The rising cost of living in the UAE, driven by increasing rents and the introduction of new road tolls in Dubai, has prompted employees to demand enhanced housing, transportation, and education allowances from their employers.
Growing Financial Strain on Employees
Recruitment experts note that employees are voicing concerns over escalating expenses and requesting better compensation to manage their financial burdens.
"Many employees are asking for increases in housing and transportation allowances or adjustments to their salary packages to cover basic living and commuting costs," said Mayank Patel, Senior Vice President at Adecco and Head of EEMEA.
He added that companies could attract senior-level executives by offering tailored benefits such as education allowances or wellness perks, which align with employee priorities.
Rising Rents and New Salik Gates
Rental prices in the UAE have surged over the past four years, with demand outstripping the supply of new residential units, causing rental costs to double in some areas. Additionally, Dubai introduced two new Salik toll gates in November and announced a variable pricing system across its 10 toll gates, with peak-hour charges set at Dh6 and zero tariffs during late-night hours (1 am to 6 am).
These developments have intensified the financial pressures on employees, pushing them to negotiate better compensation packages.
Employers’ Response to Demands
According to Patel, organizations must evaluate their compensation strategies and offer customized solutions to remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent.
Dina Tawfik, Vice President of Growth at Bayt.com, highlighted that employees are increasingly requesting higher allowances in housing, transportation, and other essential areas. She emphasized the importance of offering flexible benefits to address these concerns.
"Flexible benefits, such as school fee support, travel allowances, and housing-related perks, often place employers in a better position to attract and retain talent," Tawfik explained.
She noted that competitive packages that address commuting costs and children’s education expenses significantly contribute to employee satisfaction.
A Holistic Approach to Employee Needs
From a broader perspective, salaries remain a key priority for professionals relocating to the UAE. However, Tawfik advised that companies should adopt a more holistic approach to employee benefits.
"It’s essential to consider other factors, such as health insurance, professional development allowances, flexible work arrangements, and wellness initiatives, rather than focusing solely on monetary compensation," she said.
Tawfik added that companies that invest in talent development and provide clear pathways for growth tend to retain employees, especially in a high-cost environment.
As living expenses continue to rise, addressing these concerns will be critical for organizations seeking to maintain a motivated and loyal workforce.
