TFS Gulf 
- Hi, I’m Lewis Elsey, Founder of Queenswood Recruitment here in Dubai.
- We specialise exclusively in finance and accounting talent across the UAE.
- Since launching the firm in 2025, I’ve had a front-row seat to how quickly the finance job market in the UAE and wider Middle East is evolving.
- Here’s what I’m seeing right now.
Roles in demand in the UAE
Senior Level
Demand for CFOs and senior leadership roles is high, but competition is tougher than ever.
Organisations want strategic thinkers who can partner with the business, not just manage numbers.
Mid Level
At the mid-level, there’s less movement. But make no mistake, there are still opportunities.
FP&A: Finance teams are finally starting to understand the value FP&A roles bring. That said, whether they’re ready for someone of that nature is another story. There’s still a bit of a disconnect in understanding what these people actually contribute to the finance function.
Tax: Always hot. You’ll always need someone who can deal with auditors, bring control, and handle the technical side.
Finance Manager: Roles in the AED 25k to 50k band, finance managers, controllers, and similar mid-level positions are where most of the hiring action is happening right now.
Head of Finance: A lot of strategic and forward-looking CFOs are being brought in to oversee finance teams that lack structure or high-level talent.
While the CFO focuses on strategy, the right-hand role is in massive demand. That’s where the Head of Finance or Financial Controller come in to take charge of the day-to-day responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the more transactional roles?
They’re increasingly being outsourced to cheaper locations, especially at the junior level.
The restructuring wave
Another trend I’m noticing is that global MNCs in the UAE are under real pressure to deliver profits…That’s when the restructuring begins.
So, even if the UAE arm of the business is performing well, decisions made at global headquarters can still trigger local layoffs.
Plus, low-level finance roles are increasingly being moved to Egypt or India, where costs are lower.
Unexpected rise of Fractional CFOs in the UAE
I see a huge opportunity in the fractional CFO space.
In markets like the UK, the interim and fractional CFO space is well-developed. In the UAE, it’s still emerging, but the need is real.
Growing companies often don’t require a full-time CFO, but they do need:
- Strategic financial oversight
- Cash flow support
- Investor reporting
- Funding guidance
With visa reforms making flexible work more feasible, this model has real potential, especially for experienced finance leaders who want freedom and variety.
The Dubai Family Office buzz
Yes, there’s a significant influx of:
- Family offices
- Hedge funds
- Private equity firms
- VCs
- Advisory outfits
Many are relocating from London, New York, Mumbai and beyond.
But here’s the nuance: Family offices operate lean.
Some are setting up symbolic satellite offices. Others are building fully operational teams in Dubai.
Both models exist, but openings are limited and highly selective.
Local companies provide more opportunities
Honestly, they’re a goldmine for professionals.
The interesting bit? People are actually considering these roles more than ever.
Back in the day, everyone wanted a multinational, stable, prestigious, résumé-friendly. But in this region, that’s not always the case.
Some local businesses are super progressive, dynamic, and growing fast, with serious market control. So yes, keep them on your radar; they span across all industries.
Also read: How to Network Effectively in the UAE to secure Finance Jobs?
SMEs are not far behind
The UAE has crossed a million SMEs, and yes, we work with them!
However, these companies rarely have internal recruitment teams, so they often come to recruiters like us.
Most run lean operations and prefer to outsource hiring.
The key question: How big is their finance function really?
Some are tiny two-person setups that don’t need a full finance team, while others have established functions elsewhere, such as India or London, keeping the UAE office lean.
Local candidates have the upper hand
Now, here’s what’s interesting: earlier, people who lost roles might’ve just relocated or gone back home.
But with easier visa access, golden visas, business setups, and flexible work structures, many are choosing to stay back in the UAE.
So what happens next? You suddenly have a deep pool of skilled finance professionals already here, many available to start immediately.
From a client’s perspective, that’s gold.
But, if you’re applying from London or in India with a three-month notice period, by the time interviews are done, it could take four or five months before you join.
For most finance manager roles, companies are not going to wait that long. Not when there’s a pool of strong, ready-to-go talent already locally available.
The only exception? Professionals with super niche expertise that simply doesn’t exist locally. But even that’s rare nowadays.
The salary reality check
I’ll be honest…Senior finance salaries are a bit of a grey area.
It’s now common to see:
- A Head of Finance on AED 40k in one firm
- Being offered AED 20k–30k for the same scope elsewhere
Sadly, that’s the market reality today.
So, right now, exploring new roles or switching companies often means accepting a pay cut.
That’s why many professionals in the UAE are deciding to stay put.
Locations matter
Pay now depends heavily on industry, location, and timing.
Dubai often offers a slightly lower pay package than Abu Dhabi.
Riyadh might offer more, though even Saudi packages aren’t what they used to be. A year ago, moving from the UAE to Saudi Arabia could mean a 20% salary uplift. Now? Not so much.
Also read: Indian Finance Professionals Moving to Dubai?
Should you move to the UAE without a job offer?
Dubai isn’t the easy-money paradise it once was. The salaries are solid, yes, but the costs have climbed.
And here’s the bitter truth: moving here without a job doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get one.
It really depends on your life stage and risk appetite.
If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s, with some savings and few commitments, take the leap and back yourself.
Worst case? You gave it a real shot.
But if you’ve got family responsibilities, school fees, rent, and you’re the sole earner, you’ve got to think twice.
Wrapping up…
When people ask me, “How long will it take to land a finance job in the UAE?”
The reality…It is getting tougher!
Sometimes, the stars align; your profile matches perfectly, and within a few weeks, you’ve got the offer.
Then, at the senior finance level, it can take anywhere between 3 to 9 months (or even longer).
But, with the right approach, daily focus, and consistent effort, you can make it in here.
FAQs
Q: What job portals should I use to find a job in the UAE?
What is the best way to search for finance jobs in Dubai from India?
In the UAE there are many job portals such as:
- Bayut
- Indeed
- Naukri Gulf
- BAC Middle East
- Dubizzle
- Michael Page
- Career jet
- Gulf Talent
- efinancial Careers
- Hays
- ESP International
- Dubai Task
- UAE Advise
Some websites also provide a Premium option where they will share your CVs directly with companies if there is a vacancy.
Q: Is it hard to get a finance job in the UAE from India?
It’s tough, but not impossible.
The main challenge is that most UAE employers prefer candidates who are already in the country for face-to-face interviews and faster onboarding.
To succeed, you generally need:
1. Professional Certifications: Global qualifications like CFA, ACCA, or a strong CA background.
2. Physical Presence: The most effective strategy is to save enough money and go to the UAE on a 90 day tourist visa or job seeker visa to conduct an aggressive, in-person search.
Q: When is the best time to visit the UAE to find a job?
The best time to visit is between October and April when the weather is cooler. Job hunting may take 4 weeks to 6 months (9 months: worst case scenario), so plan accordingly.
The summer months (June to August), including the month of Ramadan, can be particularly hot and humid in the UAE. This makes job hunting more challenging.
