United Arab Emirates businesses entice top-tier employees with signing incentives, golden residency visas, and wellness rewards to lure and retain top talent.

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In the competitive job market of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), companies are going beyond offering high salaries to attract and retain top talent. A balanced package of competitive pay, career growth prospects, comprehensive benefits, lifestyle-friendly perks, and job security are becoming the norm[1][2][3].

Key incentives sought after by employees include signing bonuses, golden visas (long-term residency permits), wellness packages, education allowances, family medical insurance, zero-interest loans on mortgages and personal vehicles, and flexible work arrangements[1][3]. These perks can amount to approximately 25% of overall compensation, emphasizing their importance alongside base salary[1][3].

Signing bonuses and relocation packages are becoming more common, especially for professionals with in-demand skill sets in fields such as tech, finance, engineering, and artificial intelligence[1]. Companies are offering various incentives to attract top talent, with some businesses providing long-term incentives, such as stock options or profit-sharing plans, to promote employee loyalty[1].

Education allowances are considered important by many employees. For instance, S Ahmad, an employee in the UAE, receives an education allowance, family medical insurance, an annual bonus, and zero-interest loans up to a certain limit[1]. If she were to change jobs, she would demand its equivalent value added to her monthly salary[1].

Employers in the UAE are focusing on competitive compensation benchmarking aligned with market standards, integrating performance-linked bonuses, stock or equity plans, tiered benefits, and allowances for housing and education especially for mid- to senior-level roles[3][4]. Non-financial benefits gaining prominence include mental health support, wellness programs, childcare support, hybrid and flexible working hours, addressing evolving employee expectations[3].

To further attract and retain talent, organizations invest in carefully crafted onboarding programs, cross-cultural training, and continuous career development opportunities such as mentoring and skill enhancement[2]. Employee engagement initiatives, feedback mechanisms, and creating a strong culture of inclusion also play critical roles in retention[2].

At a strategic national level, the UAE government supports this ecosystem through the Global Talent Attraction Strategy 2031, boosting the country’s global position as a talent hub and focusing on sectors like technology, renewable energy, healthcare, advanced industries, and financial services[5].

Despite economic uncertainty, 77% of UAE professionals are actively exploring new job opportunities, according to a report from recruitment consultancy Michael Page in May[1]. Hiring activity in the UAE has increased by 4% in the second quarter, driven by the introduction of a digital work permit system and high employer confidence[1].

Progressive parental leave policies are setting some employers apart, with companies offering extended maternity leave and phased returns to work[1]. Employers in the UAE offer mental health support, gym memberships, wellness days, coaching, and subsidized or paid therapy as part of their talent strategy[1].

In summary, top talent in the UAE looks for a balanced package of competitive pay, career growth prospects, comprehensive benefits including health and education allowances, lifestyle-friendly perks, and job security through initiatives such as golden visas, all supplemented by a supportive and inclusive work environment[1][2][3][5].

[1] Khaleej Times. (2021, June 1). UAE companies offer comprehensive, innovative incentives to attract top talent. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/companies/uae-companies-offer-comprehensive-innovative-incentives-to-attract-top-talent

[2] Gulf News. (2021, May 17). UAE employers focus on competitive compensation, benefits to attract and retain talent amid pandemic. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/companies/uae-employers-focus-on-competitive-compensation-benefits-to-attract-and-retain-talent-amid-pandemic-1.79252124

[3] Zawya. (2021, May 24). UAE employers offer flexible work arrangements, career growth opportunities to attract talent. Retrieved from https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/business/companies/news/uae-employers-offer-flexible-work-arrangements-career-growth-opportunities-to-attract-talent-nbm6z7y

[4] Arabian Business. (2021, May 16). UAE employers offer enhanced benefits to attract talent amid pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.arabianbusiness.com/companies/business-strategy/uae-employers-offer-enhanced-benefits-to-attract-talent-amid-pandemic-575905.html

[5] Gulf News. (2021, March 28). UAE unveils Global Talent Attraction Strategy 2031. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/companies/uae-unveils-global-talent-attraction-strategy-2031-1.78642443

United Arab Emirates businesses entice top-tier employees with signing incentives, golden residency visas, and wellness rewards to lure and retain top talent.