Employers are in the driving seat in the UAE this year as more expats flock to the region to benefit from the growing economy. Antonie Robertson / The National
Employers are in the driving seat in the UAE this year as more expats flock to the region to benefit from the growing economy. Antonie Robertson / The National
Employers are in the driving seat in the UAE this year as more expats flock to the region to benefit from the growing economy. Antonie Robertson / The National
Employers are in the driving seat in the UAE this year as more expats flock to the region to benefit from the growing economy. Antonie Robertson / The National

UAE jobs: Your salary guide for 2025


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Competition is fierce in the UAE job market following a massive influx of jobseekers – and legacy expats can no longer expect to draw the handsome salary packages they once did in 2025 and beyond, according to recruitment specialists.

In some industries, there is a clearout of older middle-earning, middle-management professionals. Younger, tech and AI-savvy jobseekers may find they are well-placed as candidates in sectors preparing for dramatic change. These were among the key findings of The National's 2025 salary guide, which provides a snapshot of the state of the jobs market and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“Salaries in the UAE for certain roles have reduced. It was inevitable though, with the UAE continuing to be featured in so many ‘best places to live’, ‘safest places to live’ and ‘best places for expat lifestyle’ lists,” says Thanj Kungananthan, partner at recruitment consultancy Visible HR.

“Competition is fierce, everyone wants to move here and many legacy expats on those previous gold-plated packages only have three options: stay in current company until retirement, take a pay cut in your next role, or leave the UAE," she says.

The workers being replaced most are long-term expats in non-technical, management roles in the Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 ($10,890-$16,337) monthly salary band.

"These ‘cheaper’ replacements are not poorer quality, they are just willing to accept less because their only comparison is their home country salaries and not legacy packages from the good old days. It’s a tough pill to swallow though," Ms Kungananthan says.

Meanwhile, C-suite roles are unaffected and can still demand a premium, she adds.

Salaries in the UAE are expected to remain stable this year, with no average increase expected, influenced by significant population growth despite a thriving economy, recruitment specialists say. However, candidates with extensive UAE experience and specialised skills in investment banking, artificial intelligence, data, renewable energy and compliance have a good chance of a wage rise.

UAE Salary Guide 2025

Check out our salary guide below for a snapshot of how much you can expect to be paid monthly in your sector in 2025.

Employers are firmly in the driving seat as more expats flock to the country to experience its lifestyle and benefit from the growing economy. With the wealth of available expat talent, businesses can offer lower salaries and strip back their benefits packages, according to recruitment consultancy Robert Half’s 2025 UAE Salary Guide.

With less competitive pay and benefits, those already working in the UAE are unable to change jobs. This is great for employers in terms of retention but could cause dissatisfaction and reduce productivity among workers. Also, while it might be easier to find candidates, it does not mean that those on the market have the right skills. Those with UAE experience are still in demand, but employers are often compromising their needs due to budgetary constraints, leaving them without the skills they need to succeed, the report says.

Employees recognise that increased competition for jobs in the UAE leaves them in a weaker position. Three quarters (75 per cent) say that it has become harder to negotiate a pay rise than a year ago, the report reveals.

Watch: Why expat packages are not what they used to be

This year, similar to 2024, job seekers in the region are prioritising strong salaries over benefits packages, according to Tiger Recruitment’s Mena Salary and Benefits Review 2025 report. Up to 80 per cent of workers now list salary as the number one priority when looking for their next role.

“UAE professionals are increasingly seeking salaries that match the rising costs of living," says Zahra Clark, director and head of Tiger Middle East and North Africa. "Hiring managers should note that workers who receive a raise between 5 per cent and 10 per cent are 10 per cent less likely to leave their jobs in 2025 compared to those whose salaries remain unchanged."

Meanwhile, 44 per cent of business leaders polled across 1,000 companies in the Gulf intend to increase salaries in 2025, Cooper Fitch’s 2025 UAE Salary Guide shows. But over a quarter of organisations have no plans to adjust salaries in 2025.

Who will receive salary increase in 2025?

Jon Ede, regional director, UAE for Page Group, says senior professionals in private equity, investment banking and compliance roles are seeing some of the highest salary increases. Demand for expertise in artificial intelligence, technology, health care and renewable energy is on the rise, leading to higher compensation for skilled consultants.

“With companies investing heavily in digital transformation and automation, AI engineers, data scientists and cyber security experts command premium salaries. B2B companies are now recognising the importance of brand positioning, digital marketing and strategic communications, leading to increased demand and competitive salary offers in this field,” he adds.

Will UAE experience fetch higher salaries?

Mr Ede says a proven track record of working in the UAE will either improve chances for higher salaries, or at the very least, significantly increase a candidate’s chances of being selected for a role when competing with talent looking to relocate to the region.

“Most companies recognise that having experience on the ground in the UAE is quite different to that gained elsewhere. Understanding local business culture, regulatory frameworks and market dynamics can be a major advantage, especially in client-facing roles, financial services and leadership positions,” he explains.

"While international candidates are still in demand, especially for niche or technical roles, those who have already worked in the UAE are more likely to secure higher salary offers due to their familiarity with the business environment and established professional networks.”

Meanwhile, those aiming to relocate to the UAE should focus on highlighting transferable skills, industry expertise and a strong understanding of the regional market to enhance their appeal in salary negotiations, Mr Ede suggests.

How to stand out from the crowd

In such a competitive job market, candidates should demonstrate a deeper level of relevance or specialisation to stand apart, says Mr Ede. An effective approach is to tailor job applications and interview responses to showcase how specific skills and past achievements align with the employer’s needs.

Competition is fierce and many legacy expats on those previous gold-plated packages only have three options: stay in current company until retirement, take a pay cut in your next role, or leave the UAE
Thanj Kungananthan,
partner, Visible HR

Additionally, candidates who actively invest in professional development whether through certifications, online courses, or hands-on project experience, will have a significant advantage, he says.

Personal branding can also make a big difference. Engaging on LinkedIn, networking within the industry and participating in thought leadership discussions can help candidates gain visibility, making them more attractive to potential employers.

Will companies pay bonuses in 2025?

While there were "cautious" bonus distributions last year due to budgetary constraints, 2025 brings a sense of “renewed optimism”, according to the 2025 UAE Bonus Report from Cooper Fitch.

Industries such as technology, finance and consulting are driving this shift. Employers are also increasingly offering incentives based on individual rather than team-based performance, the consultancy says.

Long-term incentive plans will become more common in 2025, particularly in the real estate, consulting and banking industries.


Saudi salary guide 2025


While about one in three employees did not receive a bonus last year, the most common one offered was one to two months’ salary, according to Cooper Fitch. Some industries such as technology, banking and health care, offered more substantial bonuses of three to five months’ salary payouts. Six-plus months’ salary bonuses were less common and concentrated in banking and consulting.

Aviation, government, media and retail were some of the sectors that held back bonuses due to budget limits, shifting priorities and market uncertainties.

Banking, financial services

The growing asset management industry in the UAE, supported by increased investor interest and a surge in family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, has created demand for two skilled roles: fundraising/institutional sales and compliance professionals, according to Michael Page’s 2025 Salary Guide.

Salaries in the financial services sector are largely stable, although some compliance roles are seeing increases of up to 4 per cent annually, Robert Half says. Competition for compliance talent with experience of Dubai’s jurisdiction is increasing.

Finance and accounting

Salaries in the finance and accounting sector are down by an average of 2 per cent year-on-year, according to Robert Half. Those with UAE experience are able to command higher salaries and employers are often hiring mid-level talent looking to step up rather than established senior leaders. The introduction of corporate tax in 2023 is driving demand for financial reporting and technical accounting roles.

IT and technology

Salaries in the technology sector remain steady for most roles. Start-ups and AI-focused companies that set up in the region during and after the pandemic are now reaching the next stage of maturity and seeking UX and UI specialists, Robert Half says.

Enterprise application transformation programmes being undertaken by public and private organisations is leading to a surge in demand for ERP consultants, project managers and business analysts, according to Michael Page. The public sector’s transformation projects remain a significant source of hiring activity, driving demand for enterprise architects, cloud engineers and application development specialists.

Digital

The demand for skilled digital professionals has never been higher. Organisations are looking for talent that can help them become "digital pioneers", according to Michael Page. There is a talent shortage in areas such as AI, Web3 and advanced software development.

HR and admin

Salaries in HR and business administration are lower by an average of 1.24 per cent annually. Organisations are looking for HR experts with transformation experience, particularly those who are planning to automate systems and procedures over the next few years, Robert Half says.

Legal

Salaries for legal professionals are up by an overall average of 1.6 per cent yearly. Legal counsels with three to five years of experience are the most in demand with the median salary increasing by 15 per cent, while the salary for legal managers is also 2 per cent higher, Robert Half says. There is demand for legal talent that can support with readiness for initial public offerings and property experience.

Engineering and manufacturing

The engineering and manufacturing sector in the Middle East is growing due to economic diversification and large-scale projects. Countries in the region, especially those in the Gulf, are focusing on developing industries such as renewable energy, construction and manufacturing. There is a growing demand for expatriate specialists in niche roles, especially in aviation and green energy, Michael Page says.

Health care and life sciences

Digital health and telemedicine have reshaped opportunities in the healthcare space, increasing the need for professionals in new healthcare technologies, according to Michael Page. The UAE life sciences sector is witnessing a surge in demand for specialised roles such as medical affairs, market access and pharma-covigilance.

Property and construction

Last year, talent from Saudi Arabia’s giga projects increasingly shifted to the UAE for lifestyle reasons, which has intensified competition in the UAE's property and construction sector, according to Michael Page. The most in-demand skills are project management, development management, off-plan sales strategies and launches, design management and construction supervision.

Additionally, real estate sales and marketing professionals specialising in residential properties remain in high demand.

Procurement and supply chain

Talent demand has shifted towards professionals skilled in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management and cost optimisation, particularly in sectors like construction, energy and FMCG, Michael Page says. There is demand for candidates with regional expertise and experience in integrating ESG goals into procurement practices.

The bio

Favourite book: Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer

Favourite quote: “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist

Favourite Authors: Arab poet Abu At-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi

Favourite Emirati food: Luqaimat, a deep-fried dough soaked in date syrup

Hobbies: Reading and drawing

Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5-litre%2C%20twin-turbo%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E410hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E495Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Estarts%20from%20Dh495%2C000%20(Dh610%2C000%20for%20the%20F-Sport%20launch%20edition%20tested)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

'The worst thing you can eat'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

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%3Cp%3EApril%2021-23%3A%20Imola%3Cbr%3EMay%205-7%3A%20Misano%3Cbr%3EMay%2026-28%3A%20SPA-Francorchamps%3Cbr%3EJune%2023-25%3A%20Monza%3Cbr%3EJuly%2021-23%3A%20Paul%20Ricard%3Cbr%3ESept%2029-Oct%201%3A%20Mugello%3Cbr%3EOct%2013-15%3A%20Vallelunga%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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

Racecard

6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes (PA) Group 3 Dh175,000 (Dirt) 1,900m

7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m

7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m

8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,200m

8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile (TB) Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,600m

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m

The National selections

6.30pm: Chaddad

7.05pm: Down On Da Bayou

7.40pm: Mass Media

8.15pm: Rafal

8.50pm: Yulong Warrior

9.25pm: Chiefdom

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

Profile of Tamatem

Date started: March 2013

Founder: Hussam Hammo

Based: Amman, Jordan

Employees: 55

Funding: $6m

Funders: Wamda Capital, Modern Electronics (part of Al Falaisah Group) and North Base Media

Champions League Last 16

Red Bull Salzburg (AUT) v Bayern Munich (GER) 

Sporting Lisbon (POR) v Manchester City (ENG) 

Benfica (POR) v Ajax (NED) 

Chelsea (ENG) v Lille (FRA) 

Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Manchester United (ENG) 

Villarreal (ESP) v Juventus (ITA) 

Inter Milan (ITA) v Liverpool (ENG) 

Paris Saint-Germain v Real Madrid (ESP)  

Results:

First Test: New Zealand 30 British & Irish Lions 15

Second Test: New Zealand 21 British & Irish Lions 24

Third Test: New Zealand 15 British & Irish Lions 15

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amanda%20Nell%20Eu%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Zafreen%20Zairizal%2C%20Deena%20Ezral%20and%20Piqa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Top financial tips for graduates

Araminta Robertson, of the Financially Mint blog, shares her financial advice for university leavers:

1. Build digital or technical skills: After graduation, people can find it extremely hard to find jobs. From programming to digital marketing, your early twenties are for building skills. Future employers will want people with tech skills.

2. Side hustle: At 16, I lived in a village and started teaching online, as well as doing work as a virtual assistant and marketer. There are six skills you can use online: translation; teaching; programming; digital marketing; design and writing. If you master two, you’ll always be able to make money.

3. Networking: Knowing how to make connections is extremely useful. Use LinkedIn to find people who have the job you want, connect and ask to meet for coffee. Ask how they did it and if they know anyone who can help you. I secured quite a few clients this way.

4. Pay yourself first: The minute you receive any income, put about 15 per cent aside into a savings account you won’t touch, to go towards your emergency fund or to start investing. I do 20 per cent. It helped me start saving immediately.

RESULTS

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Brraq, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)

7.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Taamol, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Eqtiraan, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

8.15pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Soft Whisper, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.

9.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Etisalat, Sando Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

COMPANY PROFILE

Company: Bidzi

● Started: 2024

● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid

● Based: Dubai, UAE

● Industry: M&A

● Funding size: Bootstrapped

● No of employees: Nine

Six tips to secure your smart home

Most smart home devices are controlled via the owner's smartphone. Therefore, if you are using public wi-fi on your phone, always use a VPN (virtual private network) that offers strong security features and anonymises your internet connection.

Keep your smart home devices’ software up-to-date. Device makers often send regular updates - follow them without fail as they could provide protection from a new security risk.

Use two-factor authentication so that in addition to a password, your identity is authenticated by a second sign-in step like a code sent to your mobile number.

Set up a separate guest network for acquaintances and visitors to ensure the privacy of your IoT devices’ network.

Change the default privacy and security settings of your IoT devices to take extra steps to secure yourself and your home.

Always give your router a unique name, replacing the one generated by the manufacturer, to ensure a hacker cannot ascertain its make or model number.

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5-litre%20twin-turbo%20V6%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E456hp%20at%205%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E691Nm%20at%203%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E14.6L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh349%2C545%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

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Vikram%20Vedha
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The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut

Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”

Cultural fiesta

What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421,  Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day. 

Updated: March 04, 2025, 7:27 AM