Robert Half has revealed the UAE’s top 10 in-demand roles for 2020, and the trends expected to influence the Dubai and Abu Dhabi jobs market. Management accountants, talent acquisition specialists and HR business partners top the list, as businesses prepare for the impact that a resurgent UAE economy will have on the war for talent. To attract new hires and retain top talent, remuneration trends such as flexible working, training and development will be essential for companies looking to build the best workforce and secure the right candidates. For more salary and hiring trends, download a copy of our 2020 Salary Guide today. https://www.roberthalf.ae/reports-and-guides/salary-guide

1. © 2020 Robert Half International Inc.
TOP 10 ROLES
IN DEMAND

2. It’s a great time
to be a jobseeker.
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3. Skilled candidates
are in the driver’s
seat.
3

4. US$79,300 – US$113,000
4
1. Management Accountants
Demand for accounting professionals is growing in the UAE as start-ups
seek professionals with accountancy experience to establish and develop
their financial processes. Equally, SMEs through to large multinational
companies are looking to streamline costs and maximise their bottom line.

5. 2. Chief Financial Officers
5
US$196,100 – US$438,900
At the head of finance operations, CFOs are regarded as the key to
driving global best practice. With a talent deficit threatening hiring
strategy across the finance and accounting sector, organisations are
looking for CFOs to lead from the top and deliver business targets, with
a focus on market regulation and increased return on investment.

6. US$98,100 – US$156,900
6
3. Risk Managers
The financial services sector is seeing a hiring increase due to rapid
advancements in technology. One of the most in-demand professions is risk
managers, as awareness of the dangers posed by new technologies and
processes becomes a priority.

7. 4. Heads of Digital/Digital
Transformation
7
US$170,800 – US$261,600
The UAE technology market is one of the most competitive in the
region, but technical knowledge is something that won’t be limited
to the technology department. Leading from the top, heads of
digital, or heads of digital transformation, will be required to
oversee the modernisation and vital digitalisation needed for
future business success.

8. 5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Developers
8
US$52,300 – US$125,100
To remain at the forefront of development expertise, businesses are
bringing specialist support in AI within their in-house technology team.
Those with medium to senior-level development experience will stand out
against the competition as they can bring best-practice insights to the role.

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6. HR Business Partners
9
US$65,400 – US$98,000
Due to new UAE labour laws, HR professionals including HR
business partners can expect a surge in demand for their skills,
especially those who specialise in the benchmarking of
compensation and benefits packages to attract and retain staff.

10. 7. Talent Acquisition Specialists
10
US$39,200 – US$58,900
Demand for talent acquisition professionals has increased within large
multinational organisations, as the need to source top talent becomes
increasingly competitive.

11. 8. Legal Counsel
11
US$89,000 – US$155,500
With legal practices adapting to a rapidly changing
business landscape, corporates are looking for legal
counsel professionals with 5-8 years’ local experience,
who offer the skills to support with developments in
FinTech, financial regulation and dispute resolution.

12. 9. Legal Assistants
12
US$46,000 – US$65,000
Bilingual legal assistants can expect a wider range of job
opportunities, as businesses look for support in drafting
and reviewing contracts in different languages, to maintain
alignment with international best practice.

13. 10. Security Analysts
13
US$55,600 – US$114,400
Security analysts will be in high demand, supplying businesses with the
know-how on what they should be doing to defend and secure their data.

14. Leading the way
to a bright future.
14

15. Robert Half Technology
You’re in the driver’s seat.
So where are you going?
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16. For more career and salary insights:
roberthalf.ae/salary-guide
© 2020 Robert Half International Inc.16