Software Engineer salary in UAE
Gross annual earnings — 2022 · Middle East · Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate
Software Engineer salary in UAE over time
Software Engineer salary — Middle East comparison
How UAE compares to other Middle East countries
| Country | Average salary (2022) | vs UAE |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | AED 223,900/yr | — |
| Turkey | TRY 750,700/yr | local currency |
| Qatar | QAR 242,000/yr | local currency |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 199,400/yr | local currency |
| Bahrain | BHD 21,400/yr | local currency |
| Jordan | JOD 21,100/yr | local currency |
| Kuwait | KWD 19,400/yr | local currency |
Software Engineer salary worldwide
Frequently asked questions about Software Engineer salaries in UAE
What is the average Software Engineer salary in UAE in 2022?
The average software engineer salary in UAE in 2022 is AED 223,900 per year (AED 18,658 per month, or AED 4,306 per week). This figure represents gross annual earnings before income tax and social contributions. Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate.
What is the salary range for a Software Engineer in UAE?
Software Engineers in UAE earn between AED 145,500 and AED 324,600 per year in 2022. The spread reflects differences in experience level, employer size, sector (public vs private), and geographic location within the country.
How much does a Software Engineer earn per month in UAE?
A software engineer in UAE earns approximately AED 18,658 per month (gross) in 2022, based on an annual average of AED 223,900. Monthly take-home pay will be lower after income tax and social security deductions, which vary by individual circumstances and applicable tax brackets in UAE.
What is the entry-level Software Engineer salary in UAE?
Entry-level software engineers in UAE typically earn between AED 145,500 and AED 190,300 per year in 2022. Salaries at the junior level are generally 15–35% below the national average, increasing with professional certifications, years of experience, and specialisation.
Is the Software Engineer salary in UAE increasing?
Yes. Based on available data, Software Engineer salaries in UAE have grown by approximately 17% between 2022 and 2026, reflecting ongoing demand and wage growth trends.
Is AED 223,900 a good salary for a Software Engineer in UAE?
Whether AED 223,900 per year is a good software engineer salary in UAE depends on cost of living, location, and career stage. This figure represents the 2022 national average — earners above this level are in the upper half of the pay distribution for this occupation. Factors that influence individual compensation include employer type (multinational vs. local), city (capital cities typically pay 10–25% more), qualifications, and years of experience.
How does the Software Engineer salary in UAE compare to other Middle East countries?
UAE's software engineer salary of AED 223,900/yr (among comparable economies) is higher than 4 countries and lower than 2 countries in the Middle East region as of 2022. Differences across countries reflect purchasing power, labour market conditions, cost of living, and local demand for this role.