2025 UAE IT and Tech Salary Guide and Market Trends

Salaries in the technology sector remain stable for most roles, with an overall average decrease of just 0.05%. For the first time, we are seeing salaries in the sector being at least partly comprised of digital assets and cryptocurrency, but these companies should be careful about making this the standard as it may not appeal to all candidates.

Start-ups and AI-focused companies that set up shop in the region during and after the pandemic are now reaching the next stage of maturity. Now that their products are up and running, these companies are seeking UX and UI specialists who can enhance the customer experience and accessibility.

While newer entities are not necessarily able to offer the same salaries as large or more established corporations, they can make up the difference by focusing on their employer value proposition (EVP) and perks. For example, offering the opportunity to work abroad for one month a year often goes down well with expat candidates with families back home.

View salaries by category

Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size, and demand for the role.

Leadership

IT security

Support

Software development

Project management

Product

Systems administration

Architecture

Network support

Position title

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

210000

305500

401750

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

214250

310750

407000

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

182000

226250

260250

Chief Architect

163500

198500

233500

Information Technology Manager >10 years' experience

106000

149000

197000

Information Technology Manager <10 years' experience

92500

98000

124500

Chief Digital Officer

189250

252000

319000

25th Percentile

The applicant has limited or no experience in the position and is still developing their skills.

50th Percentile

The applicant has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th Percentile

The applicant has above-average experience, has (nearly) all necessary skills, and may also have specialised qualifications.

Top jobs in technology

Product manager

Project manager

Software engineering manager

Data analyst

Top skills and experience in IT

Python, Rust, Go

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Specific languages (Arabic / Russian)

How much should I pay or earn?

Top certifications and degrees in IT and technology

Learn which certifications are most sought after by hiring managers

Cloud (AWS / Azure / GCP / Salesforce)

CISSP / CISM

Prince2 / Scrum

ISO27001

Top industries for IT and technology specialists

Learn which industries increased their search for IT and technology specialists

Financial services and private equity

E-commerce and retail

Manufacturing

Energy

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The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the United Arab Emirates. The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Our estimates do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is from two online surveys developed by Robert Half and conducted by research consultancy Savanta. In May 2024, Robert Half commissioned a survey of 103 senior business decision makers in the UAE with hiring responsibilities. In August 2024, Robert Half commissioned a survey of 521 professionals living and working in the UAE. Both surveys used an online data collection methodology, and drew respondents from different business sectors and areas of the UAE.