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Compared to other global tech hubs such as London, Amsterdam and Berlin, Dubai software engineers with at least three years of experience earn the third-highest salary in the world, almost 30% higher.
This pay differential demonstrates the high demand for tech talent, while reaffirming the UAE’s ambition to attract top digital talent and become a global tech talent magnet supporting the development of the digital economy, a key strategic priority for the UAE.
While Dubai was the most expensive city in the GCC to live and work for expats this year, ranking 31st globally, the cost of living in the city was not high, according to a report by global consultancy Mercer, titled Cost of Living 2022. Still well below most tech hubs, including London (7th), Singapore (8th), New York (11th), San Francisco (19th) and Amsterdam (25th).
According to the survey, Dubai is a relatively cheaper city to work for two reasons. Given the rise of remote and flexible work globally, nearly 60% of UAE employers offer flexible work, which significantly reduces transport costs for employees. Compared to other tech hubs such as London, New York and Berlin, Dubai still has the lowest average car and fuel costs for commuting employees.
Housing and rental costs are more affordable in Dubai, which make up a significant portion of the city’s cost of living, with comparable accommodation costs in London and New York doubling and 50% higher in Singapore. Public transport costs in Dubai are also lower compared to other cities such as London and New York, which are significantly higher than Dubai at 152% and 67% respectively.
However, the benefits of lower accommodation and transport costs must be weighed against the higher cost areas of the emirate. For example, employees in Dubai pay much more for high-speed internet, which is essential for flexible working; paying 50% to 60% more than residents in London, Singapore, Berlin, New York and Lisbon. Additionally, a flexible work culture that often sees employees working in cafes or co-working spaces costs more in Dubai, where a cup of coffee can cost 70% more than Berlin, New York and Lisbon, and close to more than London and Amsterdam 50%.
Vladimir Vrzhovski, Head of Workforce Mobility, Mercer Middle East, said: “Dubai’s status as a global business hub, coupled with its tax-free environment, world-class infrastructure, safety and high quality of life, makes Dubai a very attractive market. Demand for tech talent will continue to grow in the UAE given its commitment to becoming a global digital economy capital. Most importantly, a key to tech talent compared to other tech hubs with higher cost of living in terms of transportation and housing The incentive is the opportunity to significantly increase wages. While inflation and rising fuel costs are pressures on the global cost of living, Dubai is building a nurturing and highly competitive tech ecosystem that pays extremely competitive salaries— —Create an environment that promises to attract and retain the best talent in the world.”
He added: “The UAE has also implemented several initiatives over the years to make it easier for talent to live, work and stay in the country. In addition to Dubai’s recently announced Talent Pass, the launch of the Golden Visa scheme is aimed at attracting technology sectors and Global professionals in other key areas. National programmes such as the National Coder Programme launched last year aim to attract 100,000 coders from around the world and build 1,000 digital companies by 2026.” – arab trade news agency
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