Minimum Wage in Dubai – How Much Is It in 2025?

If you’re planning to work or stay in Dubai, the first number you’ll hear about is the minimum wage. It’s the baseline salary that every employer must pay, and knowing it helps you budget, negotiate a contract, or decide if a job offer is fair.

In 2025 Dubai follows the United Arab Emirates (UAE) federal guidelines. Unlike many countries, the UAE does not have a single national minimum wage. Instead, the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) sets sector‑specific wage floors. This means the amount you can expect varies depending on your job type, experience level, and whether you’re a UAE national or an expatriate.

How the Minimum Wage Is Set

The government looks at three main factors when deciding wage floors: the cost of living, the skill level required for the role, and the supply of workers in that field. For low‑skill jobs like cleaning, security, or entry‑level hospitality, the floor is roughly AED 3,000 – AED 4,000 per month. For semi‑skilled positions such as sales assistants or junior admin staff, the minimum rises to around AED 5,000 – AED 6,500.

Highly skilled professions, especially in tech or engineering, have their own benchmarks that are much higher. The MOHRE updates these numbers each year, so the exact figures can shift with inflation or market changes. It’s also worth noting that most expatriates receive a total compensation package that includes housing, health insurance, and transport allowances on top of the base salary.

What It Means for Your Budget

Understanding the minimum wage helps you gauge how far your money will go. In Dubai, rent is the biggest expense. A one‑bedroom apartment in a decent area can cost AED 5,000 – AED 8,000 a month. If you’re earning the low‑skill minimum (AED 3,500 on average), you’ll likely need a shared accommodation or a salary‑plus‑housing package to stay comfortable.

Food, transport, and leisure also add up. A basic grocery basket for one person runs about AED 800 – AED 1,200 per month. Public transport is affordable, with a monthly pass costing around AED 300, but many expats prefer taxis or ride‑hailing apps, which can double that cost.

When you review a job offer, ask for a breakdown of the total package. A higher base salary may look good, but if housing isn’t covered, your take‑home could be lower than a lower salary with full accommodation. Also, check the contract for end‑of‑service gratuity – a mandatory payment you receive when you leave the job, which can be a significant boost to savings.

Lastly, remember that the minimum wage is just a floor, not a ceiling. Skilled workers often negotiate higher rates, especially if they bring international experience. Don’t settle for the minimum if you have marketable skills – use the numbers as a reference point, not a limit.

Bottom line: Dubai’s minimum wage varies by sector, but it’s generally between AED 3,000 and AED 6,500 per month. Knowing these ranges helps you set realistic expectations, compare offers, and plan a budget that covers rent, food, and transport without constant stress.