RELATED: UAE salary guide: how much should you be earning?
The UAE’s technology sector has dominated demand for new hires since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by businesses accelerating their digital plans and global tech companies expanding in the Middle East, according to recruitment specialists.
This year is no different, with some companies struggling to find talent because of increased competition for candidates with in-demand technology skills.
“We have seen an increase in demand for talent from tech companies that are growing their teams … as well as increased foreign direct investment by global tech companies expanding into the Middle East and, therefore, building their capabilities here,” Sarah Dixon, managing director of Hays Middle East, says in the company’s 2022 GCC Salary Guide.
The jobs market in the UAE, the second-largest Arab economy, has made a strong recovery from the coronavirus-induced slowdown on the back of the government’s fiscal and monetary measures.
The pick-up in economic activity and business confidence spells good news for skilled technology job seekers.
About 76 per cent of UAE employers plan to expand their workforce in 2022, a February survey by jobs portal Bayt.com and market research company YouGov said.
Meanwhile, about two thirds of professionals in the UAE will actively look for new jobs in the first half of this year as business confidence and hiring activity return to pre-pandemic levels, a February survey by recruitment company Robert Walters found.
Salary increases and bonuses continue to be the main incentives for retaining employees within a business, while salaries for new hires increased at a faster pace than existing workers’ pay in the past 18 months, the survey revealed.
New employees' pay increased by 6 per cent to 8 per cent on average, but rose by up to 20 per cent in industries such as technology, Robert Walters said.
“The demand for digital talent has increased on a global scale and across borders,” recruitment company Michael Page says in its 2022 UAE Salary Guide.
“Post the pandemic, candidates prefer working remotely, while organisations are looking for talent to be locally based.”
With hiring on the increase in the technology sector, what are the most in-demand jobs and how much do they pay?
Read on to find out – and check out our comprehensive UAE salary guide 2022 slide show above for a snapshot of your sector.
What positions are in demand?
There are numerous roles that are in demand in the UAE’s digital and technology sectors.
Candidates specialising in user experience design, digital marketing, product development, digital transformation project management and e-commerce leadership are in demand as companies scale up their digital plans.
"Online platforms, enterprise software systems and mobile apps and websites have been scaled or created from scratch to meet the growing demand for digital interfaces, services and products," says Michael Page in its salary report.
Meanwhile, technology roles are rapidly increasing due to companies digitising their processes to enable, for example, flexible working.
In-demand technology roles include front end and full stack developers, heads of software engineering, cloud architects and engineers, and IT project managers.
“In the past, most of the demand we saw were from highly regulated sectors and software development outsourcing companies. However, recently we have seen an increase in start-ups and scale ups looking to employ their own talent,” the Michael Page report says.
“The shortage of skilled talent in this space is a growing problem globally.”
However, certain roles in technology have had a high turnover rate because of market demand for candidates, Michael Page adds.
To offset this challenge, companies should build a good talent pipeline by nurturing inactive candidates and keeping them interested, the recruiter says.
“Additionally, constantly investing in growing the employer brand will always help in attracting and retaining top talent.”
What skills are employers looking for?
There is demand for specialists with strong technical software skills, as well as candidates with experience in cloud computing and technology consulting, according to the Michael Page report.
“More and more businesses in the Middle East (similar to the rest of the world) are adopting cloud solutions, which has resulted in a rise in demand for this skillset,” it says.
Employers are looking for skilled, technical specialists who have like-for-like product/software experience and there is typically a shortage of supply of such talent in the region
Hays 2022 GCC Salary Guide
“This was already under way, however, the pandemic had a major impact in expediting this to achieve business continuity.”
There is also demand for candidates with strong skills in artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, the Internet of Things and machine learning, Hays says in its salary report.
“Employers are looking for skilled, technical specialists who have like-for-like product/software experience and there is typically a shortage of supply of such talent in the region,” Hays says.
“As such, competition among employers for top talent is high and we have noticed more and more organisations onboarding new employees remotely from countries outside of the Gulf.”
Are salaries expected to rise in the technology sector?
On average, UAE salaries are expected to rise by an average of 3 per cent to 5 per cent in 2022, depending on the sector, according to the Hays salary report.
However, in the technology industry, 56 per cent of professionals are expecting a salary increase of between 6 per cent and 10 per cent, Hays says.
About 50 per cent of technology professionals said their salaries remained the same year-on-year in 2021, 45 per cent said it had increased and only 5 per cent reported a decrease, it adds.
“This proportion of increases was higher than we have seen in the profession for the past two years and the number of decreases was the lowest of all professions surveyed … both further evidence of the resilience and buoyancy of the technology profession.”
What other benefits can employees expect?
Salary and career development are the top two factors that attract technology professionals to companies in the UAE.
However, flexible and remote working are also important benefits for job-seekers in the sector, with the most common offering being the option to work from home full-time, according to Hays.
“It is clear that following the pandemic, remote working is considered to be an important factor for professionals considering a new employer and an offering that must, where possible, be incorporated into organisations’ attraction and retention strategies.”
Meanwhile, the global rise of the remote working model means that employers are competing for talent on an unprecedented level, the Michael Page report says.
“Where possible, remote working and hybrid models should be explored, while traditional compensation and benefits packages must also be reviewed to ensure employees are receiving attractive, yet fair incentives,” it adds.
What are the highest paid jobs in the digital and technology sector?
- Chief information officer: Dh70,000-Dh130,000 (per month)
- Chief technology officer: Dh50,000-Dh120,000
- IT director: Dh40,000-Dh80,000
- Head of IT: Dh30,000-Dh75,000
- IT manager: Dh20,000-Dh50,000
- UX director: Dh50,000-Dh70,000
- UX/UI designer: Dh15,000-Dh25,000
- Head of digital: Dh35,000-Dh70,000
- Digital transformation manager: Dh35,000-Dh65,000
- Digital project manager: Dh20,000-Dh30,000
- Senior back end developer: Dh25,000-Dh40,000
- Full stack developer: Dh20,000-Dh35,000
- Front end developer: Dh12,000-Dh22,000
- Head of enterprise architecture: Dh50,000-Dh75,000
- Cloud architect: Dh25,000-Dh60,000
Source: Michael Page
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Emiratisation salary guide 2022 - in pictures
Company%20profile
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Gertrude Bell's life in focus
A feature film
At one point, two feature films were in the works, but only German director Werner Herzog’s project starring Nicole Kidman would be made. While there were high hopes he would do a worthy job of directing the biopic, when Queen of the Desert arrived in 2015 it was a disappointment. Critics panned the film, in which Herzog largely glossed over Bell’s political work in favour of her ill-fated romances.
A documentary
A project that did do justice to Bell arrived the next year: Sabine Krayenbuhl and Zeva Oelbaum’s Letters from Baghdad: The Extraordinary Life and Times of Gertrude Bell. Drawing on more than 1,000 pieces of archival footage, 1,700 documents and 1,600 letters, the filmmakers painstakingly pieced together a compelling narrative that managed to convey both the depth of Bell’s experience and her tortured love life.
Books, letters and archives
Two biographies have been written about Bell, and both are worth reading: Georgina Howell’s 2006 book Queen of the Desert and Janet Wallach’s 1996 effort Desert Queen. Bell published several books documenting her travels and there are also several volumes of her letters, although they are hard to find in print. Original documents are housed at the Gertrude Bell Archive at the University of Newcastle, which has an online catalogue.
The five pillars of Islam
HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX RESULT
1. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 1:39:46.713
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 00:00.908
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes-GP 00:12.462
4. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-GP 00:12.885
5. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing 00:13.276
6. Fernando Alonso, McLaren 01:11.223
7. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 1 lap
8. Sergio Perez, Force India 1 lap
9. Esteban Ocon, Force India 1 lap
10. Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren 1 lap
11. Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso 1 lap
12. Jolyon Palmer, Renault 1 lap
13. Kevin Magnussen, Haas 1 lap
14. Lance Stroll, Williams 1 lap
15. Pascal Wehrlein, Sauber 2 laps
16. Marcus Ericsson, Sauber 2 laps
17r. Nico Huelkenberg, Renault 3 laps
r. Paul Di Resta, Williams 10 laps
r. Romain Grosjean, Haas 50 laps
r. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing 70 laps
Results:
2.15pm: Handicap (PA) Dh60,000 1,200m.
Winner: AZ Dhabyan, Adam McLean (jockey), Saleha Al Ghurair (trainer).
2.45pm: Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 1,200m.
Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.
3.15pm: Conditions (PA) Dh60,000 2,000m.
Winner: Hareer Al Reef, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
3.45pm: Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 1,700m.
Winner: Kenz Al Reef, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
4.15pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (TB) Dh 200,000 1,700m.
Winner: Mystique Moon, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
4.45pm: The Crown Prince Of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 1,200m.
Winner: ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
How to increase your savings
- Have a plan for your savings.
- Decide on your emergency fund target and once that's achieved, assign your savings to another financial goal such as saving for a house or investing for retirement.
- Decide on a financial goal that is important to you and put your savings to work for you.
- It's important to have a purpose for your savings as it helps to keep you motivated to continue while also reducing the temptation to spend your savings.
- Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: the specs
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plus rear-mounted electric motor
Power: 843hp at N/A rpm
Torque: 1470Nm N/A rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.6L/100km
On sale: October to December
Price: From Dh875,000 (estimate)
What is tokenisation?
Tokenisation refers to the issuance of a blockchain token, which represents a virtually tradable real, tangible asset. A tokenised asset is easily transferable, offers good liquidity, returns and is easily traded on the secondary markets.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
Spider-Man%202
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On racial profiling at airports
Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
The specs: Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Price, base: Dh1 million (estimate)
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 563hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 850Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 15L / 100km
Company Profile
Founder: Omar Onsi
Launched: 2018
Employees: 35
Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)
Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners
THE DETAILS
Kaala
Dir: Pa. Ranjith
Starring: Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Easwari Rao, Nana Patekar
Rating: 1.5/5
The 12
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
