Fewer workers in the UAE are asking for higher salaries, with employers gaining more leverage as the job market becomes increasingly competitive.
New data from the Michael Page UAE 2026 Salary Guide shows that only 43 percent of employees attempted to negotiate better pay in the past year. This marks a drop from 49 percent during the previous 12-month period, signaling a shift in worker confidence as more skilled talent enters the market.
Dubai’s population has now crossed four million for the first time, while the UAE’s total population stands at about 11.44 million, according to Worldometer. With continued foreign investment and local companies expanding, the country is generating more job openings across sectors. However, this surge in opportunity also means job seekers face greater competition.
Economic forecasts remain optimistic. The International Monetary Fund expects the UAE economy to grow 4.8 percent in 2025 and reach five percent in 2026, driven by strong business activity and ongoing development initiatives.
Despite the ease in salary-negotiation trends, compensation remains a top priority for workers. According to the report, nearly 59 percent of UAE employees still cite salary as the most critical factor when choosing a new role. Additionally, 80 percent say pay remains one of the five most important elements of their job.
