UAE Salary Expectations & Job Mobility 2024 | Report
- A recent survey indicates that a significant majority—80 percent—of employees in the United Arab Emirates are prepared to change jobs in pursuit of higher compensation.
- The Workforce 2025 survey, conducted by Korn Ferry, polled 501 professionals and leaders across 10 global markets.
- Vijay Gandhi, regional director for europe, Middle East, and Africa at Korn Ferry Digital, noted that benefits and pay have become the primary drivers for employees seeking new...
Eighty percent of UAE workers are ready to explore new job opportunities for better pay, signaling a crucial juncture for employers, as revealed in a recent report. Teh focus is on UAE salary expectations, with rising costs impacting employee satisfaction. Discover how job mobility is being driven by generational divides, notably Gen Z’s concerns over training and promotion. This study highlights the UAE’s robust AI workforce readiness, showcasing its commitment to innovation. News Directory 3 delivers insights into this dynamic, data-driven environment. Understand the key drivers behind talent retention and the approaches needed for companies to thrive. discover what’s next …
UAE Workers Willing to Switch jobs for Better Pay and Career Growth
Updated June 16, 2025
A recent survey indicates that a significant majority—80 percent—of employees in the United Arab Emirates are prepared to change jobs in pursuit of higher compensation. This trend underscores the challenges the UAE faces in retaining talent, despite its strong position as a hub for innovation and economic diversification.
The Workforce 2025 survey, conducted by Korn Ferry, polled 501 professionals and leaders across 10 global markets. It revealed that rising living costs, especially in housing and education, are outpacing salary growth for two-thirds of UAE workers.While companies provided an average salary increase of 4 percent in 2024, this has not kept pace with the escalating expenses.
Vijay Gandhi, regional director for europe, Middle East, and Africa at Korn Ferry Digital, noted that benefits and pay have become the primary drivers for employees seeking new opportunities. The survey also highlighted a generational divide, with Gen Z workers feeling overlooked in terms of training and career advancement.
Sixty-eight percent of Gen Z respondents expressed a need for improved communication and teamwork training, a sentiment less recognized by older generations. Furthermore, 60 percent of Gen Z believe thay miss training opportunities due to their age, and 56 percent feel passed over for senior positions.In contrast,61 percent of Gen X and Baby Boomers see technology training as crucial for bridging skills gaps.
Despite these challenges, the UAE is emerging as a leader in AI workforce readiness. The nation’s National AI Strategy 2031 aims to establish global leadership in artificial intelligence across key sectors. The appointment of the world’s first Minister of State for AI signals the country’s commitment to innovation. Eighty percent of UAE professionals view AI’s impact on their roles positively, a higher percentage than in many Western markets.
Jonathan Holmes, managing director at Korn Ferry Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, emphasized the need for organizations to embrace data-driven, people-first approaches to remain competitive in the evolving labor market. He cited the importance of addressing compensation pressures, talent mobility, and the growing demand for purpose-driven leadership.
The survey also found that 78 percent of employees are open to changing industries for better job security, influenced by the introduction of corporate tax and increased migration to the UAE.Leadership trust is a key retention factor, with 60 percent of employees saying they would stay in a job because they trust their manager. However, 44 percent reported discomfort sharing personal issues affecting their work with managers.
“The lack of psychological safety can lead to decreased productivity,higher turnover,and lower engagement.This impacts team collaboration, absenteeism, and overall business performance,” the report stated.
What’s next
As the UAE workforce becomes increasingly multigenerational and diverse,companies must prioritize employee well-being,offer competitive compensation packages,and invest in training and development to retain top talent and maintain its competitive edge in the global market.