The average salary for a Software Engineer in the UAE is about AED 6,500 a month, which can reach up to AED 16,700 depending on the industry, job location, and experience. Among UAE cities, Dubai has offered the highest salaries for this role. A major benefit of working in the UAE is that salaries are tax-free, allowing employees to save more from their earnings.
According to recent reports, software engineers in the UAE enjoy an average annual salary hike of 8-12%, also higher increments for those working in AI, data science, and cybersecurity. Factors such as location (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), company reputation, and technical expertise also play a major role in salary growth.
A fresh graduate or someone new to this field can earn up to AED 5,000 a month. After about 2 years of experience, the salary usually increases to AED 8,000 to AED 10,000 per month. Software engineers with 5 to 7 years of experience can earn between AED 13,500 and AED 16,700 per month. Their earnings depend on their skills, specialisation, and the company they work for.
This article provides a complete investigation of the Software Engineer Salary in the UAE, including pay by experience, location, and specialisations.
Software Engineer Salary in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has quickly become a top technology centre in the Middle East. Important projects like Smart Dubai and UAE Vision 2031, along with more international tech companies opening offices in the region, have made software engineering one of the most sought-after and rewarding jobs in the country.
1. Average Software Engineer Salary in UAE 2025
The average Software Engineer Salary in the UAE depends on experience, skill level, and employer. As of 2025, most professionals earn between an average of AED 180,000 to AED 400,000 per year.
| Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary (AED) | Annual Range (AED) |
| Entry-level (0–2 years) | 5,000 to 6500 | 60,000 to 85,000 |
| Mid-level (3–7 years) | 12,000 to 18,000 | 144,000 to 216,000 |
| Senior-level (8+ years) | 20,000 to 35,000 | 240,000 to 420,000 |
The basic pay can be different. However, top tech companies and multinational firms often offer additional bonuses, stock options, and end-of-year incentives that significantly raise the annual salary amount.
2. Software Engineer Salary by Location
Salaries for software engineers in the UAE vary across emirates due to different living costs and business presence.
Dubai – The highest paying city, with average salaries around AED 25,000 per month. Home to global firms like Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Careem.
Abu Dhabi – Offers strong compensation in government, defence, and oil-tech sectors, averaging AED 22,000 per month.
Sharjah & Ajman – Pay is slightly lower (around AED 10,000-15,000 per month) but comes with reduced living expenses, making it attractive for mid-career professionals.
Also Read: Talent Advisory Services in UAE
3. Salary by Experience Level
Experience is one of the strongest factors impacting a Software Engineer’s salary in the UAE:
Entry-Level Engineers (0-2 years)
Fresh graduates or newcomers earn between AED 5,000-8,000/month. Roles often involve assisting senior developers and learning enterprise systems.
Mid-Level Engineers (3-7 years)
With hands-on project experience and advanced coding skills, salaries rise to AED 12,000-18,000/month. Many professionals at this stage lead small teams or manage client projects.
Senior Engineers (8+ years)
Senior or lead engineers can command AED 20,000-35,000/month, especially those skilled in cloud computing, AI, or DevOps. At the managerial or architectural level, total compensation may cross AED 500,000/year.
4. Salary by Specialisation
The specialisation or technology stack you work in can significantly impact your pay. Here is a quick look at the average Software Engineer Salary in the UAE by role:
Average Annual Salary of a Software Engineer by Specialisation:
- Front-End Developer – 150,000 to 250,000
- Back-End Developer – 180,000 to 300,000
- Full Stack Developer – 200,000 to 350,000
- Mobile App Developer – 180,000 to 320,000
- Cloud / DevOps Engineer – 250,000 to 420,000
- Data Scientist / AI Engineer – 300,000 to 500,000
Advanced skills in AI, data science, and cloud architecture are in high demand, leading to top-tier pay and international job mobility.
Final Words
The Software Engineer Salary in the UAE remains one of the most competitive in the region, offering a balance of high income, tax-free benefits, and quality of life. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced developer, the UAE provides a growing ecosystem for tech professionals to thrive. With strategic upskilling and the right experience, you can expect rewarding career growth and an attractive compensation package in 2025 and beyond.
Also Read: Top 20 IT Staffing Companies in Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city offers the highest software engineer salary in the UAE?
Dubai offers the highest pay, averaging AED 25,000/month due to its concentration of global tech companies.
Are software engineer salaries in the UAE tax-free?
Yes. The UAE has no personal income tax, so your salary is entirely tax-free.
Is software engineering a good career in UAE?
Absolutely. With the country’s strong investment in digital transformation, software engineers have excellent job prospects and salary growth.
How can I apply for a software engineer job in the UAE?
Contact Team Plus staffing agency at +91-9552543304 or email at hr@staffingagencyglobal.com to easily apply for a software engineer job in any specialisation.