Michael Page Releases Emiratisation Salary Guide 2025
Global recruitment leader Michael Page has unveiled its Emiratisation Salary Guide 2025, offering up-to-date salary benchmarks, sector-specific insights, and comparisons between the private and public sectors for UAE nationals.
This comprehensive guide aims to enhance understanding within the competitive Emiratisation framework and is poised to aid organizations in aligning their recruitment strategies with the UAE government’s nationalisation objectives, including recently established quotas for SMEs and specific sector mandates.
Achieving Emiratisation Goals
According to the evolving UAE Emiratisation policy, private companies with a workforce of 50 or more are now mandated to increase their local employee count by 2% each year, targeting a total increase of 10% by 2026.
Furthermore, businesses with a workforce of 20-49 employees in critical sectors such as finance, ICT, healthcare, education, hospitality, and construction must employ at least two Emirati nationals by 2025. Industries like banking, insurance, and professional services are also obligated to meet specific Emiratisation targets.
Jon Ede, the Regional Director for UAE, emphasized that the requirement for onshore companies with 50 or more employees to enhance their Emirati workforce annually places significant pressure on businesses.
“We are engaging with an increasing number of clients who are uncertain about how to strategically approach Emiratisation — not just to comply but to cultivate teams that are truly prepared for the future. This guide provides them with a clear understanding of the current salary landscape, allowing for informed planning and confident action,” he stated.
Michael Page’s guide sheds light on salary trends across priority sectors and outlines actionable strategies for businesses to attract and retain Emirati talent while adhering to government quotas and industry standards.
Ian Pollington, Operating Director for Emiratisation at Michael Page, noted that there remains considerable ambiguity in the market regarding competitive compensation for Emirati professionals, especially when juxtaposing public and private sector jobs.
“With UAE nationals constituting only about 13% of the total population, demand is high, and competition is fierce. Our guide assists employers in comprehending what is realistic and competitive, and pinpointing where the talent pool is available. It is derived from actual discussions, placements, and empirical data,” he remarked.
Key Highlights of the Emiratisation Salary Guide 2025
- Real-time salary benchmarks across various sectors
- Insights into public vs. private sector compensation dynamics
- Strategies for attracting and retaining Emirati professionals
- Compliance guidance in line with government regulations
The Emiratisation Salary Guide 2025 serves as a vital resource for organizations striving to navigate the evolving hiring landscape in the UAE while fostering a diverse workforce.