2025 UAE Salary Guide & Market Report
31 January, 2025
Summary
Below is our UAE Salary Guide. To receive a PDF copy, complete the form above.
Our 2025 UAE Salary Guide and Market Report provides the latest salary information within the following markets: Telecommunications & Mobile Infrastructure; Cloud Technologies, E-Commerce & Software, Smart Technologies, IoT and AI; and Data Centers. Alongside these salary figures are concise market overviews, highlighting the main factors influencing recruitment within each sector. The salaries within this report are displayed as monthly earnings in UAE dirhams. They are based on market research, salaries being offered by organisations to candidates and candidates expectations when seeking a new role.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS & MOBILE INFRASTRUCTURE
The telecommunications and mobile infrastructure sector in the UAE is poised for steady growth through 2025 and beyond. Driven by 5G advancements, mobile and fi xed networks will continue expanding to meet the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity, particularly for data-intensive activities, such as video streaming, online gaming, and IoT applications. The UAE government’s push toward a digital economy, combined with the “We the UAE 2031” vision, focuses on subsea cable deployment and 6G development, further boosting the sector’s capabilities.
The UAE telecoms market is expected to grow at a modest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 1% from 2022 to 2027, with mobile subscriptions rising steadily. A key recruitment trend will involve roles in network expansion, data management, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Additionally, companies like Etisalat and Du are investing heavily in upgrading their 5G networks and exploring new business areas such as IoT solutions and private 5G networks, signalling growing opportunities for specialized professionals in those fi elds.
By 2028, mobile broadband connections are projected to increase by 16.4%, reflecting continued infrastructure investments and rising consumer and business demand for high-speed internet.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS & MOBILE INFRASTRUCTURE
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY (AED)
| SPECIALISM | JOB TITLE | 2-4 years | 5-8 years | 9+ years |
| Wireless Network | RF Optimization Engineer | 16,000 | 22,000 | 30,000 |
| NPO Engineer | 18,000 | 28,000 | 35,000 | |
| RF Solution Architect | 22,000 | 28,000 | 35,000 | |
| Back Office Performance Engineer | 16,000 | 19,000 | 22,000 | |
| NDO Engineer | 18,000 | 25,000 | 34,000 | |
| E2E Optimizaiton Engineer | 22,000 | 28,000 | 34,000 | |
| 4G/5G Optimizaiton | 22,000 | 28,000 | 34,000 | |
| 5G RAN Solution Architect | 22,000 | 28,000 | 35,000 | |
| RAN Engineer | 16,000 | 19,000 | 22,000 | |
| OSS/BSS Engineer | 16,000 | 19,000 | 22,000 | |
| Open RAN Integration Engineer | 18,000 | 25,000 | 34,000 | |
| Open RAN Testing Engineer | 18,000 | 24,000 | 34,000 | |
| PreSales Engineer | 17,000 | 22,000 | 25,000 | |
| Project Manager | 22,000 | 28,000 | 33,000 | |
| Program manager | 25,000 | 28,000 | 35,000 | |
| IP / Datacom Engineer | 17,000 | 22,000 | 25,000 | |
| Transport, Optical & IP Networks | Transmission Back Office Engineer | 16,000 | 19,000 | 22,000 |
| IP Solution Architect | 20,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 | |
| IP RAN Engineer | 20,000 | 24,000 | 28,000 | |
| IP Design Engineer | 18,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 | |
| IP Datacom | 16,000 | 20,000 | 25,000 | |
| FTTX/GPON Engineer | 16,000 | 19,000 | 22,000 | |
| Support Engineer | 16,000 | 20,000 | 25,000 | |
| Project Manager / Operations manager | 24,000 | 30,000 | 38,000 | |
| Program Manager | 18,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 | |
| Core Network | Core Engineer (CS/PS) | 18,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 |
| IMS Engineer | 18,000 | 21,000 | 25,000 | |
| VAS Engineer | 18,000 | 23,000 | 27,000 | |
| 5G Core Engineer | 18,000 | 23,000 | 27,000 | |
| Core Optimization Engineer | 18,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 | |
| 2nd Level Support Engineer | 16,000 | 20,000 | 24,000 | |
| E2E Core Engineer | 18,000 | 20,000 | 24,000 | |
| Core Solution Architect | 20,000 | 25,000 | 32,000 | |
| Core Design Enginrer | 18,000 | 28,000 | 30,000 | |
| Project Manager / Operations Manager | 22,000 | 28,000 | 35,000 | |
| Program Manager | 25,000 | 35,000 | 45,000 | |
| Sales | Business Development | 20,000 | 35,000 | 45,000 |
| Business Development Director | 38,000 | 50,000 | 70,000 | |
| Account Manager | 18,000 | 32,000 | 52,000 | |
| Account Director | 38,000 | 50,000 | 70,000 |
CLOUD TECHNOLOGIES
Throughout 2024, the cloud technology landscape in the UAE continued to expand and was driven by ambitious government initiatives and significant investment from both local and global players. The UAE has positioned itself as a leader in cloud adoption within the Middle East region, reflecting its focus on digital transformation as part of Vision 2031. With strategic partnerships between cloud providers and government agencies, cloud infrastructure has seen rapid growth, enhancing efficiency, scalability, and security across public and private sectors.
The adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud strategies has been a key trend in 2024 and is expected to continue in 2025, enabling organisations to leverage the flexibility and control of both public and private cloud environments. The increasing focus on AI, data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) is also driving demand for advanced cloud solutions to handle growing data requirements.
The UAE’s cloud market is projected to surpass $10 billion USD by 2028, growing at a CAGR of over 20%, as businesses continue migrating from traditional IT infrastructures. With the rise in digital services, cloud security and data privacy remain top priorities. As more enterprises and start-ups embrace cloud-native technologies, the demand for cloud professionals across sectors is expected to continue growing significantly in 2025 and beyond. Roles within all areas of cloud are in demand and this is only set to increase over the next 12-24 months.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY (AED)
Cloud, Edge & Network Virtualization | JOB TITLE | 2-4 YEARS | 5-8 YEARS | 9+ YEARS |
| Cloud Solution Architect | 30,000 | 43,000 | 55,000 | |
| Enterprise Architect | 30,000 | 43,000 | 55,000 | |
| Cloud System Administrator | 17,500 | 22,000 | 27,000 | |
| Cloud Sales Engineer / PreSales Engineer | 21,000 | 28,000 | 38,000 | |
| Site Reliability Engineer | 23,000 | 32,000 | 45,000 | |
| NFV Engineer (Network Function Virtualization) | 21,000 | 30,000 | 40,000 | |
| SDN Engineer (Software Defined Networking | 21,000 | 30,000 | 40,000 | |
| Cloud Product Manager | 23,000 | 29,000 | 35,000 | |
| Presales Manager | 23,000 | 29,000 | 40,000 | |
| Project Manager | 23.000 | 30,000 | 39,000 | |
| Sales | Business Development Manager | 20,000 | 36,000 | 48,000 |
| Business Development Director | 40,000 | 55,000 | 70,000 | |
| Account Manager | 22,000 | 36,000 | 48,000 | |
| Account /Client Director | 40,000 | 54,000 | 68,000 |
E-COMMERCE & SOFTWARE
The e-commerce and software development sectors in the UAE are thriving due to the ongoing digital transformation and technological strategic investments, as well as tech-friendly policies which makes the country a hub for regional and international businesses and as such demand for skilled software developers, e-commerce managers, and digital specialists is expected to rise significantly in 2025 and the years following.
In software development, there is a growing focus on agile methodologies, DevOps practices, and AI-powered solutions. Demand for custom software development has surged, particularly in FinTech, healthcare, and retail, as businesses look to enhance user experience and operational efficiency. Additionally, the UAE’s embrace of open-source technologies and cloud-based platforms is shaping the development landscape, providing greater flexibility and scalability for companies. This is driving demand for roles across the sector. The e-commerce sector has seen exponential growth, driven by changing consumer habits and increased internet penetration. UAE’s e-commerce market value is expected to exceed $17 billion, with a strong emphasis on mobile commerce and omni-channel strategies. Businesses are leveraging AI and data analytics to offer personalized shopping experiences and streamline logistics. Moreover, with the rise of FinTech and digital payments, e-commerce platforms are becoming more seamless and secure.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY (AED)
| JOB TITLE | 2-4 YEARS | 5-8 YEARS | 9+ YEARS | |
Digital Commerce & Enterprise | Product Owner / Manager | 26,000 | 34,000 | 42,000 |
| E-commerce Manager | 19,000 | 27,000 | 36,000 | |
| Solutions Engineer | 19,000 | 28,000 | 34,000 | |
| Marketing Manager | 17,000 | 24,000 | 31,000 | |
| Project Manager | 20,000 | 28,000 | 37,000 | |
| 20,000 | 28,000 | 37,000 | ||
| Operation Manager | 21,000 | 30,000 | 41,000 | |
Software & DevOps | DevOps Engineer | 20,000 | 28,000 | 40,000 |
| Full-Stack Developer | 20,000 | 28,000 | 35,000 | |
| Front end Developer | 18,000 | 25,000 | 35,000 | |
| Back End Developer | 18,000 | 25,000 | 35,000 | |
| Mobile Developer (IOS/Android) | 18,000 | 25,000 | 35,000 | |
| Application Support Engineer | 17,000 | 24,000 | 35,000 | |
| QA Engineer | 15,000 | 23,000 | 35,000 | |
| UI/UX Specialist | 16,000 | 20,000 | 26,000 | |
| Sales | Business Development Manager | 20,000 | 26,000 | 35,000 |
| Business Development Director | 37,000 | 48,000 | 60,000 | |
| Account Manager | 20,000 | 26,000 | 34,000 | |
| Account /Client Director | 30,000 | 41,000 | 55,000 | |
| Partnership Manager | 25,000 | 32,000 | 54,000 | |
| Client Services/Solutions Manager | 22,000 | 30,000 | 50,000 |
SMART TECHNOLOGIES, IOT & AI
UAE continues to be a global leader in the adoption and implementation of smart technologies, IoT, and AI, with these sectors playing a pivotal role in the country’s digital transformation eff orts. The UAE Government remains committed to integrating AI across sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and urban planning, aligning with national initiatives like the UAE Artifi cial Intelligence Strategy 2031. The use of AI-driven analytics and decision-making tools is helping organisations optimize effi ciency and improve customer experiences.
The UAE government remains committed to leveraging AI and IoT to accelerate digital transformation and enhance performance standards. The Middle East, being the second-largest region for IoT, is expected to see substantial growth, with the market projected to expand at a CAGR of 27.5% during the forecast period. By 2028, the global IoT market is estimated to grow from $544.38 billion in 2022 to $2,227 billion USD, with the UAE and the wider Middle East region contributing signifi cantly to this growth.
AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, are being widely deployed across various sectors, from fi nance to education. The integration of AI with IoT is giving rise to more autonomous systems, allowing real-time data collection and analysis for predictive maintenance, resource optimization, and personalized services. As both IoT and AI continue to mature, the demand for skilled professionals in these fi elds is expected to soar, making them key drivers of growth in 2025 and beyond.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY (AED)
| JOB TITLE | 2-4 YEARS | 5-8 YEARS | 9+ YEARS | |
| Smart Technology & Internet Of Things (IoT) | IOT/M2M Design Engineer | 20,000 | 25,000 | 33,000 |
| IOT/M2M Integration Engineer | 20,000 | 24,000 | 30,000 | |
| IOT/M2M Solution Architect | 24,000 | 31,000 | 39,000 | |
| IOT/M2M Testing Engineer | 20,000 | 25,000 | 29,000 | |
| R&D Engineer | 20,000 | 22,000 | 28,000 | |
| Data Analyst | 17,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 | |
| Data Scientist | 27,000 | 37,000 | 52,000 | |
Automation, AI & Big Data | Machine Learning Engineer | 20,000 | 25,000 | 33,000 |
| AI Engineer | 20,000 | 25,000 | 33,000 | |
| AI Product Owner | 26,000 | 34,000 | 42,000 | |
| Data Architect | 27,000 | 40,000 | 55,000 | |
| Data Product Manager | 27,000 | 37,000 | 47,000 | |
| Sales | Business Development Manager | 22,000 | 38,000 | 50,000 |
| Business Development Director | 38,000 | 49,000 | 68,000 | |
| Account Manager | 21,000 | 35,000 | 45,000 | |
| Account /Client Director | 35,000 | 46,000 | 64,000 |
DATA CENTER
Globally, the data center market is growing at a rapid rate and while Asia leads the way in terms of growth, the Middle East is also experiencing phenomenal growth. The data center industry in the UAE is poised for substantial growth in the coming years, driven by the nation’s strategic focus on digital transformation and smart city initiatives. As businesses and government entities increasingly rely on cloud computing, big data, and AI, the demand for robust and scalable data center infrastructure continues to rise. The UAE’s strategic investments in infrastructure, along with government-backed initiatives like the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025, are accelerating the need for advanced data center solutions.
The expansion of hyperscalers and colocation facilities is expected to dominate the market, with key global players establishing or expanding their presence in the UAE. Sustainable data centers are also a focus, as companies look to align with environmental sustainability goals by adopting renewable energy sources and energy-effi cient technologies.
In terms of recruitment, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in data center management and operation. Companies are seeking experts who can ensure the seamless operation, security, and scalability of data center services. Roles in operations, architecture, and data governance are becoming increasingly important as the complexity of managing data at scale grows. The UAE’s continued focus on digital transformation positions the data center sector for rapid expansion in the coming years.
AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY (AED)
| JOB TITLE | 2-4 YEARS | 5-8 YEARS | 9+ YEARS | |
| Technical | Network Engineer | 20,000 | 28,000 | 40,000 |
| Infrastructure Specialist | 20,000 | 28,000 | 40,000 | |
| Security Specialist | 25,000 | 35,000 | 40,000 | |
| Facilities Manager | 24,000 | 32,000 | 40,000 | |
| Construction Project Manager | 25,000 | 37,000 | 53,000 | |
| Data Center Operations Manager | 24,000 | 32,000 | 40,000 | |
| Sales | Business Development Manager - Data Center Solutions | 22,000 | 35,000 | 46,000 |
| Business Development Director | 37,000 | 40,000 | 64,000 | |
| Account Manager | 22,000 | 35,000 | 46,000 | |
| Customer Success Manager - Data Center Solutions | 20,000 | 33,000 | 45,000 | |
| Account / Client Director | 37,000 | 48,000 | 63,000 |