Tech talent in Europe is eyeing a potential shift to the Middle East, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where burgeoning opportunities and competitive salaries await, according to a recent study by Hays.
The study highlights a significant trend: a projected “mass exodus” of IT professionals from Eastern and Southern Europe due to comparatively low salaries and limited career growth prospects. More than a third of European tech experts are expected to seek new opportunities this year, driven by the allure of tax-free earnings and robust job markets in the Gulf region.
Eamonn Hart, senior manager of Technology at Hays Middle East, emphasized that UAE-based companies offer substantially higher salaries for key IT roles compared to their European counterparts. This financial incentive, coupled with strong market conditions and a surge in organizational activities, positions the Middle East as an attractive destination for tech specialists aiming to advance their careers.
“Tech professionals in Europe are increasingly drawn to the UAE’s dynamic environment, where AI initiatives and cutting-edge projects are in high demand,” Hart noted. “This shift underscores the Middle East’s pivotal role in AI innovation and digital transformation.”
The Tech Talent Explorer survey, encompassing over 5,000 IT professionals across 20 EMEA countries, revealed that Middle Eastern tech specialists anticipate significant salary increases, with 22% expecting raises of 20% or more this year. In contrast, less than 10% of their European counterparts foresee similar salary hikes.
Key positions like Network Engineers, Data Engineers, Security Engineers, and DevOps Engineers in cloud infrastructure command notably higher average salaries in the Middle East compared to Europe. For instance, a Data Engineer in the Middle East earns approximately EUR 90,000 (Dh 358,700), whereas in Italy, the average is EUR 45,750 (Dh 182,300).
Looking ahead, Hart emphasized that the second half of 2024 and beyond will be crucial for Middle Eastern companies seeking to bolster their tech teams with European talent. The focus remains on AI-driven roles and cybersecurity expertise, essential for businesses aiming to innovate and stay competitive in global markets.
As the digital landscape evolves, Middle Eastern firms are poised to capitalize on this influx of skilled professionals, offering not just lucrative salaries but also opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
