How to Get an AI Job in Dubai: Skills, Salaries

The artificial intelligence (AI) industry in Dubai offers exciting career opportunities as the city is advancing towards digital transformation at a rapid rate. The United Arab Emirates is investing heavily in emerging technologies, which has increased demand for skilled professionals, especially in industries such as finance, healthcare, real estate, and government services. 

This is evident from the salaries that AI professionals receive here. For example, AI Engineers in Dubai earn between AED 84,000 and AED 240,000 per year, with an annual average salary of AED 120,000.

This blog will discuss the various aspects of how to get AI jobs in Dubai and also focus on the best avenues to look for those jobs in the city.

Source: Glassdoor, as of November 18, 2025

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Getting an AI Job in Dubai

You may be a recent graduate, an international candidate seeking to work in a global innovation hub like Dubai, or a tech professional looking to make a career shift. No matter what, you must understand the right skills, market expectations, and certifications to enhance your chances of securing AI jobs in Dubai.

1. Why AI Careers Are Growing Rapidly in Dubai

The following are the main reasons why AI jobs are proliferating in Dubai:

1. Proactive Government Initiatives 

• UAE National AI Strategy 2031 
• Appointment of AI Minister 
• Smart Dubai Initiative
• Dubai Universal AI Blueprint  

2. Massive Investment and Its Economic Impact 

3. Adoption across Diverse Industries 

• Healthcare 
• Transportation 
• Banking and Finance 
• Retail and Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce)

4. Ecosystem Support and Talent Attraction

• Tech Hubs 
• Education 
• Visas 

You must understand these factors to learn how to get AI jobs in Dubai.

2. Essential Skills Required to Get an AI Job in Dubai

To get an AI job in Dubai, you need the following skills:

1. Core Technical Skills 

• Programming Languages 
• Deep Learning and Machine Learning (ML) 
• Big Data Technologies and Data Analysis
• Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing 
• ML Operations (MLOps) and Cloud Computing 
• Statistics and Mathematics 

2. Essential Soft Skills 

• Storytelling and Communication
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving 
• Continuous Learning and Adaptability 
• Leadership and Collaboration
• AI Ethics 

The best ways to build these skills are:

• Online Certifications and Courses
• Portfolio Building and Practical Experience 
• Networking 
• Domain Expertise 

3. AI Job Roles in Dubai and Expected Salaries

Along with knowing how to get AI jobs in Dubai, you must also have a clear idea of the top job roles in this sector in the city and the salaries you can expect in those profiles.

Job Role	Annual Average Salary
AI Product Manager	AED 360,000 – AED 432,000
Data Scientist	AED 156,000 – AED 312,000
AI Solutions Architect	AED 228,000 – AED 252,000
ML Engineer	AED 120,000 – AED 240,000
AI Prompt Engineer	AED 36,000 – AED 48,000
AI Researcher	AED 11,412 – AED 12,000

Sources: Glassdoor, as of February 15, October 31, 2023, November 4, 2024, September 8, September 10, November 18, 2025

Also read: Is an Artificial Intelligence Degree Worth It in the UAE?

4. Top Industries and Companies Hiring for AI Jobs in Dubai

The top industries hiring for AI jobs in Dubai are:

• Software Development and Technology 
• Finance and Banking 
• Public Sector and Government 
• Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare 
• Logistics and Transportation
• Retail and E-Commerce 

These are the leading companies recruiting AI talent in Dubai:

• Google, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft 
• Emirates Group
• Binance 
• Dubai Electric and Water Authority 
• Dubai Health Authority 
• MasterCard
• Careem 
• NVIDIA 
• ByteDance 
• DataRobot 

Apart from these, the technology and transportation company Derq also hires many AI professionals in Dubai. 

5. How to Build a Portfolio That Helps You Get AI Jobs in Dubai

The following are some steps that you can follow to build a portfolio that helps you land the best AI jobs in Dubai:

1. Focusing on End-to-End, Practical Projects 

• Choosing Relevant Project Types 
• Demonstrating the Full Lifecycle 

2. Highlighting Business Impact and Local Relevance 

• Aligning with Key Industries 
• Quantifying Results 
• Considering Data in the Arabic Language 

3. Presenting Your Work Professionally 

• Creating a Centralized Platform
• Writing Clear Documentation 
• Using Visualizations 

4. Networking and Continuous Learning  

• Including Recent Technologies 
• Networking with Recruiters 

You should know these steps if you want to know how to become an AI Engineer in Dubai.  

Also read: Top 5 Highest-Paying CS Jobs in the UAE

Where to Find AI Job Opportunities in Dubai

If you want to work in the best AI careers in Dubai, you must explore the following avenues:

1. Online Job Boards 

• LinkedIn
• General Job Portals like Indeed, Glassdoor, Bayt.com, Naukrigulf, and Naukri.com 

2. Targeting Companies 

• Large Tech Companies 
• Local Tech Innovators like G42, Saal.ai, Dicetek LLC, and Binance 
• Consulting Firms 

3. Specialized Networking and Recruitment 

• AI–Focused Recruitment Agencies 
• Professional Networking 
• Government Initiatives

Also read: Top 10 Highest Paying Artificial Intelligence (AI) Jobs in the UAE

Common Challenges in Getting an AI Job in Dubai and How to Overcome Them

If you want to know how to get a job in AI in Dubai, you must know about the common challenges you will face in this regard and also have a clear idea of how to overcome them.

1. Common Challenges 

• Intense Competition for Top Talent
• Rapidly Evolving Requirements and Skills Mismatch 
• Lack of Practical Experience for Entry-Level Roles 
• Difficulty in Technical Skill Assessment by Human Resources (HR)
• Importance of Soft Skills and Local Context 
• Navigating the Job Search for Expats 

2. The Best Ways to Overcome Them

• Focusing on Hands-On and Practical Projects 
• Prioritizing Certification and Continuous Learning 
• Developing Strong Soft Skills 
• Leveraging Networking 
• Targeting Companies that Invest Actively in AI 
• Tailoring Your Application Materials 
• Being AI-Literate and Adaptable 
• Understanding Work Permit and Visa Processes 

Also read: Free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Certification Courses in the UAE

Why upGrad is the Best Platform to Learn AI Skills for Jobs in Dubai

upGrad offers you benefits like industry-aligned curriculum, hands-on projects, partnerships with globally recognized universities, and career support services. These make it the best platform to learn AI skills for jobs in Dubai. 

• Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, O.P. Jindal Global University 
• Generative AI Foundations Certificate, Microsoft 
• Generative AI Mastery Certificate for Software Development, Microsoft
• Generative AI Mastery Certificate for Content Creation, Microsoft
• Generative AI Mastery Certificate for Data Analysis, Microsoft
• Generative AI Mastery Certificate for Managerial Excellence, Microsoft
• Master of Science in Machine Learning & AI, Liverpool John Moores University 
• Executive Diploma in Machine Learning and AI, Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Bangalore 

Must read articles:

• Computer Science Project Ideas & Topics for Beginners
• Information Technology Courses in the UAE
• AI Project Ideas for UAE Students & Professionals

FAQs on Career in AI

Sources:

• https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/dubai-ai-engineer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,5_IC2204498_KO6,17.htm
• https://www.decisivezone.ae/future-of-ai-in-dubai/#:~:text=Dubai%20AI%20Strategy.-,The%20Demand%20for%20AI%20Professionals,of%20opportunity%20for%20AI%20professionals.
• https://www.decisivezone.ae/why-dubai-is-the-idea/#:~:text=Dubai%20has%20rapidly%20emerged%20as,processes%2C%20and%20opportunities%20for%20growth.
• https://zerotaxjobs.com/articles/skills-for-data-scientists-in-dubai
• https://www.fdmgroup.com/news-insights/top-ai-skills