A new UAE labour market report shows that demand for specialists in artificial intelligence, banking, finance, healthcare, energy and technology will remain high in 2027. According to the report, monthly salaries for some senior executives in finance, consulting, energy and legal services could reach AED 200,000.

The latest UAE Salary Guide for 2027, published by international recruitment firm Michael Page, examines hiring trends, in-demand jobs and salary levels across 18 specialist sectors in the country.

The report indicates that, in addition to technical expertise, UAE employers are seeking professionals with management experience, commercial knowledge, regulatory expertise and the ability to deliver complex projects.

Monthly salaries of up to AED 200,000 in banking, consulting and energy

According to the Michael Page guide, some of the UAE’s highest salaries are offered to senior executives in finance, investment, management consulting, energy and legal services.

In banking and financial services, monthly salaries for chief financial officers at investment companies and funds could reach AED 200,000. Managing directors in investment banking may earn up to AED 180,000 a month.

In management consulting, partners at consulting firms are expected to earn up to AED 200,000 a month, while directors may receive up to AED 135,000.

In the energy industry, chief executives could earn up to AED 200,000 a month, while chief operating officers may receive up to AED 100,000.

Partners at law firms may also earn up to AED 200,000 a month, while lawyers at counsel level could receive up to AED 110,000.

Demand rises for artificial intelligence specialists

One of the report’s key findings is the growing demand for specialists in artificial intelligence, data science and machine learning.

According to Michael Page, agentic AI engineers, applied AI engineers, data scientists, AI and machine learning platform engineers, and AI product managers will be among the most in-demand professionals in 2027.

The report says monthly salaries for agentic AI engineers who develop intelligent systems capable of planning and carrying out tasks could reach AED 70,000.

Agentic AI architects may earn up to AED 75,000 a month, while chief data officers could receive up to AED 120,000.

UAE employers are particularly seeking specialists with experience in designing multi-agent systems, machine learning, AI-assisted software development and deploying intelligent systems in operational environments.

Salaries for doctors and healthcare executives reach AED 120,000

Healthcare and life sciences are also expected to see strong demand for specialist professionals in 2027.

According to the Michael Page guide, consultant physicians may earn up to AED 100,000 a month, while chief medical officers could receive up to AED 120,000. Senior laboratory and quality executives may earn up to AED 70,000.

Healthcare facilities and companies are seeking specialist doctors, operations managers, medical affairs professionals, market access specialists, and regulatory and quality assurance experts.

The report stresses that knowledge of UAE healthcare laws and regulations, experience in the local market, and the ability to manage professional relationships with healthcare facilities and regulatory authorities will be among the main advantages for job applicants.

Salaries of up to AED 150,000 in technology and supply chain

In information technology, demand is expected to remain high for DevOps engineers, cybersecurity specialists, infrastructure managers and platform engineers.

According to the report, chief technology officers and chief information officers could earn up to AED 150,000 a month. Chief information security officers may receive up to AED 120,000.

In procurement and supply chain, monthly salaries for chief procurement and supply chain officers could reach AED 150,000, while vice-presidents and executive directors of procurement may earn up to AED 120,000.

In human resources, senior vice-presidents and chief human resources officers are expected to earn up to AED 130,000 a month.

In engineering and manufacturing, senior project directors may earn up to AED 90,000 a month, while research and development and new product development directors could receive up to AED 78,000.

What skills are UAE employers seeking?

The Michael Page report shows that technical skills alone are not enough to secure high-paying jobs. Companies are placing greater emphasis on the ability to manage teams, solve complex problems, understand commercial needs and deliver projects successfully.

In finance, skills such as financial modelling, client relationship management, business development and knowledge of banking regulations are highly valued.

In the energy industry, engineering project management, renewable energy, automation and industrial safety are among the most in-demand skills.

In technology, cloud computing, cybersecurity, risk management, enterprise systems architecture and digital transformation leadership are among the key capabilities sought by employers.

How were the salary figures calculated?

Michael Page said its 2027 Salary Guide was compiled using data from recruitment assignments conducted between January 1 and September 30, 2026, interviews with employers and jobseekers, and information gathered by more than 80 specialist consultants.

The figures are quoted monthly and include base salaries and benefits such as housing and transport allowances, but exclude bonuses and commissions.

Michael Page stressed that individual salaries will vary depending on experience, company size, industry, position and economic conditions.

The figures should therefore be viewed as benchmarks for comparing salary levels across different roles in the UAE labour market. They do not guarantee that candidates will receive these amounts or that active vacancies will exist for all the listed roles in 2027.