Average Salary for Indians in the UAE in 2026: Salaries by City, Experience & Sectors
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Curious about the Average Salary for Indians in the UAE in 2026? Earnings vary by industry, experience, & skills, with monthly pay ranging from AED 4,500-30,000 in key sectors. Want the full breakdown and top-paying fields? Keep reading to know more!
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Table of Contents
- Average Salary for Indians in the UAE in 2026
- Indian Salary in the Dubai Based on Location
- Average Salary for Indians in the UAE Based on Occupation
- UAE Income for Indians Based on Education
- Average Salary in the UAE Based on Experience
- What is the Minimum Wage in the UAE in 2026?
- What are the Employee Benefits in the UAE?
- What are the Top Growing Industries in the UAE?
- Tips to Increase Average Salaries in the UAE
- Build Your Career in the UAE With ÿմ Assistance
If you are wondering about the average salary for Indians in the UAE in 2026, the numbers might actually surprise you. Salaries vary widely depending on industry, experience, and the emirate you work in. The average annual salary in the UAE ranges between AED 13,800 and AED 25,000.
But this is just a general bracket; sectors like IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance often pay much higher. Your qualifications, skills, and even negotiation power can make a big difference in your take-home pay. Want a clearer idea of what you can really earn? Keep reading in this blog to understand salaries by job role, city, and experience level.
Average Salary for Indians in the UAE in 2026
The average monthly salary for Indians in the UAE ranges from AED 13,800 to AED 25,000 based on your experience, job role, location, level of Education, etc. While cities like Dubai generally offer higher salaries in professional roles connected to sectors like IT, engineering, management, and finance, theaverage cost of living in Dubai for Indian students & familiesis also considered premium compared to other regions in the UAE.
Also Read:Cost of Living in UAE
Indian Salary in the Dubai Based on Location
The UAE is the part of the Gulf countries, which consists of six countries other than the UAE in the Middle East. The GDP of Dubai is just second to Saudi Arabia, which makes it even more competitive for aspiring working professionals. The average salaries for Indians in the UAE based on location are as follows:
|
Location |
Monthly Average Salary (AED) |
|
Dubai |
21,500 |
|
Abu Dhabi |
21,000 |
|
Sharjah |
20,400 |
|
AL Ain |
19,800 |
|
Ajuman |
19,300 |
|
Fujairah |
18,100 |
Check Out:Top In-Demand Jobs in Dubai
Average Salary for Indians in the UAE Based on Occupation
The average monthly salary in the UAE varies based on occupation, industry, and experience, with top management, finance, technology, and healthcare job roles earning the highest wages. The monthly salaries of the top 25 jobs in the UAE are as follows:
|
Occupation |
Monthly Salary (AED) |
|
CEO |
25,000–91,000 |
|
IT Director |
21,000–85,000 |
|
Leasing Director |
20,000–82,000 |
|
Country Manager/Director |
18,000–75,000 |
|
Plant Manager |
19,000–74,000 |
|
Pilot |
17,500–73,500 |
|
IT Architect |
20,000–70,000 |
|
Lead Developer |
21,000–60,000 |
|
Investment Analyst |
30,000–60,000 |
|
IC Design Engineer |
16,000–59,000 |
|
Data Scientist |
20,000–50,000 |
|
CFO |
40,000–70,000 |
|
Surgeons |
25,000–50,000 |
|
Specialists (Medical) |
20,000–45,000 |
|
Project Manager (Construction) |
15,000–40,000 |
|
Engineers (Civil, Electrical) |
15,000–40,000 |
|
Real Estate Manager |
18,000–38,000 |
|
Hotel Manager |
15,000–25,000 |
|
Executive Chef |
12,000–20,000 |
|
Marketing Director |
20,000–38,000 |
|
HR Director |
18,000–32,000 |
|
Technology Manager |
25,000–50,000 |
|
Oil & Gas Manager |
30,000–50,000 |
|
Healthcare Operations Manager |
20,000–35,000 |
|
Telecom Director |
20,000–55,000 |
Also Read:In-Demand Jobs in UAE and the Benefits of Working in the Emirates
UAE Income for Indians Based on Education
Education plays a major role in deciding how much you can earn in the UAE. Higher qualifications open doors to better roles, leadership positions, and stronger salary packages. Here is a breakdown of average salaries in the UAE based on education level.
|
Education Level |
Average Annual Salary (AED) |
|
High School Diploma |
60,000 - 90,000 |
|
Diploma / Certificate |
80,000 - 120,000 |
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
120,000 - 180,000 |
|
Master’s Degree |
180,000 - 300,000 |
|
MBA |
220,000 - 400,000 |
|
Doctorate (PhD) |
300,000 - 500,000+ |
Explore:Benefits of UAE Golden Visa Beyond 10-Year Residency in 2026
Average Salary in the UAE Based on Experience
Experience is one of the biggest factors that impact your pay scale in the UAE. As professionals gain more years in their field, their earning potential usually increases steadily. Below is a list of average salaries in the UAE based on work experience.
|
Work Experience |
Average Annual Salary (AED) |
|
0-2 Years (Entry-Level) |
60,000 - 100,000 |
|
2-5 Years |
100,000 - 180,000 |
|
5-10 Years |
180,000 - 300,000 |
|
10-15 Years |
300,000 - 450,000 |
|
15+ Years (Senior/Leadership) |
450,000 - 700,000+ |
What is the Minimum Wage in the UAE in 2026?
There is no mandatory minimum wage in the UAE. However, the Labour Law in Dubai mandates that employers must compensate employees fairly, offering generous salaries to cover their basic needs. Not just that, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) provides guidelines for minimum wages for specific employee categories as follows
|
Occupation |
Monthly Minimum Salary (AED) |
|
University Graduate |
12,000 |
|
Skilled Labourers |
5,000 |
|
Skilled Technicians |
7,000 |
Suggested Read:How to Settle in Dubai?
What are the Employee Benefits in the UAE?
The UAE specifies a few mandatory employee benefits that companies must offer to their staff. In Dubai, employees are entitled to a large range of perks and protections that enhance their work experience and financial security. The key employee benefits in Dubai for Indians include
- Paid annual Leave:21 days of paid annual leave during the first year of employment is granted, which will increase to 30 days after completing one year.
- Return Air ticket:Employers are generally required to provide a return flight ticket when the employment contract ends
- Health Insurance:It is compulsory for employees and is provided once the probation is completed
- End of Service Gratuity:Employees are entitled to receive gratuity payments after finishing the minimum qualifying period
- Sick Leave:Up to 90 days of sick leave per year is granted in the UAE, with salary paid in full or partially, depending on the duration of the leave
- Maternity Leave:Female employees in the UAE are entitled to 45 days of fully paid maternity leave.
- Public Holidays:These are paid holidays that are listed as declared by the UAE government.
- Overtime Compensation:Employees receive extra pay for working beyond their working hours.
- Working hours in UAE:The standard working hours in the UAE are only up to 8 hours per day, or 48 hours per week
- Paternity Leave:Many employers in the UAE offer paternity leave, which is typically around 3 to 5 days
- End-of-service Benefits:Some companies also provide additional severance bonuses as part of end-of-service benefits.
- Annual Travel Allowance:Certain employers offer travel allowances during annual leave
Quick Read:Dubai Lifestyle
What are the Top Growing Industries in the UAE?
The UAE economy is expanding fast, with several sectors offering strong career growth and competitive salaries. From traditional industries like oil to emerging tech-driven fields, opportunities are increasing across experience levels. Below is an overview of top growing industries and their monthly salary ranges.
|
Sector |
Average Monthly Salary (AED) |
Entry-Level (AED) |
Mid-Level (AED) |
Senior / Manager (AED) |
|
Oil & Gas |
23,000 |
12,000 - 15,000 |
18,000 - 25,000 |
30,000 - 50,000 |
|
Healthcare |
18,000 |
7,000 - 10,000 |
12,000 - 20,000 |
25,000 - 35,000 |
|
IT & Software |
20,000 |
8,000 - 12,000 |
15,000 - 22,000 |
25,000 - 40,000 |
|
Construction & Engineering |
16,000 |
6,000 - 9,000 |
12,000 - 18,000 |
22,000 - 30,000 |
|
Education |
12,000 |
5,000 - 7,000 |
8,000 - 13,000 |
15,000 - 22,000 |
|
Finance & Banking |
21,000 |
10,000 - 14,000 |
16,000 - 24,000 |
28,000 - 45,000 |
|
Real Estate |
15,000 |
6,000 - 9,000 |
10,000 - 16,000 |
20,000 - 30,000 |
|
Hospitality & Tourism |
12,000 |
4,500 - 7,000 |
8,000 - 13,000 |
15,000 - 20,000 |
|
Retail |
11,000 |
4,500 - 6,500 |
7,000 - 11,000 |
14,000 - 18,000 |
Explore:Jobs Indians Can Do with a Freelance Visa in Dubai
Tips to Increase Average Salaries in the UAE
Earning well in the UAE is possible, but strategic career moves make a big difference. Your salary often depends on skills, industry demand, and how well you position yourself in the job market. Here are some ways to boost your income.
- Upgrade Your Skills:Take certifications or short courses related to high-demand fields like IT, finance, healthcare, or project management. Employers in the UAE value updated technical and professional skills.
- Gain Industry-Specific Experience:Hands-on experience in growing sectors such as oil & gas, fintech, or AI can significantly improve your earning potential. Specialized expertise often leads to higher pay.
- Improve English and Communication Skills:Strong communication skills help in client-facing and managerial roles. This can open doors to promotions and better-paying positions.
- Switch to High-Paying Industries:Moving from lower-paying sectors to industries like IT, banking, or engineering can increase your salary range considerably.
- Build a Strong Professional Network:Networking through LinkedIn, industry events, and professional groups can connect you with higher-paying opportunities.
- Pursue Higher Education:A master’s degree or specialized certification can help you qualify for mid-level and senior roles with better pay scales.
- Aim for Leadership Roles:Developing management skills and taking responsibility for teams or projects often leads to salary growth and faster promotions.
Build Your Career in the UAE With ÿմ Assistance
The UAE remains one of the most attractive global destinations for Indian professionals, offering tax-free income, world-class infrastructure, and abundant opportunities across various sectors and industries.
To streamline your UAE job search and immigration journey, consider reaching out toÿմ. Our team offers comprehensive support with yourUAE job seeker visaapplication, interview preparation, job search guidance, and more to help you step confidently into your new career and life in the UAE
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