Gulf News reported that the Michael Page UAE Salary Guide 2027 found 78% of professionals in the country are open to changing roles, with retention shaped by more than pay.
The survey suggests office policies could affect turnover: 51% said a requirement to spend more time at the workplace would make them more likely to consider leaving. Meanwhile, 23% viewed generative AI as a danger to the security of their jobs over the long term.
Career advancement, flexibility and learning opportunities now carry weight comparable to compensation, according to the guide. It sets salary benchmarks for more than 500 roles and tracks recruitment trends in 18 sectors. Michael Page released the report Oct. 27.
Salary expectations are running ahead of budgets many organizations set for pay reviews, Gulf News reported. Michael Page Middle East Managing Director Jon Ede described hiring activity as encouraging and said employers continued to seek specialist skills. He said companies were becoming more deliberate about attracting and keeping staff.
The guide describes retention as a cost issue: replacing workers carries a much higher cost than keeping them. It identifies pay reviews, career development and meaningful flexibility as approaches that may help employers retain high performers in 2027.
