In the UAE, a significant disparity exists between the salaries job seekers demand and what employers are willing to offer, with a gap of up to 30%. This mismatch is largely driven by the rising cost of living in the country, particularly in sectors like housing, education, and healthcare. The UAE’s population has grown substantially, from 9.789 million in 2021 to 11.346 million in 2025, which has led to increased expenses for residents.

Job seekers are typically asking for salaries that are 15-30% higher than what employers are prepared to pay, according to the Naukrigulf Hiring Outlook Report. This disparity is more pronounced in senior roles. However, employers now have access to a larger talent pool due to an influx of global job seekers, which is moderating salary growth. Despite the demand for higher pay, the increased competition makes it challenging for job seekers to secure significant salary increases.

Certain skill-based roles, such as IT, cybersecurity, and AI, command higher salaries due to a shortage of skilled professionals. These roles can offer 25-50% higher pay than average salaries. Similarly, sales and marketing professionals in high-growth sectors like SaaS and fintech can negotiate salaries 20-30% above standard market rates.

The UAE job market is experiencing shortages in sectors like engineering and sales and marketing, which account for a significant portion of hiring demand. Technology-driven roles, including cybersecurity, AI, cloud computing, and full-stack development, are also facing severe shortages. Operations and supply chain workers with skills in logistics, procurement, and supply chain planning are in high demand as the Gulf region strengthens its position as a global trade hub.

Mid-level professionals are overwhelmingly in demand, with 71% of hiring focused on this segment, followed by senior management roles. The survey indicates that 85% of employers in the UAE plan to maintain or increase their workforce in the next six months, while 7% may reduce jobs.