A growing number of professionals in the UAE are considering new career moves in 2026, with fresh opportunities emerging across sectors such as artificial intelligence, data, and technology, according to Michael Page’s latest UAE Salary Guide.
While 52% of employees say they are satisfied with their current pay, nearly two-thirds are open to changing jobs in the coming year.
The report highlights evolving priorities, with work-life balance and long-term career growth now ranking alongside salary as top motivators.
AI roles on the rise
With AI adoption gaining pace across industries, demand is increasing for roles such as AI engineers, product managers, and data professionals. Many organisations are moving beyond early experimentation to fully integrate AI into business operations.
“In the UAE, demand for data and AI professionals is intensifying,” the guide said.
“Organisations are investing in upskilling initiatives and strategic hiring to meet the region’s AI adoption goals, while seeking professionals who can translate models into business impact.”
The report also noted that advanced AI skill sets remain in short supply, making experienced professionals highly sought after.
Salary trends and expectations
In 2025, 49% of UAE employees tried to negotiate their pay, with 15% reporting success. Though this is a decline from previous years, the report suggests that clearer compensation benchmarks are helping both employers and employees make more informed decisions.
“The decline suggests a growing sense of caution among employees,” the guide stated. “In this evolving employment landscape, clarity around compensation is more important than ever.”
Economic growth supporting jobs
The UAE’s broader economic outlook remains strong. The International Monetary Fund projects the country’s GDP to grow by 4.8% in 2025, driven by non-oil sectors and increased output. This supports continued job creation and business confidence across the country.
In Dubai, recent data from S&P Global showed the fastest rate of job creation in a year, with new business activity fueling hiring in the non-oil private sector.
“For most [employees], salary is the top driver, but work-life balance and career growth are becoming just as important,” said Jon Ede, managing director for the Middle East at Michael Page. “Employers, in turn, are telling us they’re finding it harder to both recruit and retain.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
