UAE employees operating in high-growth sectors such as technology, banking, healthcare, and consultancy were offered some of the highest bonuses in 2024, with payouts reaching up to six months’ salary in specific roles, according to a new study released by Cooper Fitch.
The UAE-based recruitment and HR advisory firm said that bonuses are increasingly tied to individual contributions rather than team-based rewards, reflecting a growing emphasis on rewarding measurable outcomes.
Around 72 per cent of UAE firms offered their employees bonuses in 2024, ranging from their salary amount of 1 to over 6 months.
UAE’s job market has been highly competitive due to a large number of professionals coming to the Emirates in search of greener pastures in the past four years. Establishment of new companies and many foreign firms relocating to UAE have also contributed to the increase in population and jobs in the country.
Last year, 1-2 months’ salary bonuses were the most common as 44 per cent of UAE firms awarded it to their staff.
While 23 per cent of firms awarded 3-5 months’ salary bonuses, especially in the banking, consultancy and technology industries.
Five per cent of UAE firms awarded over 6-month bonuses to their employees in 2024 – majorly in the banking and consultancy sector where total compensation heavily relies on performance-based incentives to align rewards with individual and company success.
However, more than one-fourth – 28 per cent – organisations in the UAE did not award their employees with bonuses in industries like aviation, government, media, and retail held back due to budget limits, shifting priorities, and market uncertainties.
“Media adapted to digital changes, and retail faced shifting consumer demand, leading many companies to remain conservative with bonuses,” it said.
“Despite financial improvements in sectors, nearly one in three employees did not receive a bonus in 2024. Companies carefully structured their bonus strategies to balance cost pressures with attracting and retaining talent. Bonuses of 1–2 months’ salary remained the most common, awarded by 43 per cent of organisations, reflecting a practical approach to cost management while maintaining employee engagement,” said Cooper Fitch.
Who received bonuses?
The annual study found that 29 per cent of senior executives received 3–5 months’ salary bonuses, while 11 per cent of companies provided a salary of more than 6 months, particularly in sectors where leadership retention remains a priority. Meanwhile, 26 per cent of organisations reported no bonuses for senior leaders.
In the middle management segment, bonuses varied significantly, with 46 per cent of organisations awarding 1–2 months’ salary and 23 per cent providing 3-5 months. “Despite their critical role in operations, nearly one in three middle managers received no bonus at all. Meanwhile, only 2 per cent were granted high-value payouts of 6-plus months.”
“The UAE’s bonus practices are evolving in response to economic shifts and government initiatives aimed at strengthening workforce stability. Programmes such as the Golden Visa and Vision 2071 continue to attract and retain skilled professionals, reinforcing the country’s position as a competitive global talent hub,” said Dr Trefor Murphy, founder and CEO of Cooper Fitch.
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