Software Engineer Salary
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. In the GCC market, this role is actively hired across Kuwait, Oman, Qatar with 96 recent postings.
A Software Engineer in the GCC region requires communication, java, JavaScript, SQL, Git. Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. 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 | 16,500 AED | 28,500 AED | 44,000 AED | 61,000 AED |
| Saudi Arabia | 15,500 SAR | 27,000 SAR | 42,000 SAR | 58,500 SAR |
| Qatar | 17,000 QAR | 29,500 QAR | 46,000 QAR | 64,000 QAR |
| Kuwait | 1,350 KWD | 2,300 KWD | 3,600 KWD | 5,000 KWD |
| Oman | 1,500 OMR | 2,600 OMR | 4,000 OMR | 5,550 OMR |
| Bahrain | 1,400 BHD | 2,450 BHD | 3,800 BHD | 5,300 BHD |
How Software Engineer pay varies in the UAE
UAE · mid-level · monthly gross in AED
Inputs: GCC salary surveys, role taxonomy and 96 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.
Required skills
Top hiring companies
- Global Corporation
- Property Finder
- United Arab Emirates University
- Revolut
- The Flex
- Flatgigs
Active markets
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Frequently asked questions
What is the average Software Engineer salary in the UAE?
The average mid-level Software Engineer in the UAE earns AED 28,500 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 Software Engineer salaries the most?
Qatar and the UAE typically lead for Software Engineer 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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