Across the UAE, companies hiring data scientists are fuelling a wave of innovation and smarter decision-making. From cutting-edge startups to established industry leaders, demand is rising for experts who can translate complex data into strategic advantage. This rising demand spans sectors such as healthcare, technology, logistics, and finance, reflecting the profound influence of data science on the nation’s most dynamic industries. Average salaries for data scientists have gone up to AED 144,000-540,000 per year.
There are several skills highly valued by prospective employers, including big data technologies, statistical modelling and analysis, advanced SQL and Excel skills, visualisation tools, Python and R programming, machine learning concepts, and more.
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10 Leading Companies Hiring Data Scientists in the UAE
Here are some of the top companies offering data science jobs in the UAE.
| Company Name | Why They’re Hiring Data Scientists |
| Emirates Group | Flight route optimisation, boosting customer experiences, and streamlining operations |
| Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. | Tapping data-based insights for optimising operations, boosting decision making, and improving efficiency |
| Noon.com | Leveraging data science to boost user experience and manage inventory better |
| Etisalat | Tapping AI and data analytics for network optimisation, predictive maintenance, and customer service automation |
| Careem | Predictive analytics, route optimisation, and customer engagement |
| Dubai Health Authority (DHA) | Integrate data for improved healthcare outcomes and operational efficiencies |
| MasterCard | Leverage data analytics and AI for fraud detection, product development, and business growth |
| DEWA | Using data-based insights to analyse energy consumption patterns, predict demand, and optimise resource allocation |
| Amazon Web Services (AWS) | Cloud optimisation, solving cloud-scale data problems |
| Mubadala | Use data to make informed decisions and optimise operations |
Top 10 Companies for Data Scientist in the UAE
1. Emirates Group
The company offers varied data science jobs in the UAE for freshers and experienced professionals alike. AI technologies are integral to the company’s future innovation blueprint, and that’s why they are focusing on data science to optimise flight routes and boost customer experiences.
Some of the roles available include Machine Learning Specialist, AI Engineer, Lead Data Scientist, Senior Data Scientist, and Data Scientist.
2. Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.
There are multiple data scientist job opportunities in the UAE, offering salaries at the company, including positions that focus on machine learning, AI, emerging technologies, and digital technologies. They also offer graduate trainee programs for UAE nationals in diverse disciplines.
Some positions available include Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Architect, and Machine Learning Engineer.
3. Noon.com
From junior data scientists in the UAE to senior roles, the company occasionally has openings available. Some positions include Predictive Modeller, AI Developer, and Data Analyst, among others.
Data scientists are driving growth within the company’s digital ecosystem and boosting user experiences through a better understanding of behaviour.
4. Etisalat
Etisalat has several positions available, including AI Developer, Machine Learning Engineer, Solution Architect (Data Governance), and Telecom Data Scientist.
Data insights are essential for informed decision-making, product development, service improvements, and other purposes.
5. Careem
Careem is hiring skilled data scientists for roles like Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and AI Researcher. At the same time, they are also leveraging AI to optimise their ride-hailing routes and manage predictive analytics.
Customer engagement is also a core focus area at the company. Its Everything App strategy is one of the cornerstones of the company’s renewed focus on data science as a core business function.
6. Dubai Health Authority
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is one of the top recruiters of data scientists in the UAE. The organisation is integrating AI into its healthcare services for better patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.
Some job roles here include Data Analyst, AI Specialist in Diagnostics, Healthcare Data Scientist, and Senior Data Scientist.
7. MasterCard
MasterCard is leveraging data analytics and AI technologies for fraud detection and merchant analytics. Other functions include real-time decision modelling and leveraging data for product development, business growth, and creating machine learning models for anti-money laundering and other security offerings.
Some job roles include Data Scientist (General), Data Scientist (Cyber & Intelligence), Data Scientist (Product Data & Analytics), and many others.
8. DEWA
DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) is hiring data scientists to help analyse huge amounts of data to optimise operations and make better decisions. Popular job roles in this field include Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analyst, and Quantitative Analyst.
Data scientists also contribute to R&D in areas such as renewable energy, smart grids, and sustainable technologies.
9. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading recruiter of data scientists in the UAE, hiring for roles in Applied AI, Cloud Optimisation, and Customer Solutions.
You can collaborate with global teams as a Senior Data Scientist or Data Scientist at AWS while working with large enterprise clients and fixing real-world machine-learning issues.
10. Mubadala
It is one of the leading companies hiring data scientists and actively recruits skilled professionals in AI and related fields. Some of the top roles include Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Engineer, and Machine Learning Engineer.
The company relies on data analysis to make informed decisions, identify new market opportunities, and optimise overall performance.
Current Salaries in Data Science Jobs in the UAE
The table below reflects the top data science jobs right now in the UAE and the salaries you can earn in those jobs:
| Job Role | Annual Salary Range |
| Senior Data Scientist | AED 288,000 – AED 468,000 |
| Generative AI Engineer | AED 372,000 – AED 396,000 |
| AI Scientist | AED 336,000 – AED 396,000 |
| Data Engineer | AED 156,000 – AED 288,000 |
| ML Engineer | AED 120,000 – AED 240,000 |
Sources: Glassdoor, as of August 5, 2023; October 18, 2024; May 15, July 6, 2025
All these professionals perform different kinds of tasks.
- For example, Senior Data Scientists are experienced professionals who can lead predictive modeling projects and strategies.
- Generative AI Engineers are experts in large language models, and agentic workflows are among the most highly sought-after technical skills in the country right now.
- AI Scientists develop new models for specialized sectors such as dryland agriculture and healthcare.
- Data Engineers build scalable data pipelines that power AI programs.
- ML Engineers design, deploy, and build AI systems into production.
These are the top companies hiring these professionals over here:
1. Apps and Technology
- Careem
- Noon.com
- Property Finder
- Talabat
2. Finance and Banking
- Emirates National Bank of Dubai (NBD)
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
- First Abu Dhabi Bank
3. Energy and Government
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
4. Global Consulting
- Accenture
- Boston Consulting Group (BCG) X
- Michael Page
The top industries hiring these professionals here are:
- Banking and Finance
- Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) and Retail
- Healthcare
- Transportation and Logistics
These sectors also hire these professionals for different reasons. For instance, the banking and finance sector needs them for fraud detection, personalized lending, and risk management.
Skills That Employers Look For In 2026
The following are the top skills that employers look for in data scientists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2026:
1. Core Technical Skills:
- Programming Languages
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- ML Operations (MLOps) and Cloud Computing
- Data Storytelling and Visualization
2. Essential Soft Skills
- Business Acumen
- Communication
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving
- Bilingual Proficiency
Apart from these, they also want a certain level of education, specific certifications, and domain expertise in their preferred candidates.
All these factors work in different ways.
- For example, in terms of programming languages, you must master Python – it is non-negotiable. You also need to be proficient in Structured Query Language (SQL), often called the backbone of data tasks, and in R. Apart from these, C++ and Java may also be necessary for roles that require extensive engineering and financial technology (FinTech) work.
- Recruiters always like candidates who can frame technical issues in business terms and demonstrate clear return on investment (ROI).
- In terms of education, you need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in subjects like Computer Science, Data Science, or Statistics. For specialized roles, recruiters prefer higher degrees, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
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Related Article
Top UAE Companies Paying High Salaries in 2026
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FAQs on Companies Hiring Data Scientists in the UAE
Some of the top industries in the UAE that are hiring data scientists include healthcare, finance, retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, logistics, and transportation.
Some companies offer jobs for freshers and beginners in the field, while some look for at least 1-2 years of experience for entry-level job roles. Mid- to senior-level positions may require at least 3-5 years of experience, or more.
The average salary for a data scientist in the UAE is between AED 144,000-540,000, depending on the role, experience, company, location, and many other factors.
Yes, many UAE-based companies offer remote data science jobs for professionals. Many of them also insist on knowledge of remote working and collaboration tools for their employees.
Some of the necessary programming languages for technology roles in the UAE include Python, R, and JavaScript, which a foundational needs. You should also have knowledge of C++ and Java to succeed in the field.
The typical starting salary for a Data Scientist in the UAE is between AED 144,000 and AED 300,000 a year, with an average of AED 222,000. The mean annual salary here is AED 180,000.
Source: Glassdoor, as of February 9, 2025
Some of the most in-demand skills for data science jobs in the UAE in 2026 are
Programming Languages
AI and ML
MLOps and Cloud Computing
Business Acumen
Communication
Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Yes, domain-specific knowledge is highly beneficial when you are looking for data science jobs in the UAE, as recruiters prefer such candidates a lot more than those who lack such know-how.
The realistic pay ranges for mid- and senior-level data science roles in the UAE are AED 216,000-420,000 per year for mid-level roles and AED 240,000-588,000 per year for senior roles.
Sources: Glassdoor, as of March 1 and August 7, 2024
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