Public Sector UAE Salary Guide 2020

UAE government departments and state entities are rolling out national economic development initiatives including the UAE’s Vision 2021, Abu Dhabi’s economic Vision 2030 and the Dh50 billion ‘Ghadan 21’ stimulus programme, all of which are a boon for the country’s employment market. While salaries in the UAE public sector were flat in 2019, hiring activity is expected to accelerate in 2020, and organisations will be under pressure to offer competitive packages to Emirati and expatriate staff.

Higher levels of hiring in Abu Dhabi compared to neighbouring Dubai will continue in 2020, although infrastructure investments in the run up to Expo 2020 Dubai and other projects in the emirate will drive public sector hiring in the year ahead. On a macro level, global oil prices are set to average above $60 per barrel in 2020, and the UAE’s GDP growth is set to lift to 2.5% from 1.6% in 2019, according to the International Monetary Fund, positively impacting budgets and sentiment. The most in-demand public sector roles in 2020 will be economists, public policy experts and sustainability advisors.

There are no significant skills gaps among UAE public sector workers, our clients say. However, to attract and retain the best talent, organisations should help Emirati talent develop their careers through training programmes; create flexible working environments and develop a culture of mentorship within teams.