Executive Chef Salary
An Executive Chef's day-to-day work in Hospitality & Tourism centres on Compliance, Excel and Safety. In the GCC market, this role is actively hired across Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar with 39 recent postings.
An Executive Chef in the GCC region requires leadership, Excel, inventory, communication, compliance. Employers typically expect 6+ years of experience for Hospitality & Tourism roles at this level. This role is in demand across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Salary across the Gulf
Monthly gross median in local currency, by country × seniority.
| Country | Junior | Mid-Level | Senior | Lead / Principal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | 10,500 AED | 18,000 AED | 28,000 AED | 39,000 AED |
| Saudi Arabia | 10,000 SAR | 17,500 SAR | 27,000 SAR | 37,500 SAR |
| Qatar | 11,000 QAR | 19,000 QAR | 29,500 QAR | 41,000 QAR |
| Kuwait | 850 KWD | 1,500 KWD | 2,300 KWD | 3,200 KWD |
| Oman | 950 OMR | 1,650 OMR | 2,550 OMR | 3,550 OMR |
| Bahrain | 900 BHD | 1,550 BHD | 2,450 BHD | 3,350 BHD |
How Executive Chef pay varies in the UAE
UAE · mid-level · monthly gross in AED
Inputs: GCC salary surveys, role taxonomy and 39 matching Tabbio postings · updated August 4, 2026 · How we estimate
Salary data reviewed by Ahmed AlDhraif, CIPD-certified HR practitioner · Founder & CEO, Tabbio
By company size
Median compensation varies with headcount.
Top-paying industries
Median for this role, ranked by sector.
Estimates modelled from GCC pay surveys and live posting volume: a directional guide, not a live salary feed.
Top hiring companies
- Joud Coffee
- Jayasom Wellness Resort Amaala
- One&Only Resorts
- Rotana Hotels
- RIKAS Hospitality Group
- Foreground.
Active markets
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Frequently asked questions
What is the average Executive Chef salary in the UAE?
The average mid-level Executive Chef in the UAE earns AED 18,000 per month (gross), modelled from Gulf market data including the Michael Page, Cooper Fitch and Hays salary guides. The figures scale with seniority: juniors earn roughly 55-60% of the mid level, seniors about 1.5×, and leads/principals close to 2×.
Which Gulf country pays Executive Chef salaries the most?
Qatar and the UAE typically lead for Executive Chef salaries, with Saudi Arabia close behind. Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman pay in local currency but the gross AED-equivalent is usually somewhat lower.
Are these figures gross or net?
All numbers are monthly gross base pay, before housing or transport allowances, bonuses, or statutory deductions. Gulf payroll typically has no income tax for residents, so gross and net are close for most expats.
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