Salary Guide: UAE in 2023

Foreword
As we move in to 2023, the UAE and the region looks very well-positioned within the context of the
global economy. The UAE has done exceptionally well in navigating the “Covid era” which included a
rapid and smooth exit from any restrictive practices both socially and economically. Once more, the UAE
and Dubai in particular, continues to prove and promote itself as a place “ready for business”. This
combines with the unique lifestyle benefits offered within the Emirate, along with the competitive and
supportive commercial systems, which facilitates ongoing company growth and an environment and
magnet for new start-ups.
The post-Covid world has allowed Dubai to re-establish itself being able to demonstrate and fine tune
its fundamental strengths. As the world has re-opened; the travel, trade and tourism model has boomed
again becoming a further catalyst for the recovery and growth indicators. Growth within these core
markets for Dubai creates strong ripple effects across a whole host of other sectors, in turn allowing for
the evolution of the UAE job market, to deliver excellent and diversifying job opportunity.
Whilst the global economy has encountered many “shocks and headwinds” throughout 2022 and in to
2023, this recessionary pressure seems relatively mild (and potentially non-existent) in the Dubai and
UAE economy. Inflation across energy (fossil fuel) prices clearly benefits the UAE, however, Dubai
continues to thrive and evolve under its “safe haven” status. This is credit to strong government, dynamic
leadership and in particular the ongoing rollout of long-term visa options, to encourage further stability
and a longer-term view on the UAE as a “home away from home”.
The expansion of political ties has been another core strength of the UAE; leveraging-off its regional and
global prominence and diplomacy. The Abraham Accords of 2021, set a new precedence at a political
level, which has allowed for a ground-breaking level of understanding and co-operation whilst also
creating new and innovate trade links and opportunity.
The combination of these dynamics and the opening of further policy shall allow the UAE to be firmly
cemented, as both the destination of choice, and the long-term option for many businesses and
individuals. This coincides nicely and complements too, the recent announcement by HH Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE, of the plan to double
the GDP of the Dubai economy within a decade. The relaunch of megaprojects under this initiative, shall
further enhance the prospects and opportunities, across certain sectors and areas of specialisation.
These are exciting times, we all need to stay tuned.

2023 SALARY GUIDE

Where Charterhouse Sits
This will be our 19th year in the UAE market and testament to the theory that “we’ve seen it all”. Of
course, our expertise helps but the pandemic has taught us a lot too. At Charterhouse we move in to
2023; with a view of pragmatism, flexibility and certain realignments to ensure that our service and
brand continues to deliver. During these times, market trends and client criterion are ever-changing and
sometimes fluid, the ability to tailor our business intelligence is a critical component in achieving the
required goal.
In a climate of new, virtual and technology-led industries, there is no doubt that these growth sectors
present challenges within the process of recruitment through knowledge-base and talent acquisition.
Charterhouse are committed to ensuring that our coverage can complement these trends whilst
ensuring that any “personal touch” isn’t lost within the world of remote access and working-from-home.
The core of recruitment will always be relationship based and at Charterhouse the continuation and
development of such aspects are constantly reviewed for maximum impact across our client and
candidate network.
Our expertise and coverage within this salary guide for 2023, focuses across the following core areas of
market disciplines:

• Banking & Financial Services

• Construction & Property/Technical
• Emiratisation
• Finance & Accountancy
• Hospitality & Events
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Professional Support
• Retail
• Sales & Marketing
• Technology

Salary Guide Notes

Our survey collates figures across a range of sources and brings together salary information from our
candidate database, client input on budgets and grading systems and our market intelligence via
research, benchmarking and information gathering. The survey, in turn, reports figures (Low & High)
which is an accurate and impartial reflection of the market ranges within job offers.

2023 SALARY GUIDE

The figure ranges cited include our categorisation of gross monthly fixed compensation and would
exclude any monetary benefit or allowance linking to education, leave travel, insurances and any other
perks (financial or non-financial). This standardisation is there to allow for any anomalies whilst also
accommodating for the varied nature of package structures across the client/company base within the
UAE market.

The Charterhouse Commitment

We commit to a high level of professional service and integrity with an approach of engagement across
our candidate and client network. Our team consists of specialised consultants, whom within their
sectors, are positioned to provide the strongest talent and recruitment solutions on the agenda of
delivery to succeed. We ensure accuracy and integrity of any information and/or consultancy input and
this holds true within the survey presented.

We hope this information provides a useful and informative summary across its area of attention.

2023 SALARY GUIDE

 BANKING & FINANCE SERVICES LOW HIGH
United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)
Corporate Banking
Executive Director 70,000 90,000
Director/Vice President 45,000 60,000
Relationship Manager 25,000 35,000
Associate 18,000 25,000
Analyst 15,000 20,000

Investment Banking/Private Equity

Executive Director 65,000 95,000
Director/Vice President 45,000 65,000
Associate 25,000 35,000
Analyst 18,000 25,000

Market/Credit Risk
Chief Risk Officer 60,000 90,000
Director/Vice President 40,000 55,000
Associate 20,000 25,000
Analyst 15,000 20,000

Compliance
Chief Compliance Officer/MLRO 55,000 75,000
Chief Regulatory Officer 55,000 70,000
Director/Vice President 35,000 50,000
Associate 20,000 25,000
Analyst 12,000 18,000

Operations
Chief Operations Officer 60,000 75,000
Director/Vice President 40,000 55,000
Associate 18,000 22,000
Analyst 12,000 15,000

*Figures shown are monthly gross salaries (basic, housing & transport) refer to Survey Notes section*

2023 SALARY GUIDE

 CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY LOW HIGH
United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)
Construction
Commercial Director 50,000 65,000
Construction Director 55,000 65,000
Development Director 55,000 80,000
HSE Director 45,000 70,000
Project Director 50,000 90,000
Project Manager 25,000 45,000
Facilities Manager 25,000 50,000
Landscape Architect 18,000 50,000
Leasing Manager 20,000 40,000
Operations Manager 40,000 54,000
Property Manager 25,000 50,000
Quantity Surveyor 20,000 40,000
Senior Architect 25,000 43,000

TECHNICAL LOW HIGH

United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)
Manufacturing
General Manager- Manufacturing 45,000 60,000
Quality Manager (QA/QC) 20,000 40,000
Maintenance Manager 20,000 40,000
HSE Manager 18,000 40,000

Supply Chain
General Manager-Logistics & SC 35,000 60,000
Operations Manager 25,000 45,000
Supply Chain Manager 20,000 40,000
Logistics Manager 20,000 35,000
Warehouse Manager 20,000 35,000

Procurement
Procurement Director 40,000 60,000
Procurement Manager 25,00 50,000
Commercial & Contracts Manager 20,000 50,000

*Figures shown are monthly gross salaries (basic, housing & transport) refer to Survey Notes section*

2023 SALARY GUIDE

 EMIRATISATION LOW HIGH
United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)
Marketing
Marketing Director 45,000 80,000
Marketing Manager 25,000 40,000
PR/Events/Communications Manager 28,000 40,000
Digital Marketing Manager 25,000 42,000
Social Media Manager 25,000 40,000
Brand Manager 28,000 42,000
HR Director 55,000 85,000
HR Manager 35,000 50,000
Assistant HR Manager 22,000 32,000
HR Executive/Administrator/Coordinator 16,000 20,000
Emiratisation Manager 32,000 45,000
Recruitment Manager 30,000 40,000
Recruitment Specialist 20,000 30,000
Compensation & Benefits Manager 28,000 45,000
Training & Development Manager 30,000 40,000
Trainer 22,000 30,000

*Figures shown are monthly gross salaries (basic, housing & transport) refer to Survey Notes section*

2023 SALARY GUIDE

 FINANCE & ACCOUNTANCY LOW HIGH
United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)

Chief Financial Officer 75,000 120,000

Finance Director 50,000 85,000
Financial Controller 30,000 45,000
Finance Manager 25,000 40,000
Financial Analyst 18,000 25,000
Management Accountant 15,000 22,000
Credit Controller 18,000 25,000
Finance Business Partner 25,000 35,000
General Accountant (Financial) 12,000 18,000
Transactional Accountant (AP/AR) 10,000 15,000
Chief Internal Auditor 50,000 80,000
Internal Audit Manager 35,000 50,000
Internal Auditor 15,000 20,000
Treasury Manager 35,000 50,000
Tax Manager 25,000 40,000

*Figures shown are monthly gross salaries (basic, housing & transport) refer to Survey Notes section*

2023 SALARY GUIDE

 HOSPITALITY LOW HIGH
United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)

Hotels (4 - 5 Star) (Basic salary only)

General Manager 30,000 60,000
Hotel Manager 20,000 40,000
Executive Assistant Manager 15,000 30,000
Director of Sales and Marketing 24,000 35,000
Director of F&B 15,000 25,000
Director of Rooms 15,000 28,000
Food & Beverage Manager 10,000 18,000
Outlet Manager 8,000 13,000

Chefs (Hotels) (Basic salary only)

Executive Chef-Property 25,000 35,000
Executive/Head Chef-Outlet 12,000 23,000
Chef de Cuisine 8,000 25,000

Restaurants
Group Chef – Multi-Site, One Brand 23,000 27,000
Group Chef – Multi Brand 25,000 35,000
Head Chef – Café/Casual Dining 15,000 19,000
Head Chef – Premium/Fine Dining 20,000 30,000
Pastry Chef 10,000 20,000
Country Manager 25,000 38,000
General Manager 25,000 40,000
Operations Manager - Multi-Site, One Brand 20,000 27,000
Operations Manager – Multi Brand 25,000 38,000
Multi-site Manager 18,000 28,000
Restaurant Manager - Café/Casual Dining 10,000 18,000
Restaurant Manager - Premium/Fine Dining 15,000 28,000

Catering
General Manager 28,000 55,000
Operations Manager 18,000 40,000
Catering Manager 14,000 28,000

*Figures shown are monthly gross salaries (basic, housing & transport) refer to Survey Notes section*

2023 SALARY GUIDE

 HUMAN RESOURCES LOW HIGH
United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)
HR Director 45,000 75,000
HR Manager 32,000 45,000
Assistant HR Manager 20,000 30,000
HR Officer 16,000 22,000
HR Executive/Administrator/Coordinator 12,000 16,000
Emiratisation Manager 35,000 55,000
Recruitment Manager 28,000 40,000
Recruitment Specialist 18,000 28,000
Compensation & Benefits Manager 35,000 45,000
Compensation & Benefits Specialist 22,000 28,000
Training & Development Manager 30,000 45,000
Trainer 18,000 26,000

*Figures shown are monthly gross salaries (basic, housing & transport) refer to Survey Notes section*

2023 SALARY GUIDE

 LEGAL LOW HIGH
United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)
UK Firm
NQ 28,000 40,000
Associate 35,000 60,000
Senior Associate 50,000 85,000
Of Counsel 60,000 90,000
Partner 80,000 140,000
Legal Secretary 15,000 28,000
18,000 30,000
US Firm
NQ 35,000 69,000
Associate 40,000 90,000
Senior Associate 65,000 150,000
Of Counsel 70,000 150,000
Partner 120,000 200,000
Legal Secretary 22,000 30,000
Paralegal 20,000 40,000

Regional Firm
NQ 20,000 40,000
Associate 25,000 50,000
Senior Associate 40,000 70,000
Of Counsel 55,000 80,000
Partner 60,000 120,000
Legal Secretary 14,000 22,000
Paralegal 15,000 26,000

In House
Junior Counsel 25,000 40,000
Legal Counsel 30,000 65,000
Senior Legal Counsel 55,000 100,000
General Counsel 80,000 140,000
Paralegal 15,000 28,000
Compliance Manager 35,000 70,000
Head of Compliance 60,000 100,000

*Figures shown are monthly gross salaries (basic, housing & transport) refer to Survey Notes section*

2023 SALARY GUIDE

 PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT LOW HIGH
United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)

Administration Support 8,000 12,000

Junior Executive Assistant 15,000 18,000
Senior Executive Assistant 18,000 30,000
Office Manager 18,000 30,000
Personal Assistant 16,000 22,000
Project Administrator 10,000 15,000
Junior Receptionist 6,000 10,000
Senior Receptionist/Administrator 10,000 13,000
Team Assistant 12,000 18,000

*Figures shown are monthly gross salaries (basic, housing & transport) refer to Survey Notes section*

2023 SALARY GUIDE

 RETAIL LOW HIGH
United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)
Luxury
Head of Retail Operations 37,000 65,000
Retail Manager/Area Manager 30,000 48,000
Store Manager 25,000 38,000
Assistant Store Manager 20,000 30,000
Department Manager/ Team Manager 15,000 25,000
Sales Executive 8,000 15,000
Visual Merchandiser Manager 20,000 35,000
Merchandiser 16,000 30,000
Buyer/Senior Buyer 18,000 40,000

Premium/High Street
Head of Retail Operations 35,000 42,000
Retail Manager/Area Manager 25,000 40,000
Store Manager 12,000 22,000
Visual Merchandiser Manager 15,000 25,000
Merchandiser 13,000 18,000
Buyer 12,000 20,000

*Figures shown are monthly gross salaries (basic, housing & transport) refer to Survey Notes section*

2023 SALARY GUIDE

 SALES, MARKETING & EVENTS LOW HIGH
United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)
Sales
Key Account Manager 15,000 30,000
Business Development Director 30,000 55,000
Business Development Manager 15,000 30,000
Business Development Executive 12,000 16,000
Sales Vice President 50,000 80,000
Sales Director 30,000 60,000
Sales Manager 16,000 35,000
Sales Executive 8,000 14,000

Marketing
Marketing Director 40,000 70,000
Marketing Manager 18,000 35,000
Marketing Executive 12,000 20,000
Media Planner 18,000 35,000
PR/Events/Communications Director 40,000 75,000
PR/Events/Communications Manager 22,000 45,000
Digital Marketing Manager 18,000 38,000
Content Manager 18,000 30,000
Social Media Manager 15,000 30,000
Social Media Executive 12,000 20,000
Chief Marketing Officer 75,000 110,000
Trade Marketing Manager 18,000 25,000
Brand Manager 20,000 30,000

Events
Event Manager 20,000 30,000
Conference Producer 14,000 20,000
Sponsorship Sales Manager 16,000 28,000

*Figures shown are monthly gross salaries (basic, housing & transport) refer to Survey Notes section*

2023 SALARY GUIDE

 TECHNOLOGY LOW HIGH
United Arab Emirates Dirham
(AED)
Technical
ERP Consultant (SAP/Oracle) 15,000 30,000
Business Analyst 18,000 30,000
Business Intelligence Consultant 20,000 30,000
DBA 10,000 20,000
Developer 12,000 24,000
System Administrator 10,000 20,000
Head of IT 30,000 60,000
IT Manager 20,000 35,000
IT Security Analyst 15,000 30,000
Program Manager 38,000 60,000
Project Manager 25,000 40,000
Network/Infrastructure Engineer 15,000 25,000
Solutions Architect 24,000 40,000
Support Engineer 10,000 20,000
Service Desk Manager 18,000 35,000

Sales
Regional Sales Manager 30,000 40,000
Senior Sales Manager 20,000 35,000
Account Executive 15,000 20,000
Business Development Manager 20,000 35,000

*Figures shown are monthly gross salaries (basic, housing & transport) refer to Survey Notes section*

2023 SALARY GUIDE