Some of the top giants in the UAE job market that are highly sought after by professionals for their hefty pay packages include tech firms like IBM, Microsoft, and SAP. Additionally, some prominent names in the healthcare industry are also good paymasters, such as Aster DM Healthcare and NMC Health, among others.
According to the latest data, the highest salary recorded in the UAE is AED 208,210 per annum (approx). This data is for Dubai and may vary for professionals working in other cities in the UAE and also across different industries.
In this blog, we examine the highest-paying companies in the UAE, along with the corresponding salary packages they offer.
Source: 6figr
Highest Salary-Paying Companies in the UAE & In-Demand Roles
The exact salary figures may be difficult to obtain; however, some of the best-paying are generally multinational corporations or MNCs. A few examples include Procter and Gamble, Emirates, and Kearney, among others.
The table below lists some of the top companies offering the highest-paid jobs in the UAE for freshers, along with the most in-demand job roles and their corresponding salary packages:
| Company | Top-Paying Job Role | Average Annual Salary (Approx) |
| Emirates Group | Pilot | AED 200,000 – AED 540,000 |
| ADNOC | Drilling Engineer | AED 200,000 – AED 500,000 |
| DP World | AI/ML Engineer | AED 900,000 – AED 24,60,000 |
| Etisalat | Software Developer | AED 83,000 – AED 200,000 |
| Mubadala Investment Co. | Data Scientist | AED 117,000 – AED 362,000 |
Source: Glassdoor, Payscale
Emirates Group
The Emirates Group is a leading name in the UAE’s aviation industry and ranks among the high-paying companies in Dubai, offering its employees generous salaries and bonuses. According to the Associated Press News, pilots and the cabin crew at Emirates were paid a 22-week salary as a bonus, following record profits by the firm in early 2025.
Source: AP News
ADNOC
The acronym for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC, is yet another of the outstanding employers in the UAE, offering significantly high average annual salaries. In addition to generous compensation, the company provides a range of other benefits to its top job roles, including Drilling Supervisors, Petroleum Engineers, and HSE Officers. A few of these include educational allowances, housing, and performance bonuses.
DP World
A global company offering innovative solutions in the field of logistics and supply chain, DP World is one of the top-paying companies in Dubai. According to the latest salary data from Glassdoor, legal counsels at DP World are likely to earn an average of AED 368,000 – AED 404,000 per annum. This is generally higher than similar roles in other companies.
Etisalat
One of the best-paying companies in the UAE’s telecom industry, Etisalat is renowned for offering strong pay packages in mid-to-senior roles, such as in digital analytics and product management. Glassdoor data indicates that senior leadership roles, such as those of a Director, can earn between AED 445,000 and AED 741,000 per annum.
Mubadala Investment Co.
A leading investment firm in the country, it is also recognised as one of the top-paying employers in the region. Some of the beneficiaries include Investment Associates, Investment Specialists, and Senior Legal Counsel. The average annual salary packages may range between AED 139,000 and 151,000 per annum (in addition to bonus), as per the 2025 Glassdoor data.
Factors Influencing High Salaries in the UAE
High pay packages in the UAE are generally influenced by the academic qualifications and experience of professionals, as well as the specific industrial demand. Moreover, professional certifications and learning in the relevant field of study are known to boost the earning potential of the candidates.
- Academic credentials: These are one of the key factors that help decide the salary of an eligible candidate. In addition to completing the mandatory qualifications, such as higher secondary education or an undergraduate degree (as applicable), professional certifications are highly beneficial. They provide specialised skills and industry-relevant learning, increasing your demand in the job market and thus your earning potential too.
- High-demand sectors: The salaries of professionals working in industries that are in high demand in the UAE are relatively higher than those in other sectors. A few examples include Blockchain, AI, and Cloud Computing.
- Job location: Salaries may vary depending on the location of employment. Bigger emirates like Abu Dhabi or Dubai generally pay higher compensation than other smaller ones.
How upGrad Helps You Gain a Competitive Edge in the UAE Job Market
Adding professional certifications to your academic portfolio is a great way to boost your earning potential in the UAE job market. Consider pursuing relevant certificate courses and study programs in your related field of study to gain advanced knowledge and specialised skills in the domain. It not only makes you industry-ready but also makes you attractive to employers and boosts your salary packages.
This is where upGrad UAE can help. It is one of the widely-renowned e-learning platforms helping professionals upskill worldwide from the comfort of their homes. You can pick a course offered by the top university in any part of the globe and pursue it online at your convenience.
Some of our most popular offerings for learners in the UAE who are willing to upskill are:
- Master of Science in International Accounting and Finance (Accredited by ACCA, UK) by O.P. Jindal Global University
- Master of Business Administration from Edgewood University
- Master’s in Business Management and Technology from Paris School of Business
You may also find these related articles helpful:
- Highest-Paying Commerce Jobs in UAE
- Highest Paying HR Jobs in UAE
- 10 Highest-Paying Job Roles in the UAE
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FAQs on Companies Paying High Salaries in UAE
Ans: Some of the best-paying roles across varied industries in the UAE are Surgeons, CEOs, and investment bankers, among others.
Ans: The field of IT/technology is generally known to offer the best growth potential in terms of salary packages. Additionally, the healthcare, finance, and engineering sectors in the UAE are also in high demand due to their high earning potential.
Ans: Yes, the technology sector is generally recognised as the highest payer in the UAE.
Ans: Some of the best courses from top global universities can be found on the upGrad platform, which can help you land top jobs at high-paying firms in the UAE.
Ans: You may need at least 10-15 years of work experience to command a pay package of AED 500,000 or higher. However, this may vary from one company to another.
