UAE’s Booming Asset Management Sector Fuels Demand for Finance and IT Roles

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The UAE’s asset management sector is witnessing significant growth, driven by heightened investor interest, regulatory advancements, and an increasing presence of Family Offices and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs). This surge has spurred a strong demand for banking, finance, and technology roles, according to the latest UAE 2025 Salary Guides by global recruitment firm Michael Page.

Finance and Banking Professionals in High Demand

The report highlights that fundraising and institutional sales professionals are among the most sought-after candidates, with businesses valuing their industry expertise and regional networks. Compliance professionals with authorisations from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) are also in high demand. Chief Compliance Officers (CCOs) and Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs) are particularly sought after due to increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Jon Ede, Regional Director UAE at Michael Page, stated, “In 2024, the workforce grew by 9 per cent, and the number of new companies increased by 14.5 per cent. These numbers reflect the success of the UAE’s strategic initiatives, solidifying its position as a top destination for businesses and talent alike.”

Salary Insights in Banking and Finance

Senior banking and finance professionals continue to command high salaries. Heads of wholesale banking can expect an average monthly salary of Dh100,000, while senior relationship managers earn approximately Dh37,000 per month.

Sales and Marketing Sector Sees Steady Growth

The UAE’s sales and marketing sector is also experiencing steady expansion, particularly in B2B industries. Increased investments in technology, real estate, energy, and logistics have heightened the demand for skilled professionals in business development, key account management, and strategic sales.

Key positions in this sector include Business Development Manager, Chief Commercial Officer, and Strategic Sales Director. Country managers in the UAE can expect salaries averaging Dh48,000 per month, while key account managers earn up to Dh26,000. Meanwhile, Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) command some of the highest pay packages, with average monthly earnings of Dh90,000.

IT Sector Witnesses Rising Demand

The UAE’s digital landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, with increased demand for skilled professionals in the IT sector. The top five positions in demand include head of software development, full-stack software engineer, agile product manager, senior DevOps engineer, and digital adoption specialist.

Salaries in this field remain competitive, with a head of digital marketing earning between Dh35,000 and Dh60,000 per month.

Addressing the Skills Shortage

The report also highlights the growing skills shortage as a major challenge for businesses. According to Michael Page, 37 per cent of business leaders have struggled to find candidates with the right expertise, while nearly one in three (30 per cent) face difficulties in retaining top talent. Furthermore, 48 per cent of employers cite aligning salary expectations with candidates as a key hurdle.

Ede emphasized that offering a comprehensive package—including benefits, career development opportunities, and workplace incentives—can help businesses attract and retain top professionals in an increasingly competitive job market.

As the UAE continues to position itself as a global business hub, these trends underscore the growing opportunities across multiple sectors, making the country a magnet for talent and investment.