A new report from the GCC Salary Guide 2025 by Hayes reveals that 75% of employers in the UAE intend to raise salaries in 2025. The guide indicates that 48% of employees are expected to receive salary hikes in 2024, with 74% anticipating increases in 2025. In 2024, salary increments ranged from 2.5% to 5%.
Despite the positive outlook on salary growth, the report highlights that 65% of employees are planning to change jobs, primarily driven by factors such as salary, benefits, and career development opportunities.
The survey also found that 49% of UAE organizations are optimistic about the economic outlook for 2025, while 65% are encouraging the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Additionally, 79% of employers are expecting employees to utilize AI tools in the near future.
The guide includes data from nearly 2,000 employers across the Gulf region and covers nearly 400 job roles, providing valuable insights into the region’s workforce trends. Notably, 55% of UAE nationals reported no salary change over the past year, but 72% are hopeful for increases in 2025.