Construction and real estate in the UAE: How much do they pay for work?

According to recruitment specialists, mega-projects in the region and the development of real estate in the hospitality sector are driving demand for experienced professionals in the real estate and construction sector in the UAE.Hays 2023 GCC Salary GuideThe most sought-after professionals are those who have experience at all stages of a project - from design and planning to implementation.

As Aaron Fletcher, Senior Manager of Construction, Real Estate, and Engineering at Hays, notes:

"Certain areas were more active than others - the development of real estate in the hospitality industry was supported by a steady pace throughout the year." He also added that design consulting firms are actively hiring to meet the demand for projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

According to Hays, in 2022, about 24% of professionals in the construction, real estate, and engineering sectors in the UAE changed jobs, compared to 23% in 2021. The labor market in the UAE, the second-largest Arab economy, has successfully recovered from the slowdown caused by the coronavirus, thanks to the government's fiscal measures.

Most companies in the UAE plan to hire new employees in the remaining part of the year, and salaries are expected to increase by a modest 2% in 2023, according to the salary report.Cooper Fitch 2023More than half of all companies (57%) plan to raise salaries this year, according to a survey by Cooper Fitch, which interviewed business leaders from 300 companies in the Gulf region.

With the increase in hiring in the real estate and construction sector in the UAE, which professions are in high demand and what are their salaries? Find out more below, and check out our complete presentation slideshow UAE Salary Guide 2023 below for an overview of the industry.

In-demand positions in the real estate sector in the UAE

As in previous years, in 2023 there will be a demand for positions in construction and project management, including directors and senior project/construction managers, according to a report from Hays. The majority of the demand will be driven by large projects in Saudi Arabia, such as Red Sea Global, Neom, the Diriyah Gate entertainment complex, and Roshn, which have progressed to the next stages of construction, estimates the consulting firm.

"The report states, 'New large projects that are in the planning and development stages will require architectural designers and urban planners. Additionally, due to a shortage of talent, directors/managers of development and candidates with experience in implementing digital technologies, especially in construction information management, will be particularly valued.'"

According toMichael Page 2023 UAE Salary GuideIn the UAE, sought-after positions in the real estate and construction sector also include project and development directors, property management managers, accounting, and facilities management.

What competencies and skills are employers looking for?

Experience in project management from start to completion is desirable, according to Hays. Employers value stability and proven effectiveness in managing projects at all stages, says the recruiter. Flexibility in work is also important, as projects evolve, progress, and sometimes change direction.

The Michael Page report also mentions consulting in the real estate sector, as well as asset development and management, which are also in demand roles in the UAE.

Other factors and benefits for employees

Talent retention has become a priority in the real estate and construction sectors, and organizations are addressing this challenge through regular promotions, clear career development, full bonus payouts, and competitive salaries, according to Michael Page. According to consultants, this presents a great opportunity for foreign candidates with such skills who are considering relocating to the Gulf countries.

Developers, real estate consulting firms, and construction specialists are hiring a large number of employees, making the market extremely competitive for employers in terms of attracting and retaining top talent, experts say. Salaries are increasing, benefits are becoming more diverse, and people are increasingly seeking flexibility in their work, such as remote work policies. Some employers are responding to market demands, but many still operate as they did before the pandemic.

When budgets are tight, organizations need to pay attention to the incentives and motivations of candidates, recommends Michael Page. In a market where candidates' priorities have shifted towards family and well-being, organizations must learn to take this into account in order to remain competitive, asserts the consulting firm.

According to Hays, aside from salary and benefits, opportunities for career development and work-life balance (including flexible work options) are the most important factors for employees when considering a new job. Employers looking to retain their staff should focus on upskilling and reskilling their employees by providing continuous professional development, advises the recruiter.

What are the highest-paying professions in the real estate and construction sector?

Development and design:

• Chief Development Officer: from 126,000 to 252,000 dirhams per month
• Executive Director of Development: from 84,000 to 158,000 dirhams
• Design Executive Director: from 76,000 to 122,000 dirhams
• Development Director: from 53,000 to 90,000 dirhams
• Design Director: from 53,000 to 90,000 dirhams
• Director of Urban Development: from 53,000 to 90,000 dirhams
• Senior Development Manager: from 41,000 to 69,000 dirhams
• Senior Design Manager: from 38,000 to 64,000 dirhams
• Senior Urban Development Manager: from 37,000 to 61,000 dirhams
• Design Manager: from 26,000 to 47,000 dirhams
• Business Development Manager: from 26,000 to 47,000 dirhams
• Urban Planning Manager: from 26,000 to 42,000 dirhams

Construction and project management:

• Chief Project Director: from 102,000 to 214,000 dirhams
• Project Execution Executive Director: from 73,000 to 125,000 dirhams
• Infrastructure Director: from 61,000 to 88,000 dirhams
• Commercial Director: from 61,000 to 87,000 dirhams
• Project Management Director: from 53,000 to 73,000 dirhams
• Project Management Director: from 53,000 to 73,000 dirhams
• Senior Project Manager: from 37,000 to 53,000 dirhams
• Senior Commercial Manager: from 36,000 to 53,000 dirhams
• Senior Project Management Manager: from 36,000 to 52,000 dirhams
• Project Manager: from 21,000 to 37,000 dirhams
• Construction Manager: from 21,000 to 37,000 dirhams
• Commercial manager: from 20,000 to 36,000 dirhams
• Project Manager: from 20,000 to 35,000 dirhams

Sales and post-construction maintenance:

• Sales Executive Director: from 78,000 to 115,000 dirhams
• Executive Director of Asset Management: from 78,000 to 105,000 dirhams
• Executive Director of Facilities Management: from 61,000 to 97,000 dirhams
• Asset Management Director: from 63,000 to 84,000 dirhams
• Sales Director: from 58,000 to 78,000 dirhams
• Rental Director: from 47,000 to 73,000 dirhams
• Senior Asset Management Manager: from 53,000 to 68,000 dirhams
• Facilities Director: from 37,000 to 58,000 dirhams
• Asset Management Manager: from 26,000 to 42,000 dirhams
• Real estate manager: from 21,000 to 42,000 dirhams
• Property Manager: from 21,000 to 37,000 dirhams
• Sales Manager: from 21,000 to 37,000 dirhams

Real estate consultants:

• Appraiser: from 18,000 to 28,000 dirhams
• Consultant - consultations: from 18,000 to 28,000 dirhams
• Manager - evaluation/consulting: from 30,000 to 35,000 dirhams

Contract construction:

• Director of the project/commercial department: from 60,000 to 80,000 dirhams
• Project Manager/Commercial Manager: from 35,000 to 55,000 dirhams
• Civil engineer: from 15,000 to 25,000 dirhams
• Architect: from 15,000 to 30,000 dirhams

The data is taken from the reports of Cooper Fitch and Michael Page.

The data was updated on August 1, 2023, at 6:09 AM.