Abu Dhabi: how much do people of various professions earn in 2021

What do they have there in Dubai?

About 75% of the UAE workforce is foreign, with the figure exceeding 80% in Dubai. Indigenous local residents work in the judiciary, government and administrative apparatus, and are on the boards of international companies (at least 51% of the capital of a commercial enterprise must belong to UAE residents).

The standard of living in Dubai is high: just look at the air-conditioned bus stops

GDP per capita in the UAE is 326% of the world average. This indirectly indicates high incomes of citizens.

Qualified foreigners work for international corporations based in Abu Dhabi or Dubai and open their own businesses. Arabs from neighboring countries are taking up positions as restaurant directors and hotel managers. Irish, English, Germans are middle managers. Low-paid positions (waiters, receptionists, cleaners) are filled by Pakistanis, Indians, and Filipinos.

Many foreigners are looking for work in the hotel industry, especially if they speak several languages

In the UAE, citizens enjoy free medical care and education (including higher education in the Emirates or grants for studying at any university); upon marriage, they receive cottages and land plots. Tax rate - 0% on income. Employees only pay for health insurance. There are no most usual taxes, but residents pay the following fees:

• for owners of living space - 2–15%;
• for rent - 5% of the annual cost;
• for hotel business and catering services - 10% of the bill;
• for real estate transactions - 2% (1.5% is paid by the buyer, 0.5% by the seller).

Despite these fees, the country is attractive to foreign workers who come from countries where the tax burden sometimes exceeds 50%.

Average salary, taking into account the origin of the worker

What influences the salary level of specialists in Dubai? Here various indicators are taken into account, among which the following plays an important role:

• position held;
• specialization;
• competence;
• origin.

There are professions where it is impossible for citizens who come from certain countries to work . This issue needs to be dealt with in more detail.

What can immigrants from India, Pakistan or Nepal expect? It is difficult to find a good specialist among them, so most often they are hired only for low-paid positions. The second point that affects this is the level of competition.

As a rule, immigrants from these countries even agree to low salaries, since too many people who want to earn money come from there. Research shows that they agree to 10,000 dirhams, which leaves $2,700. And street cleaners get even less - up to $500-600. If we are talking about an office cleaner, you will need to have a higher education.

Immigrants from Russia, just like from the countries of the Middle East, can count on a salary of 10,000-30,000 dirhams, that is, from $2,700 to $8,100. But there is a problem with accommodation and food, because the high standard of living in such a big city takes away the entire salary. But if spouses come to work, they will be able to save something.

Those from the European Union, the USA and other developed countries are most valued, as they are offered a salary of more than 30,000 dirhams. For example, a good doctor, depending on his specialization, can receive from 40,000 to 80,000 dirhams. That is, the amount may be more than 21 thousand US dollars.

Minimum salary in UAE in 2021

There is no official minimum wage set in the UAE. The salary amount is determined during negotiations between the employee and the employer, and then fixed in the contract. Labor market analysis shows that the minimum wage for a foreign worker is 800 dirhams ($217, or 14,379 rubles) per month.

Almost 70% of foreigners receive less than 3 thousand dirhams (52,924 rubles) per month, the same number of native Emiratis receive more than 14 thousand dirhams (251,649 rubles).

Pros and cons of living in the UAE

It is quite difficult to answer the question “how profitable is it to live in the Emirates,” since each migrant has his own story.
Below are the average reviews about the UAE. Advantages:

1. Developed infrastructure and healthcare system in all major cities;
2. Clean and comfortable public transport;
3. High level of salaries;
4. Here you can buy almost everything (even pork and alcohol);
5. Wonderful weather all year round.

Flaws:

1. High prices for real estate, things and products;
2. Noisy due to a lot of construction;
3. Large cities are too “automated” and uncomfortable;
4. Ignorance of local laws and traditions can cause great problems in communicating with Arabs;
5. Expensive medicine.

The UAE provides all conditions for a family holiday. There are a lot of spacious playgrounds, children's pools, amusement parks and other entertainment places.

Taxation in the country

Another advantage of living in the UAE is worth considering separately - it is a convenient taxation system. Or rather, its conditional absence. Nobody pays taxes here: neither income, nor corporate, nor anything else. Also, the Emirates is a continuous free economic zone. Many foreign companies prefer to open their branches here.

The United Arab Emirates attracts business people intending to build a successful career and earn big money.

Romantics and lovers of “atmospheric” gatherings, as a rule, are disappointed in the country’s financial system and in the mentality of its indigenous people. The UAE is a real paradise for those who dream of a carefree old age and a high standard of living.

Average salary in the United Arab Emirates in 2021

Wages in the UAE range from 900 dirhams (16,177 rubles) to 100 thousand dirhams (1,797,497 rubles). Hourly pay is an average of 17.7 dirhams (318 rubles) per hour.

Women in the UAE earn approximately Dh5,000 less than men in similar positions. With more than 15 years of experience, local residents can count on an income of 38 thousand dirhams per month.

In the police, even women receive at least 45 thousand dirhams, but we are talking only about UAE citizens

According to the Trading Economy agency, the average salary in the UAE varies by city:

1. Khor Fakkan - 7,792 dirhams (140,061 rubles).
2. Ar-Ruwais - 9291 dirhams (167,005 rubles).
3. Ras Al Khaimah - 13,142 dirhams (236,227 rubles).
4. Al Fujairah - 15,783 dirhams (283,699 rubles).
5. Sharjah - 16,949 dirhams (304,657 rubles).
6. Al Ain - 20,802 dirhams (372,915 rubles).
7. Dubai - 23,697 dirhams (425,953 rubles).
8. Abu Dhabi - 23,826 dirhams (428,271 rubles).

Arabs and Arabic-speaking migrants have the highest salaries. Immigrants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh rarely receive more than 10 thousand dirhams (179,749 rubles). Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians earn on average 10–30 thousand dirhams (179–539 thousand rubles), knowledge of English is required; if the applicant knows Arabic, his chances of higher pay increase.

Dynamics of changes in wages in the UAE over the past 5 years

Over the past 5 years, average monthly wages in the United Arab Emirates have grown steadily, by approximately 4.8%. So, from the level of 293 thousand rubles. (16.4 thousand dirhams) per month, the average salary at the end of 2021 increased to 317.7 thousand rubles. (17.7 thousand dirhams). Below is a graph of earnings fluctuations over the years.

Graph 1. Dynamics of changes in wages in the UAE over the past 5 years

This is interesting! The world's richest Arab family lives in Saudi Arabia.

Salaries in Dubai

Dubai is an economic center, so salaries there are higher than the average in the United Arab Emirates. 97.5% of locals are employed.

Minimum salary in Dubai

Workers without education in Dubai earn a minimum of 600–1200 dirhams (10,784–21,596 rubles), specialists - from 2100 dirhams (37,747 rubles).

Primary and secondary school teachers can expect an income of 5 thousand dirhams per month

Representatives of the following professions receive relatively little:

1. Junior office worker - 2 thousand dirhams (35,949 rubles).
2. Teacher in a secondary school - 5 thousand dirhams (89,874 rubles).
3. Programmer - 10 thousand dirhams (179,749 rubles).
4. System administrator - 10.6 thousand dirhams (190,534 rubles).
5. Mechanical engineer - 15 thousand dirhams (269,624 rubles).

Low and average starting salary for foreigners:

1. Waiter, technical staff - 3 thousand dirhams (53,924 rubles).
2. Cashier, retail salesperson - 3.5 thousand dirhams (62,912 rubles).
3. Electrician - 4.5 thousand dirhams (80,887 rubles).
4. Nanny - 6 thousand dirhams (107,849 rubles).
5. Web designer, crane operator - 9 thousand dirhams (161,774 rubles).

It’s difficult to get a job as a waiter in a five-star hotel, but it’s possible. The size of the tip will be a pleasant bonus

Representatives of certain African and Asian countries without knowledge of the language receive the least; Europeans, Americans and Canadians can count on higher starting salaries.

Average salary in Dubai

According to international analytical centers, the average salary in Dubai is 15–18 thousand dirhams per month (269–323 thousand rubles).

General workers are always needed at construction sites, but their earnings are the lowest - from 600 dirhams

The statistics for specialties are as follows:

• handyman - 600–1500 dirhams (10–26 thousand rubles);
• driver - 2.5–3.5 thousand dirhams (45–63 thousand rubles);
• pharmacist/pharmacist - 7–14 thousand dirhams (125–251 thousand rubles);
• economist-accountant - 10–26 thousand dirhams (179–467 thousand rubles);
• programmer - 15–55 thousand dirhams (269–988 thousand rubles);
• military and administrative apparatus - 50–70 thousand dirhams (0.8–1.2 million rubles).

High incomes can be earned by specialists with specialized education, work experience, and knowledge of Arabic and English.

How to live in the UAE: cost of living and salaries in Dubai in 2021

Dubai is a prime example of an economic miracle where oil revenues were used to develop infrastructure, innovation and the tourism sector. The tourism market brings considerable income to the UAE. Dubai has secured its status as one of the leading resorts in the world. Are you dreaming of moving to the UAE? Surely you are interested in the cost of living and average salaries in Dubai in 2021? Many people who dream of moving to live and work in the UAE are under some kind of illusion. Every country has its pros and cons. The Emirates are no exception.

To create the Arab miracle, the UAE government attracts cheap labor to the country from disadvantaged countries: India, Pakistan and others. Low-skilled labor lives in slave-like conditions. Workers often work 12 hours a day on construction sites in hot, sultry weather. Especially in the UAE, difficult working conditions arise with the onset of summer, when the thermometer exceeds + 50 degrees Celsius. Many workers' health cannot withstand excessive stress and they die on construction sites. By the standards of the Emirate, such workers receive low wages, but they are several times higher than in their homeland. Therefore, there is a constant influx of laborers here.

Is it worth moving to Dubai? If you are a highly qualified specialist in the most in-demand professions for the UAE, then you can count on a decent life: free office housing, high wages, medical insurance. The Emirates are ideal for starting your own business, as ideal tax conditions have been created for entrepreneurs from around the world.

Cost of living in Dubai in 2021

The five key expense items include: food, rental property, utilities, transportation and additional expenses. Let's look at each of these points in more detail. Living costs are quite high. Comparable to expensive Western European countries. The city itself is expensive; without initial savings for several months in advance, there is absolutely nothing to do here. This fact should also be taken into account before deciding to move. Do you have enough money to move? The money should be enough for 2-3 months of life while you are looking for a job.

• Rent an apartment with 1 room area of ​​40 sq.m. The following areas are considered the most expensive for rent: Dubai Marina, Downtown (near the Burj Khalifa skyscraper), Sheikh Zayed Road. Here you have to pay astronomical money for housing. In such prestigious areas, one-room apartments with an area of ​​40 square meters cost an average of $2,035 per month. In residential areas (remote from the center) you will pay $1,378 monthly for a similar option in terms of footage.
• Utility bills for electricity, water, garbage removal, etc. Monthly utility costs (apartment with an area of ​​40 sq.m.) will be $84.
• Food. This expense item depends on the areas in which you are going to purchase food. Shops and supermarkets located in residential areas offer lower prices for food. Approximate monthly expenses for a family of two people will be $500-600.
• Transport. In Dubai, most people travel by metro. A metro line runs through all areas of the city, along which automated rides without drivers travel. The price for a one-way ticket is $1.36. A monthly pass will cost $68.
• Internet. Today it is impossible for a modern person to live without the Internet. We also included this expense item. Unlimited Internet in Dubai is not cheap. You'll pay about $87 per month.
• Mobile connection. $50 – monthly. 1 minute of conversation – $0.13.

Total monthly costs: from $2167. This threshold is the minimum amount for a comfortable life.

What are the salaries in Dubai in 2021?

They pay decent wages to qualified specialists from other countries. This applies to workers in real estate, IT technology, marketing, construction, architecture, oil production, etc. A qualified average specialist can expect an average salary of $3,346 net per month.

Employed qualified professionals from other countries working in Dubai on a long-term contract or agreement can count on obtaining a home mortgage. The average mortgage rate is 4.16% per annum.