UAE Job Market Trends: Population Growth Drives Salary Shifts and Increased Competition

The UAE's population has surged, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, influencing job markets and starting salaries, according to a recent study. Recruitment consultancy Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide reveals that increased competition from expatriates has contributed to a 0.7% drop in average starting salaries for professional roles in the UAE. In finance, accounting, and human resources, salaries faced the steepest decline, with corporate accounting roles seeing reductions as high as 23%.

"It’s now common for companies to receive over 2,000 applications for a single position," shared Gareth El Mettouri, Director for the Middle East at Robert Half, noting that legal and tech roles tend to attract fewer candidates. Demand remains for accounting professionals, particularly those skilled in financial planning and tax, but the influx of expats arriving without jobs is lowering market value in these sectors.

Despite this trend, some fields, like in-house legal roles, are experiencing salary increases. Starting salaries for mid-level legal counsel rose by 1.6%, with average starting salaries seeing a 15% boost. This demand is driven by growing global interest in UAE businesses, especially among companies exploring initial public offerings, which require experienced legal teams.

Dubai’s population hit 3.798 million as of November 2024, up by 140,000 this year, while Abu Dhabi’s 2023 census recorded 3.789 million residents, reflecting an 83% increase since 2011.