Consumer goods lead with a projected 4.5% salary hike, while life sciences and tech follow closely with increases of 4.2% and 4.1%. Employers plan to extend raises across all roles, reflecting a shared optimism in the UAE’s economic outlook. Andrew El Zein of Mercer emphasized that these changes show resilience, advising firms to review housing allowances to stay competitive as living costs rise.
The survey also reveals UAE’s leading role in AI adoption, with CEOs expecting AI to drive future growth. Mercer’s Ted Raffoul underscored the importance of preparing employees with digital skills to keep pace with automation’s impact on the job landscape. By focusing on digital readiness and a strong Employee Value Proposition (EVP), businesses can ensure they’re equipped for the future of work.