According to a study, seven in ten UAE employees expect a pay rise in 2023, even if they have to change jobs. Most workers in the UAE said they last had a salary increase one to two years ago. And at least 15 per cent say it has been five years or more since their salary went up.

Tiger Recruitment's study found that UAE workers are more likely to look for a new job with better pay in 2023 than negotiate a raise with their current employer.

Almost four out of ten UAE employees - 38 percent - are willing to change jobs for a better paycheck.

In the UAE, almost half - 43 percent - of workers have already asked their bosses for a raise in the past year, but only 27 percent have succeeded.

Just 23 percent of respondents are inclined to stay with their current employers for job security, and only 15 percent plan to negotiate a raise.

It is common for people's earnings to fall short of their expectations. Employers will try to justify not increasing pay by highlighting the benefits they offer. However, we know that for jobseekers and employees, salary reigns supreme,” said Zahra Clark, head of Mena for Tiger Recruitment.

There is an increase in the cost of everything these days - food, fuel, rent - and workers are feeling the pinch. People want and need to earn more and are motivated to move jobs if that’s what it takes.

In order to retain top talent, companies must offer fair and competitive compensation packages. "Employers will struggle to keep the people they need if they continue burying their heads in the sand over pay," Clark said.