Why salaries in the UAE will remain stable in 2021 – Pocketful of Dirhams

Chris Greaves, the managing director of global recruitment agency Hays, on why hiring activity has picked up and how it is positive news for salaries

The Covid-19 pandemic has weighed heavily on millions of workers around the world, with many either losing their jobs, being furloughed or having their salaries cut.

While a number of UAE employers reduced their staffing budgets last year to remain operational, the latest salary report by global recruitment consultancy Hays paints a more positive picture for 2021.

The report found that hiring activity started to pick up in the fourth quarter of last year and this trend has continued into 2021. Meanwhile, 55 per cent of employees are confident that their salaries will remain stable for the rest of the year.

In fact, Hays says in its report that it doesn’t expect the pandemic to negatively affect salaries further in 2021, which is great news for employees.

But the big question is: will our salaries increase this year or do we need to remain patient and hope that 2022 brings us financial rewards?

Host Felicity Glover is joined by Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays in the Middle East, who explains why salaries in the UAE will remain stable this year and gives his top tips on how to negotiate a pay rise.

UAE salary guide 2021

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