In 2025, 82% of employers did not increase salaries, and 51 per cent of professionals did not receive a bonus
trend is growing among UAE employees to switch jobs to improve their remuneration prospects as salaries remain static while costs rise, according to a new study.
“The fact that 98 per cent of professionals are open to moving roles suggests many are already responding to inflation by seeking better-paying opportunities. Changing employers has become the primary way for people to protect their earning power, particularly where salaries have remained static and living costs continue to rise,” said Tony Piccolo, co-founder of Fletcher Piccolo Associates, which released its GCC Salary Guide recently
It found that 98 per cent of UAE employees are open to new roles in 2026 in order to improve salary, career progression and access to more exciting projects.
The survey is based on responses from more than 2,300 people across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar.
In 2025, 82 per cent of employers did not increase salaries, and 51 per cent of professionals did not receive a bonus. In the UAE, over one-third, 35 per cent, of professionals said that they are looking for salary improvements in 2026.
“The market has now shifted firmly into a delivery phase with more complex, high-profile projects. That combination has made employees far more open to exploring new opportunities,” said Piccolo.
According to Fletcher Piccolo Associates, salary growth expectations for 2026 remain modest in the Gulf region, with most roles forecast to rise by up to 5 per cent.
“Despite this, mobility is high, with 98 per cent of respondents open to new roles in 2026. Career development, workload, leadership and flexibility continue to outweigh short-term salary increases, while employers, particularly in Saudi Arabia, are scaling headcount rapidly to meet delivery demand,” it added.
Preferring the UAE experience
The UAE population has been growing exponentially over the past five years, attracted by the Emirates’ world-class lifestyle, safety and security, and growth opportunities, among others.
The inflow of new residents is also driving the local economy. As the number of job-seekers is growing in the country, employers are preferring workers who have local experience.
“In construction and real estate, job creation in 2026 is being supported by population growth and project demand. However, employers are becoming more selective. Around 40 per cent of employers say they will not hire candidates without local UAE experience. Businesses need people who have a proven track record of delivering projects in the UAE, where margins for error are very small,” said Tony Piccolo.
“Employers are placing far greater emphasis on local experience and immediate impact. With delivery pressures high, companies want candidates who can hit the ground running. Demand remains strongest for project management, design and commercial professionals. At the same time, flexibility is becoming more important, with 36 per cent of employers planning to expand flexible working options as part of their retention strategy,” he said.
The study found that 40 per cent of UAE employers increased headcount by 20-30 per cent last year, and 41 per cent aim to hire 20 per cent more staff this year.
