,000 | AED 65,000 |
What Factors Affect Salaries in the UAE?
1. Work Experience
2. Industry Performance
3. Skills
4. Size of Company
5. Emirates
Does the Average Wage in UAE Differ by Emirate?
What to Do if My Employer Doesn't Pay Me in UAE?
It’s your legal right to be paid on time. The UAE takes worker rights seriously and has systems in place to protect you. Here’s what you should do:
- Check your contract: Every employment contract will mention how much you are being paid and when you can expect to be paid by. Deferring payments to employees is a serious offence according to the government.
- Talk to your employer: Sending an email to your employer or having a meeting with them regarding delayed payments can be a good first step. If they are uncooperative, you can complain to the relevant government body.
- File a complaint with MOHRE: If your salary is more than 15 days late, you can file a legal complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE). You can do this through the MOHRE website, app, or by calling their helpline.
- Use the WPS system: If your company is registered under the Wages Protection System, MOHRE can track your salary payments and help you recover what you’re owed.
How to Negotiate Your Starting Salary in Dubai?
Negotiating your salary can feel tough, but it’s an important step when starting a new job. It shows that you know your worth, and is a normal part of getting hired in Dubai. This is how you can get a better starting salary in Dubai:
- Understand your industry: Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and LinkedIn can help you figure how much other professionals in your industry are getting paid. This can help you come with a salary range that suits your experience and qualifications.
- Emphasize what sets you apart: If you have any unique skills, interesting work experience, or advanced qualifications, make sure to highlight it. The more you prove that you can bring something new to the table, the more likely you are to get a better salary.
- Be flexible and assess counterparts: While it’s important to know your worth, it’s also important to reject every offer that comes your way. If you ever receive a counteroffer, make sure to evaluate it thoroughly. It might offer other benefits that you may not have considered.
- Know when to reject offers: If you receive an offer that does not align with your standards, and there is no room for negotiation, it might be best to reject the offer. Finding the right fit can be tough, and the job market is extremely competitive, but you should always take into account your career trajectory and the employer’s long-term potential.
About A&A Associate
A&A Associate is the UAE’s largest business setup advisory, helping clients with business licenses in UAE, applying for a Golden Visa, and everything related to starting a business in UAE, including opening a bank account.
