UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

SALARY GUIDE &

MARKET REPORT
2025

TELECOMS | SOFTWARE | CLOUD

SMART TECH | IOT | AI | DATA CENTER

 CONTENTS
3. Telecommunications & Mobile Infrastructure
5. Cloud Technologies
6. E-Commerce & Software
7. Smart Technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI)
8. Data Center
9. Our Senior Recruitment Team in Dubai

INTRODUCTION
Our 2025 UAE Salary Guide and Market Report provides the latest salary
information within the following markets: Telecommunications & Mobile
Infrastructure; Cloud Technologies, E-Commerce & Software, Smart Technologies,
IoT and AI; and Data Centers. Alongside these salary figures are concise market
overviews, highlighting the main factors influencing recruitment within each
sector.

The salaries within this report are displayed as monthly earnings in UAE dirhams.
They are based on market research, salaries being offered by organisations to
candidates and candidates expectations when seeking a new role. I hope you
find this report a useful guide and should you have any questions please contact
myself or one of my colleagues.

AHMED KHAN
DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR
DUBAI

UAE SALARY GUIDE 2025 FIRSTPOINTGROUP.COM

 TELECOMMUNICATIONS & MOBILE INFRASTRUCTURE
The telecommunications and mobile infrastructure sector in the UAE is poised for steady
growth through 2025 and beyond. Driven by 5G advancements, mobile and fixed networks will
continue expanding to meet the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity, particularly
for data-intensive activities, such as video streaming, online gaming, and IoT applications. The
UAE government’s push toward a digital economy, combined with the “We the UAE 2031”
vision, focuses on subsea cable deployment and 6G development, further boosting the sector’s
capabilities.

The UAE telecoms market is expected to grow at a modest compound annual growth rate
(CAGR) of over 1% from 2022 to 2027, with mobile subscriptions rising steadily. A key
recruitment trend will involve roles in network expansion, data management, cybersecurity,
and digital transformation. Additionally, companies like Etisalat and Du are investing heavily in
upgrading their 5G networks and exploring new business areas such as IoT solutions and private
5G networks, signalling growing opportunities for specialized professionals in those fields.

By 2028, mobile broadband connections are projected to increase by 16.4%, reflecting continued
infrastructure investments and rising consumer and business demand for high-speed internet.

AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY (AED)

2-4 5-8 9+
JOB TITLE
YEARS YEARS YEARS

RF Optimization Engineer 16,000 22,000 30,000

NPO Engineer 18,000 28,000 35,000
RF Solution Architect 22,000 28,000 35,000
Back Office Performance Engineer 16,000 19,000 22,000
NDO Engineer 18,000 25,000 34,000
E2E Optimization Engineer 22,000 28,000 35,000
4G/5G Optimization 22,000 28,000 35,000
Wireless Network
5G RAN Solution Architect 22,000 28,000 35,000
Infrastructure
RAN Engineer 16,000 19,000 22,000
OSS/BSS Engineer 16,000 19,000 22,000
Open RAN Integration Engineer 18,000 25,000 34,000
Open RAN Testing Engineer 18,000 24,000 34,000
PreSales Engineer 17,000 22,000 25,000
Project Manager 22,000 28,000 33,000
Program Manager 25,000 28,000 35,000

UAE SALARY GUIDE 2025 Page 3 FIRSTPOINTGROUP.COM

 TELECOMMUNICATIONS & MOBILE INFRASTRUCTURE

AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY (AED)

2-4 5-8 9+
JOB TITLE
YEARS YEARS YEARS

IP / Datacom Engineer 17,000 22,000 25,000

Transmission Back Office Engineer 16,000 19,000 22,000
IP Solution Architect 20,000 25,000 30,000
IP RAN Engineer 18,000 25,000 30,000
Transport, Optical & IP Design Engineer 18,000 25,000 30,000
IP Networks IP Datacom 16,000 20,000 25,000
FTTX/GPON Engineer 16,000 19,000 22,000
Support Engineer 16,000 20,000 25,000
Project Manager / Operations Manager 24,000 30,000 38,000
Program Manager 25,000 33,000 42,000
Core Engineer (CS/PS) 18,000 25,000 30,000
IMS Engineer 18,000 21,000 25,000
VAS Engineer 18,000 23,000 27,000
5G Core Engineer 18,000 25,000 30,000
Core Optimization Engineer 18,000 25,000 30,000
Core Network 2nd Level Support Engineer 16,000 20,000 24,000
E2E Core Engineer 18,000 25,000 30,000
Core Solution Architect 20,000 25,000 32,000
Core Design Engineer 18,000 25,000 30,000
Project Manager / Operations Manager 22,000 28,000 35,000
Program Manager 25,000 35,000 45,000
Business Development 20,000 35,000 45,000
Business Development Director 38,000 50,000 70,000
Sales
Account Manager 18,000 32,000 52,000
Account Director 38,000 50,000 70,000

UAE SALARY GUIDE 2025 Page 4 FIRSTPOINTGROUP.COM

 CLOUD TECHNOLOGIES
Throughout 2024, the cloud technology landscape in the UAE continued to expand and was
driven by ambitious government initiatives and significant investment from both local and global
players. The UAE has positioned itself as a leader in cloud adoption within the Middle East
region, reflecting its focus on digital transformation as part of Vision 2031. With strategic
partnerships between cloud providers and government agencies, cloud infrastructure has seen
rapid growth, enhancing efficiency, scalability, and security across public and private sectors.

The adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud strategies has been a key trend in 2024 and is expected
to continue in 2025, enabling organisations to leverage the flexibility and control of both public
and private cloud environments. The increasing focus on AI, data analytics, and Internet of Things
(IoT) is also driving demand for advanced cloud solutions to handle growing data requirements.

The UAE’s cloud market is projected to surpass $10 billion USD by 2028, growing at a CAGR
of over 20%, as businesses continue migrating from traditional IT infrastructures. With the rise
in digital services, cloud security and data privacy remain top priorities. As more enterprises
and start-ups embrace cloud-native technologies, the demand for cloud professionals across
sectors is expected to continue growing significantly in 2025 and beyond. Roles within all areas
of cloud are in demand and this is only set to increase over the next 12-24 months.

AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY (AED)

2-4 5-8 9+
JOB TITLE
YEARS YEARS YEARS

Cloud Solution Architect 30,000 43,000 55,000

Enterprise Architect 30,000 43,000 55,000
Cloud System Administrator 17,500 22,000 27,000
Cloud Sales Engineer / PreSales
21,000 28,000 38,000
Engineer
Site Reliability Engineer 23,000 32,000 45,000
Cloud, Edge & Network
Virtualization NFV Engineer (Network Function
21,000 30,000 40,000
Virtualization)
SDN Engineer (Software Defined
21,000 30,000 40,000
Networking
Cloud Product Manager 23,000 29,000 35,000
Presales Manager 23,000 29,000 40,000
Project Manager 23,000 30,000 39,000
Business Development Manager 20,000 36,000 48,000
Business Development Director 40,000 55,000 70,000
Sales
Account Manager 22,000 36,000 48,000
Account / Client Director 40,000 54,000 68,000

UAE SALARY GUIDE 2025 Page 5 FIRSTPOINTGROUP.COM

 E-COMMERCE & SOFTWARE
The e-commerce and software development sectors in the UAE are thriving due to the ongoing
digital transformation and technological strategic investments, as well as tech-friendly policies
which makes the country a hub for regional and international businesses and as such demand
for skilled software developers, e-commerce managers, and digital specialists is expected to rise
significantly in 2025 and the years following.

In software development, there is a growing focus on agile methodologies, DevOps practices,

and AI-powered solutions. Demand for custom software development has surged, particularly
in FinTech, healthcare, and retail, as businesses look to enhance user experience and operational
efficiency. Additionally, the UAE’s embrace of open-source technologies and cloud-based
platforms is shaping the development landscape, providing greater flexibility and scalability for
companies. This is driving demand for roles across the sector. The e-commerce sector has seen
exponential growth, driven by changing consumer habits and increased internet penetration.
UAE’s e-commerce market value is expected to exceed $17 billion, with a strong emphasis on
mobile commerce and omni-channel strategies. Businesses are leveraging AI and data analytics
to offer personalized shopping experiences and streamline logistics. Moreover, with the rise of
FinTech and digital payments, e-commerce platforms are becoming more seamless and secure.

AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY (AED)

2-4 5-8 9+
JOB TITLE
YEARS YEARS YEARS

Product Owner / Manager 26,000 34,000 42,000

E-commerce Manager 19,000 27,000 36,000
Solutions Engineer 19,000 28,000 34,000
Digital Commerce &
Marketing Manager 17,000 24,000 31,000
Enterprise
Business Analyst 20,000 28,000 37,000
Project Manager 20,000 28,000 37,000
Operation Manager 21,000 30,000 41,000
DevOps Engineer 20,000 28,000 40,000
Full-Stack Developer 20,000 28,000 35,000
Front-End Developer 18,000 25,000 35,000

Software & DevOps Back-End Developer 18,000 25,000 35,000

Mobile Developer (IOS/Android) 18,000 26,000 36,000
Application Support Engineer 17,000 24,000 35,000
QA Engineer 15,000 23,000 35,000
UI/UX Specialist 16,000 20,000 26,000
Business Development Manager 20,000 26,000 35,000
Business Development Director 37,000 48,000 60,000
Account Manager 20,000 26,000 34,000
Sales
Account / Client Director 30,000 41,000 55,000
Partnership Manager 25,000 32,000 54,000
Client Services/Solutions Manager 22,000 30,000 5,000
UAE SALARY GUIDE 2025 Page 6 FIRSTPOINTGROUP.COM
 SMART TECHNOLOGIES, IOT & AI
UAE continues to be a global leader in the adoption and implementation of smart technologies,
IoT, and AI, with these sectors playing a pivotal role in the country’s digital transformation
efforts. The UAE Government remains committed to integrating AI across sectors such as
healthcare, transportation, and urban planning, aligning with national initiatives like the UAE
Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. The use of AI-driven analytics and decision-making tools is
helping organisations optimize efficiency and improve customer experiences.

The UAE government remains committed to leveraging AI and IoT to accelerate digital
transformation and enhance performance standards. The Middle East, being the second-largest
region for IoT, is expected to see substantial growth, with the market projected to expand at a
CAGR of 27.5% during the forecast period. By 2028, the global IoT market is estimated to grow
from $544.38 billion in 2022 to $2,227 billion USD, with the UAE and the wider Middle East
region contributing significantly to this growth.

AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision,
are being widely deployed across various sectors, from finance to education. The integration of
AI with IoT is giving rise to more autonomous systems, allowing real-time data collection and
analysis for predictive maintenance, resource optimization, and personalized services. As both
IoT and AI continue to mature, the demand for skilled professionals in these fields is expected to
soar, making them key drivers of growth in 2025 and beyond.

AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY (AED)

2-4 5-8 9+
JOB TITLE
YEARS YEARS YEARS

IOT/M2M Design Engineer 20,000 25,000 33,000

IOT/M2M Design Integration Engineer 20,000 24,000 30,000
IOT/M2M Solution Architect 24,000 31,000 39,000
Smart Technology &
IOT/M2M Testing Engineer 20,000 25,000 29,000
Internet Of Things (IoT)
R&D Engineer 20,000 24,000 30,000
Data Analyst 17,000 25,000 30,000
Data Scientist 27,000 37,000 52,000
Machine Learning Engineer 20,000 25,000 33,000
AI Engineer 20,000 25,000 33,000
Automation, AI & Big Data AI Product Owner 26,000 34,000 42,000
Data Architect 27,000 40,000 55,000
Data Product Manager 27,000 37,000 47,000
Business Development Manager 22,000 38,000 50,000
Business Development Director 38,000 49,000 68,000
Sales
Account Manager 21,000 35,000 45,000
Account / Client Director 35,000 46,000 64,000

UAE SALARY GUIDE 2025 Page 7 FIRSTPOINTGROUP.COM

 DATA CENTER
Globally, the data center market is growing at a rapid rate and while Asia leads the way in terms
of growth, the Middle East is also experiencing phenomenal growth. The data center industry
in the UAE is poised for substantial growth in the coming years, driven by the nation’s strategic
focus on digital transformation and smart city initiatives. As businesses and government entities
increasingly rely on cloud computing, big data, and AI, the demand for robust and scalable
data center infrastructure continues to rise. The UAE’s strategic investments in infrastructure,
along with government-backed initiatives like the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025, are
accelerating the need for advanced data center solutions.

The expansion of hyperscalers and colocation facilities is expected to dominate the market, with
key global players establishing or expanding their presence in the UAE. Sustainable data centers
are also a focus, as companies look to align with environmental sustainability goals by adopting
renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies.

In terms of recruitment, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in data center
management and operation. Companies are seeking experts who can ensure the seamless
operation, security, and scalability of data center services. Roles in operations, architecture, and
data governance are becoming increasingly important as the complexity of managing data at
scale grows. The UAE’s continued focus on digital transformation positions the data center
sector for rapid expansion in the coming years.

AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY (AED)

2-4 5-8 9+
JOB TITLE
YEARS YEARS YEARS

Network Engineer 20,000 28,000 40,000

Infrastructure Specialist 20,000 28,000 40,000
Security Specialist 25,000 35,000 40,000
Technical
Facilities Manager 24,000 32,000 40,000
Construction Project Manager 25,000 37,000 53,000
Data Center Operations Manager 24,000 32,000 40,000
Business Development Manager - Data
22,000 35,000 46,000
Center Solutions
Business Development Director 37,000 40,000 64,000
Sales Account Manager 22,000 35,000 46,000
Customer Success Manager - Data
20,000 33,000 45,000
Center Solutions
Account / Client Director 37,000 48,000 63,000

UAE SALARY GUIDE 2025 Page 8 FIRSTPOINTGROUP.COM

 ABOUT FIRST POINT GROUP

Established in 2004, First Point Group is a market-leading recruitment agency

in Telecommunications, Technology, Data Center and Renewable Energy. Since
2009 we have developed an impressive record and reputation in the Middle East
across this space. Leading the way for high quality, fast and efficient recruitment
solutions, Dubai is one of our largest offices and has the capability and experience
to fulfil any permanent, senior level or contract assignment. We recruit for all
levels; engineer to architect; VP of Sales to C-level, so why not see what we
could do for you. Contact a member of our team for further information or to
discuss your recruitment needs.

OUR SENIOR RECRUITMENT TEAM IN DUBAI

CHRISTOPHER LAMB AHMED JAMAL KHAN AHMED ABOUZAID

REGIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
ASIA / MIDDLE EAST
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] +971 42 585 677 +971 42 586 314

GEMMA O’FLAHERTY KAMAL SAHLOUL

ACCOUNT MANAGER ACCOUNT MANAGER

[email protected] [email protected]
+971 42 577 450 +971 42 594 958

UAE SALARY GUIDE 2025 Page 9 FIRSTPOINTGROUP.COM