Tech professionals in the UAE continue to earn competitive salaries, with in-demand roles like Data Scientists, Scrum Masters, and Change Managers commanding substantial pay, according to the latest Hays Tech Talent Explorer report.
How much tech professionals earn
The report highlights average salaries in the UAE for key roles:
- Data Scientist: Dhs 44,974 per month
- Scrum Master: Dhs 39,977 per month
- Change Manager: Dhs 34,980 per month
Freelance and contractor day rates are also notable:
- Data Scientist: Dhs 3,004 per day
- Scrum Master: Dhs 2,669 per day
- Change Manager: Dhs 2,364 per day
While salaries vary by experience and employer, the figures demonstrate that demand for tech skills remains strong, particularly in areas such as cloud, data, and emerging technologies.
AI influences tasks, not pay
The research also shows that AI is changing how tech work is done, rather than replacing jobs. Routine and repetitive tasks are being automated, but roles that require judgment, coordination, and problem-solving remain crucial. Positions like Project Managers, Change Managers, and infrastructure specialists continue to see stable demand and strong compensation.
Regional competitiveness
The UAE and Saudi Arabia maintain competitive positions compared with other emerging tech markets, driven by large-scale digital transformation programs and ongoing investment in private-sector technology ecosystems across industries such as financial services, government, energy, and smart infrastructure.
Eamonn Hart, Senior Manager, Technology, Middle East, said: “Through this research, one message stands out: AI is not replacing human expertise, it’s elevating it. As automation absorbs more routine and repetitive work, the roles that thrive are those grounded in judgement, coordination and strategic thinking. For professionals, this shift opens up new avenues to build future‑ready careers by strengthening adaptable, strategic and tech‑enhanced skill sets. For organisations, the findings reinforce the need to prioritise continuous learning and adopt flexible workforce strategies that can keep pace with rapid technological change.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
