Employees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) enjoy the highest monthly salaries in the Middle East and Arab World, ranking among the top 20 countries globally in 2024. The average gross monthly wage in the UAE is reported to be $3,663 (Dh13,400), placing it as the 18th highest worldwide.

In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Qatar follows in second place with average monthly wages of $3,168. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman have lower averages at $1,888, $1,854, $1,728, and $1,626, respectively, as stated by CEOWorld magazine. The average monthly salary in the UAE surpasses those in countries such as France, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Spain, Japan, South Korea, and Austria, as well as over 170 other nations.

The attractive salary offerings have led to an influx of professionals and workers from various regions, including Asia, the US, Europe, and the Middle East. A prominent property developer in Dubai noted that the UAE is now able to attract top-tier talent from Europe, a feat that was previously challenging. He emphasized that professionals are increasingly willing to relocate to Dubai due to its tax-free salaries, safety, and competitive pay that rivals advanced Western nations.

A study conducted by Mercer anticipates that salaries in the UAE will increase by an average of four percent this year. Andrew El Zein, a principal for careers in the Mena region at Mercer, remarked on the UAE’s attractiveness for foreign workers, especially with many multinational companies operating in the region. He pointed out the intensified competition among companies in the UAE and from neighboring countries to attract and retain talent.

According to the “Salary Guide UAE 2024” report from Cooper Fitch, 53 percent of firms in the UAE plan to increase employee salaries in 2024. Specifically, 39 percent intend to raise wages by up to 5 percent, nearly 10 percent are looking at increases between 6 to 9 percent, and 5 percent of companies are preparing for raises of 10 percent or more.

In the broader GCC context, the UAE leads with an average salary of $3,663, followed closely by Israel at $3,608, Qatar at $3,168, and the other GCC countries trailing behind. On a global scale, Switzerland tops the list with the highest average wage of $8,111, followed by Luxembourg ($6,633), the US ($6,455), Iceland ($6,441), and Norway ($5,665). In contrast, African nations report the lowest monthly wages, with Lesotho at $24, Angola at $27, and Malawi at $31.