Executive search firm reveals latest pay scales for top-tier professionals in UAEs best-paying sectors

Dubai, UAE May 18, 2015

With the GCCs economic growth once again on an upswing, pay packages are now seeing a return to form following the dip in 2014. As per market research, average income across the region and across different sectors has registered a 7% surge with the turn of the year. Meanwhile, top-tier executive salaries have seen a whopping 39% hike in some sectors in the GCC[1]; CEOs in the construction sector incidentally, the highest-paying sector for senior management executives in the region now rake up to USD 1.2 Million per annum as basic pay. UAE-based tier-one executives, ranking the third highest-paid in the region behind Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are on average paid USD 34,900 per month across sectors[2].

The construction and real estate industries have experienced exponential growth in the last year. This is especially the case in Dubai, KSA and Qatar, where multiple new projects are materializing. Top-level executives within these sectors are now in a position to reap the benefits of this momentum. Companies, too, stand to benefit with the knowledge that these talented executives are capable of adding value in terms of leading organisational development and augmenting income and profits, said Mohamad El Turk, Partner at Rasd; the pioneering regional executive search firm boasts 25 years of market experience in the GCC, and specialises in connecting quality leadership talent with enterprises serious about building organisational capability in high growth markets.

Lagging slightly behind the construction sector in top-level executive pay scales are the commercial banking sectors CEOs who earn basic incomes of anywhere between USD 600,000 and USD 1 Million. Meanwhile, executives within the real estate, consumer goods retail and automotive sectors are now drawing anywhere between USD 350,000 and USD 550,000 per annum.

Another trend were noticing is the need for candidates who have a profound understanding of local market dynamics. A trend that is driving companies, that are particular about their requirements, to invest in attracting talented indigenous executives who understand the corporate and cultural challenges, and as a result able to capitalize on the promising economic outlook of the region. added El Turk.

Once again, this year Saudi Arabia and Qatar remain the highest paying regions within the GCC, especially for professionals in CEO-level roles. The UAE, and Dubai in particular, is alluring for regional as well as international executives given its cosmopolitan nature.

Nadim El Said, Managing Partner at Rasd, explained: The cultural component plays a big role when hiring in GCC countries; multinationals are willing to pay significant amounts especially for highly skilled leaders who also exhibit cultural-compatibility. This trend is even more pronounced with local groups and conglomerates who seek leaders possessing a deep understanding of the region and that can communicate effectively with native stakeholders.

-Ends-

  • Compensation ranges apply to roles in business institutions that are organizationally developed with annual revenues exceeding USD 150 Million (USD 600 Million p.a. for banks).
  • USD denomination in GCC markets: while differences exist between different countries, they are insignificant.
  • The ranges provided are for basic salary only. In addition, incumbents receive benefits including but not limited to; housing, medical/life insurance, and schooling as per company policy.
  • All incumbents receive financial incentives in the range of 25-40% of annual basic salary.
  • These numbers are applicable to the best available talent, and not to the average incumbents (difference in pay between the two groups is significant).

About Rasd:
Since 1989, Rasd is a pioneer and leading executive search firm in the GCC & broader Middle East. Rasds mission is to search for, identify, qualify, develop, motivate, and then introduce talented executives and professionals for leadership positions. Quality and long term results are the firms main focus; Rasd conducts thorough market research and meticulous candidate evaluation based on client-approved criteria and a methodical search strategy.

Over the last 25 years, Rasd has placed more than 400 of the regions top leaders and has built a well-recognized track record. The firm possesses the important but often-overlooked search provider qualification of cultural compatibility with the general and business culture of the GCC.

www.rasd-me.com

Press Release 2015