Costs are rising, but for many professionals in the UAE, wages this year might remain largely stagnant. Salary increases are expected to be selective rather than universal amid an influx of talent, according to recruiters.
Most employees are likely to see modest increases, while critical roles and high performers will receive targeted adjustments, says Mahesh Shahdadpuri, founder and chief executive of TASC Outsourcing.
Companies are balancing increasing costs with the need to retain key talent, making rises increasingly performance and value-driven, he adds.
“2026 won’t be a year of across-the-board salary hikes, but most companies will increase pay selectively,” says Aws Ismail, director of recruitment at outsourcing and training provider Marc Ellis.
“High performers and hard-to-replace roles will see movement, while average performers may see smaller or no increases.”
The introduction of artificial intelligence in many teams has allowed businesses to reduce employee workload.
Continue Reading on The National UAE
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.