UAE Jobs 2027: 78% Open to a Move as Salary Expectations Climb
UAE jobs outlook: Michael Page's UAE Salary Guide 2027 finds 78% of professionals open to a new role and pay expectations outpacing raise budgets.
UAEIn brief
- Michael Page's UAE Salary Guide 2027 says 78% of professionals are open to changing roles.
- Salary expectations are rising faster than many employers' salary review budgets.
- 51% would be more likely to leave if asked to spend more time in the office.
- Only 23% see generative AI as a threat to their long-term job security.
| Country | UAE |
|---|---|
| Organization | Michael Page Middle East |
| Official source | Zawya – Michael Page launches UAE Salary Guide 2027 ✓ zawya.com |
The market for UAE jobs looks lively heading into 2027. Recruitment firm Michael Page launched its UAE Salary Guide 2027 in Dubai on 27 October 2026, and its message for job seekers is upbeat: employers are hiring at encouraging levels, demand for specialist skills is holding up, and 78% of professionals say they are open to a new role.
Key findings
| Finding | Figure |
|---|---|
| Professionals open to changing roles | 78% |
| Would consider leaving if asked to spend more time in the office | 51% |
| See generative AI as a threat to long-term job security | 23% |
| Roles benchmarked in the guide | 500+ |
| Sectors covered | 18 |
Hiring is steady
Jon Ede, Managing Director of Michael Page Middle East, said 2026 brought geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty, yet the UAE remains one of the world's most resilient and attractive talent markets. He said hiring activity has been encouraging and employers are becoming more strategic about how they attract and keep staff.
Salary expectations are rising
One of the clearest messages in the guide is that what workers expect to earn is growing faster than many companies' pay review budgets. For job seekers, that gap matters. When employers struggle to keep staff, they often pay more to attract skilled newcomers, especially in specialist fields.
The guide also says that replacing an employee costs far more than keeping one, which is pushing employers to think harder about pay, progression and benefits.
Flexibility and growth matter too
Pay is not the only thing on people's minds. Professionals in the UAE increasingly care about:
- Career progression and a clear path to promotion
- Flexible working, with half saying more office days could push them to leave
- Learning opportunities and new skills
AI is not seen as a big threat
Despite global worry about automation, only 23% of UAE professionals see generative AI as a risk to their long-term job security. That suggests most workers are relaxed about new technology in their roles.
What it means for job seekers
- Know your worth: use salary benchmarks from recruitment guides before you negotiate an offer.
- Specialist skills win: employers are paying for expertise in fields such as technology, data, finance and healthcare.
- Ask about flexibility: many UAE companies now offer hybrid options, so raise it at interview.
- Look at the whole package: housing, transport and education allowances can matter as much as the base salary.
- Move with care: being open to change is common, but check notice periods and contract terms before resigning.
For more on the market, see our report on UAE hiring rebounding 4% in Q3 2026 and the UAE PMI showing hiring returns.
More openings: all UAE jobs
Frequently asked questions
What does the Michael Page UAE Salary Guide 2027 show?
Hiring activity is encouraging, demand for specialist skills is steady, and 78% of professionals are open to a new job.
Are UAE salaries going up in 2027?
The guide says salary expectations are running ahead of many companies' raise budgets, so skilled candidates have room to negotiate.
Do UAE workers fear AI will take their jobs?
Not most of them. Only 23% see generative AI as a threat to their long-term job security.
What matters to UAE employees besides pay?
Career progression, flexibility and learning opportunities are becoming more important alongside salary.
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