A new report from recruitment consultancy Michael Page shows demand for specialists in artificial intelligence, financial services and healthcare across the UAE surging heading into 2027, with some senior positions commanding salaries of up to Dh200,000 a month.

The report, based on an analysis of roughly 7,000 job listings posted in October 2026, found that chief investment officers, heads of energy and managing partners at law firms top the pay scale, each reaching the Dh200,000 monthly ceiling. Senior banking executives follow at up to Dh180,000, while chief data officers can earn up to Dh120,000 a month. Further down the technical ladder, AI architects are commanding salaries of up to Dh75,000 and AI engineers up to Dh70,000 monthly.

Michael Page identified 18 industry sectors driving demand in the UAE job market heading into next year, including artificial intelligence, banking, consulting, energy, healthcare and technology. Among the skills employers are prioritising, communication abilities appeared in 22.4 per cent of the listings reviewed, while problem-solving and leadership each featured in roughly 9.1 per cent.

Labour market analysts attribute the salary jump directly to the UAE's rapid investment in AI infrastructure and the digitalisation of its financial and healthcare sectors, a trend expected to intensify in coming years. Recruiters say the shift is sharpening competition for international talent across the region, as companies compete for a limited pool of specialists who combine technical AI expertise with sector-specific experience in finance and healthcare.