Intel / Markets Fear
Track market fear, risk sentiment, crisis reaction and stress signals linked to geopolitical and strategic developments.
Will you get a salary increase this year?
Summary
Most employees in the UAE are unlikely to receive significant pay rises in 2026, despite a competitive job market for specialized skills. Industries such as finance, construction, legal, HR, health sciences, data, and sales and marketing continue to show strong demand with competitive average salaries.
Investment in these sectors remains robust, with the UAE ranking first in AI adoption globally. Approximately 59.4% of the working-age population utilizes AI tools in their daily work, indicating a significant shift in workplace dynamics.
While AI is expected to transform individual tasks rather than lead to widespread job losses in the near term, workers in high-income service economies like the UAE must adapt and upskill to remain competitive.
2026 may be a pivotal year for professional development, urging employees to leverage company resources for growth. Making a case to management for investment in employee development is crucial.
Perspectives
short
Proponents of Upskilling and Adaptation
- Emphasize the necessity of upskilling to remain competitive in the job market
- Highlight the strong demand for specialized skills in various industries
- Advocate for utilizing professional development funds for employee growth
- Encourage pursuing recognized certifications to enhance employability
- Point out the importance of adapting to AI-driven changes in the workplace
Skeptics of Salary Increases
- Assert that most employees will not see significant pay rises in 2026
- Claim that the job market remains competitive despite salary stagnation
- Question the impact of AI on job security and salary growth
- Doubt the effectiveness of upskilling without market demand for new roles
- Challenge the assumption that investment in employee development will yield immediate benefits
Neutral / Shared
- Acknowledge the high level of investment in key industries in the UAE
- Recognize the global trend of AI adoption affecting job roles
- Note that AI changes are expected to occur at the task level rather than leading to job losses
Metrics
employment
59.4%
percentage of the working age population using AI tools
This indicates a high level of AI integration in the workforce.
the Emirates now ranks first in AI adoption worldwide, with around 59.4% of the working age population using AI tools
employment
40%
global jobs exposed to AI-driven changes
This highlights the significant impact AI may have on job roles worldwide.
about 40% of jobs around the world are exposed to AI driven change
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
Most employees in the UAE are not expected to see significant pay rises in 2026, despite strong demand for specialized skills. The UAE leads globally in AI adoption, with 59.4% of the working age population utilizing AI tools.
- Most UAE employees are unlikely to see a significant pay rise in 2026
- Companies are paying competitively for specialized skills in high demand
- Industries such as finance, construction, legal, HR, health sciences, data, and sales and marketing are experiencing strong demand
- The UAE ranks first in AI adoption worldwide, with 59.4% of the working age population using AI tools
- Investment in high-demand industries remains robust in the UAE
- About 40% of global jobs are exposed to AI-driven changes, primarily at the task level