The advanced technology areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, renewable energy, and cybersecurity have grown significantly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in recent years. These nations are making significant investments in these cutting-edge disciplines in an effort to draw in the top talent from around the globe.
Several GCC nations have implemented citizenship and long-term residency programs for those with extraordinary abilities in an effort to further recruit competent professionals. By bringing professionals to the Middle East, these programs hope to enable them to live, work, and contribute to the vibrant and inventive landscape of the region.
In 2024, the GCC labor market is booming and provides some of the highest-paying positions across a range of industries. For the upcoming years, the nation has ambitious objectives. The following jobs will pay the most in the next three to four years, per the most recent surveys:
Executive and management positions
Not unexpectedly, executive and senior management positions are at the top of the list. Senior executives (CEO, CTO, CMO, etc.) in the GCC often earn AED 100,000 (US $27,250) per month, with fringe perks frequently costing employers between AED 25,000 and AED 30,000. The excellent monthly pay for positions like Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) range from AED 90,000 to AED 130,000.
Non-tech positions are not far behind, with Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) earning between 75,000 and 110,000 GCC dirhams per month and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) earning between 80,000 and 110,000 GCC dirhams per month. The position of Audit Director is another highly paid position offering a salary of 70,000 to 90,000 UAE dirhams per month.
Surgeons and Healthcare Professionals
With the rapid expansion of the healthcare industry in the GCC, the demand for qualified surgeons and healthcare professionals is on the rise. Prominent medical facilities give skilled surgeons with a monthly salary of GCC 65,000 (US$17,500) plus additional benefits.
Experts in Engineering and Petroleum
The GCC, one of the top oil-producing nations in the world, provides top-notch benefits packages for professionals in the oil sector. Professionals with experience in this field can get employment with perks and a monthly pay of about AED 50,000 (USD 13,600). Likewise, engineering jobs in the mechanical, electrical, and construction industries pay similarly. You should use job search websites like Layboard if you're looking for work in this field.
Professionals in business
Significant income potential is also available for corporate roles in the banking and private sectors. Apart from the usual advantages and benefits, seasoned experts in sales, marketing, business development, banking, IT, and cutting-edge technology can make between AED 37,000 (US$10,100) and AED 45,000 (US$12,200) every month.
What to anticipate from comprehensive compensation packages in the GCC
Top talent from all over the world will be drawn to the Gulf in 2025–2028 because of the abundance of chances for high wages and first-rate perks across a range of industries. The CEO of People Link HR Consultancies and a well-known HR consultant, Dr. Kei Bayramova, claims that social packages in the Gulf have undergone substantial transformation.
At first, the packages concentrated on housing assistance and basic health insurance. Packages have grown over time to include wellness initiatives, flexible work schedules, complete health insurance, and advantages for children's education.
In an attempt to attract and retain talent, employers are now providing a wider range of benefits, which reflects both the competitive labor market in the Gulf and worldwide trends. In keeping with the demands of the modern workforce, additionally, there is more focus on professional development opportunities, mental health support, and work-life balance," she continued.
High earnings alone are no longer sufficient to draw in talent, according to those surveyed. In order to fulfill evolving employee expectations and secure success in 2025–2028, it is difficult to adjust the proper compensation and benefits strategies since candidates are placing a higher priority on comprehensive benefits that address their holistic demands.
Obstacles facing GCC pay and benefits experts
- Changing to reflect market trends
- Handling financial limitations
- Making sure that the regulations are followed
- Fulfilling a range of employee expectations
- Using compensation data efficiently
- Sharing advantages and benefits.
According to Maysa Maarouf, head of HR and administration at law firm BSA, "as remote working becomes more common, It is essential that businesses take into providing internet access allowances and mental health support for remote workers through virtual wellness programs to improve their productivity and well-being."
Website for job seekers
Dubizzle
Although there are many job search websites, Dubizzle stands out for the caliber of its services and its intuitive user interface. Job openings on the Dubizzle portal are arranged by important industries, and finding appropriate roles is made simple by the keyword search function. You can find helpful advice for job searchers to help recruiters notice you in the resources area.
Hiring managers can find your information with the help of intelligent search filters, and the resume submission process is simple. To set your CV apart from the others, update and personalize it. Clear understanding of the necessary qualifications and experience is made possible by comprehensive job descriptions. Additionally, you may see that employers are looking for by using the job distribution option.
Layboard.in
A specialist job search website, Layboard.in offers job seekers a plethora of opportunities. The platform has adaptable and user-friendly tools that make searching easier.
To improve the effectiveness and precision of your search, you can choose occupations, experience, pay range, area, and other criteria using customizable job filters. Layboard gives job seekers with a range of qualifications a lot of options by offering a number of employment in industries including engineering, healthcare, IT, and hospitality.
Layboard's database is updated frequently to give users the most recent deals. For individuals looking for employment overseas and require extra help, the portal also provides support and guidance on interviewing, resume preparation, and job placement.
The greatest resource for GCC job seekers is LinkedIn. Numerous in-demand positions in Dubai may be found here, and almost every company in the region uses it to recruit employees. The purpose of the platform is to link employers seeking the best applicants with job seekers.
LinkedIn provides tools to apply, build a network of contacts, and interact with professionals in various fields. You may get exclusive data including the amount of job candidates, profile views, furthermore, upon purchasing LinkedIn Premium, a comparison ranking of your profile.
Use LinkedIn Premium's free trial to increase your chances of getting hired while applying for jobs in the GCC. You can choose whether to renew your subscription after the trial period is over.
GulfTalent.com
A well-known job search website in the GCC, GulfTalent provides a wide range of parameters, including area, position, industry, and experience, to help you customize your search and identify the best prospects.
In addition, the platform offers a number of other tools, such as salary searches by position, free resume evaluations, help with professional resume writing, and educational blogs that provide helpful career guidance in order to improve users' abilities and job possibilities, GulfTalent also helps them locate professional training programs throughout the GCC.
Indeed.com.
With a vast amount of job listings, Indeed is one of the greatest free employment sites in the GCC. There are hundreds of jobs to review and apply for when you click "Search" after entering the position and area. The site is simple to use. Indeed is one of the greatest job search websites in the GCC, since the majority of businesses and leading recruiting firms utilize it to locate applicants.
Bayt.com
Bayt is one of the top job search engines in the GCC. This region's recruiters and candidates are the target audience for the platform. Companies in Business Bay and other well-known areas of the Emirates have posted job openings here. Like Gulf Talent, Bayt provides helpful tools to help candidates enhance their profiles, like resume evaluations.
