Dubai: A new survey by global recruitment consultancy Hays reveals that 75% of employers in the UAE expect to raise salaries in 2025, reflecting growing optimism in the job market and broader economy.
The GCC Salary Guide 2025, which surveyed nearly 2,000 employers and professionals, found that 48% of UAE employees received a salary increase in 2024, mostly ranging between 2.5% to 5%. Looking ahead, 74% of workers expect their salaries to rise next year, signalling strong confidence in continued compensation growth.In a notable trend, 65% of professionals plan to switch jobs in 2025, driven by demands for better pay, improved benefits, and more robust learning and development opportunities. Among UAE nationals, job mobility is even more pronounced, with 67% planning to change roles, up sharply from just 23% in 2024.
The report also highlighted a 16% or higher salary jump among many Emiratis who changed jobs last year. Yet, 55% saw no change, underlining a disparity in outcomes and reinforcing the need for competitive retention strategies, especially amid the ongoing Emiratisation push.On the hiring front, 77% of UAE employers intend to recruit for permanent roles in 2025, supported by a strong macroeconomic outlook. Additionally, 49% of companies remain optimistic about the UAE’s economic future, and 65% are advocating the integration of AI tools, with 79% expecting their organisations to adopt such technologies.
The findings underscore a highly dynamic labour market where salary expectations, skills development, and technological integration are shaping the future of work in the U
