UAE firms pay up to 75% less salary to workers based outside

Remote Work Trend in UAE

Many UAE companies are opting to hire employees based outside the country, offering them salaries up to 75% lower than those paid to full-time employees within the Emirates. Recruitment consultants highlight that local firms are increasingly hiring remote workers from regions like Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa. According to the Hays’ GCC Salary Guide for 2024, a significant majority of companies (87%) plan to recruit permanent employees this year, while 19% are looking for temporary contract workers and 16% for freelancers.

Nicki Wilson, managing director of Genie, a recruitment consultancy, notes that setting up remote teams in countries with lower salary expectations has become a popular strategy across various sectors, including recruitment agencies, technology firms, and customer service fields. Additionally, roles in sales leads acquisition, technology, data management, and performance marketing are increasingly adopting remote work arrangements.

Mayank Patel, VP of sales for EEMENA and country head of Adecco Middle East, highlights a shift in workplace arrangements, with some employers embracing remote work for certain roles while others prefer a hybrid or office-based model. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining work-life balance and flexibility in these arrangements.

The UAE also offers remote work visas to foreign professionals, facilitating the recruitment of remote employees from overseas. Wilson emphasizes the cost-saving aspect for companies, as salaries in certain countries can be significantly lower compared to the UAE. However, she stresses the importance of quality training and checks to uphold business reputation and customer satisfaction.

Patel adds that the pay scale for remote employees varies based on factors such as job role, candidate experience, and company policy. Niche roles requiring specialized skills may command higher salaries, even exceeding those of non-remote employees.

Remote work is prevalent in functions like customer service, consultancy, marketing, creative design, certain sales positions, and IT roles such as software engineering and data analysis. While many roles are filled locally, companies seek talent outside the country for niche positions or where remote work is feasible.

Popular countries for sourcing remote talent include India, CIS countries, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Wilson also highlights the Netherlands and other Scandinavian countries as sources of tech talent. However, she underscores the need for proper training and quality control to ensure seamless operations and maintain business reputation.

In conclusion, the trend of hiring remote workers from overseas continues to grow among UAE companies, driven by cost-saving measures and the availability of skilled talent in various regions. While remote work offers flexibility and access to a broader talent pool, companies must ensure proper training and quality assurance to uphold standards and reputation.