Dubai is widely regarded as a top destination, attracting people from around the world with its vibrant and luxurious way of life. One of the main reasons is the high-paying jobs available. Whether you’re starting your career or looking for a change, knowing which jobs offer the best salaries can help you make smart choices.
This article will highlight some of the top-paying jobs in Dubai. You’ll find out what these jobs are like, how much they typically pay, and what qualifications you need to get hired. We’ll also suggest some courses and institutions that can help you begin your journey. Looking to start your journey toward a lucrative job in Dubai? Let’s get started!
List of Highest-Paid Jobs in Dubai
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
- Surgeon
- Petroleum Engineer
- Investment Banker
- IT Manager
- Sales Director
- Marketing Manager
- Lawyer
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The CEO is the top leader of a company, responsible for everything from planning the company’s direction to managing daily operations. In the UAE, this is a highly desirable position, with CEOs often earning over AED 100,000 per month, making it one of the highest-paying jobs in the country.
Some major companies in the UAE that hire CEOs include:
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
- Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC)
- Mubadala Investment Company
- Dubai World Trade Centre
These companies play a big role in the UAE’s economy, making the CEO job not only prestigious but also very rewarding.
2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for managing a company’s finances and making sure the business stays financially healthy. In the UAE, CFOs can earn a high salary, often around AED 75,000 per month or more, depending on their experience and the industry they work in.
Well-known companies in the UAE that often look to hire CFOs include:
- Emirates Group
- Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE)
- Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)
- Dubai Holding
- Dubai World Trade Centre
3. Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) are important because they manage a company’s marketing strategies and make sure the brand stays competitive. Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) in the UAE can make 75,000 AED or more per month, making it one of the highest-paying jobs in Dubai.
Companies in the UAE that often hire for this role include:
- Etihad Airways
- Emirates Group
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
- Dubai Tourism
- Dubai Airports
4. Surgeon
Surgeons are highly sought after in the UAE due to the rapid expansion of the healthcare industry. This makes surgery one of the top-paying jobs in the country. Depending on their skill level and experience, surgeons can earn around AED 50,000 or more each month.
Some of the top hospitals hiring skilled surgeons in Dubai and the UAE include:
- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
- Emirates Hospital
- Dubai London Clinic
- NMC Healthcare
- American Hospital Dubai
5. Petroleum Engineer
Since the UAE is one of the top oil producers in the world, there’s a high need for petroleum engineers. These experts can make around 48,900 AED per month or more. The oil and gas industry is still growing, which makes becoming a petroleum engineer a great career choice in the UAE.
Some of the big companies hiring petroleum engineers are:
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
- Dubai Petroleum
- Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC)
- Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Ltd (GASCO)
- Dubai Natural Gas Company Ltd (DUGAS)
6. Investment Banker
Investment bankers help clients with investment plans, manage their financial assets, and provide custom financial advice. In the UAE, this job can be very well-paid, with average monthly salaries of AED 40,000 or more.
This high salary makes the role especially appealing to expatriates, who often come to the UAE to work in some of the highest-paying jobs in Dubai.
Top investment banks hiring in the UAE include:
- Citibank
- Goldman Sachs
- J.P. Morgan
- Morgan Stanley
- HSBC
7. IT Manager
IT Managers oversee a company’s technology systems, including computers and software. In the UAE, where tech is growing fast, IT Managers can make around AED 35,000 a month or more, depending on their experience and the industry they work in. This job is very popular among expatriates in Dubai.
Some top tech companies in the UAE looking to hire IT Managers are:
- Microsoft
- IBM
- Oracle
- Dell
- Amazon
8. Sales Director
A Sales Director manages a company’s sales and how much money it makes. In the UAE, where many big international companies are located, Sales Directors often earn around AED 30,000 or more each month. The salary may differ depending on the individual’s experience and the industry they work in.
Some of the top companies hiring Sales Directors in the UAE are:
- Etisalat
- Emirates Group
- Johnson & Johnson
- IBM
- Oracle
9. Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager’s job is to develop and execute marketing plans that help a business grow. In the UAE, where companies are booming, a Marketing Manager can earn around AED 30,000 a month or more, depending on their experience and the industry they work in.
Some big companies in the UAE hiring Marketing Managers are:
- Procter & Gamble
- PepsiCo
- Nestlé
- Unilever
- Coca-Cola
10. Lawyer
In the UAE, lawyers who specialize in corporate and commercial law are in high demand. They typically make around 25,000 AED a month, but this can vary depending on the law firm.
Some well-known law firms and companies hiring lawyers in the UAE right now are:
- Al Tamimi & Company
- Baker McKenzie
- Clyde & Co
- DLA Piper Middle East
- Herbert Smith Freehills