Software Engineer salary in UAE

Gross annual earnings — 2024 · Middle East · Source: ILO / Life Indexed estimate

Average salary AED 243,300 per year (2024)
Minimum AED 158,200 per year
Maximum AED 352,800 per year
Monthly (est.) AED 20,275 per month
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Software Engineer salary in UAE over time

Software Engineer salary — Middle East comparison

How UAE compares to other Middle East countries

Country Average salary (2024) vs UAE
UAE AED 243,300/yr
Turkey TRY 816,000/yr local currency
Qatar QAR 263,000/yr local currency
Saudi Arabia SAR 216,800/yr local currency
Bahrain BHD 23,300/yr local currency
Jordan JOD 22,900/yr local currency
Kuwait KWD 21,100/yr local currency

Software Engineer salary worldwide

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Frequently asked questions about Software Engineer salaries in UAE

What is the average Software Engineer salary in UAE in 2024?

The average software engineer salary in UAE in 2024 is AED 243,300 per year (AED 20,275 per month, or AED 4,679 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 158,200 and AED 352,800 per year in 2024. 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 20,275 per month (gross) in 2024, based on an annual average of AED 243,300. 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 158,200 and AED 206,800 per year in 2024. 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 243,300 a good salary for a Software Engineer in UAE?

Whether AED 243,300 per year is a good software engineer salary in UAE depends on cost of living, location, and career stage. This figure represents the 2024 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 243,300/yr (among comparable economies) is higher than 4 countries and lower than 2 countries in the Middle East region as of 2024. Differences across countries reflect purchasing power, labour market conditions, cost of living, and local demand for this role.