Salary for an Engineer in Abu Dhabi

Vinaa that is approx 27000 AED if you need to buy a car and cover your own accomodations, then you will starve on that salary let alone have any money to save for future my advise, you'll need at least $9500 USD Just my two cents good luck.

Thanks! That really helps!

What would be the normal salary in Abu Dahbi for a manager/administrator in a petrochemical industry in USD?

Hi Vinaa,

A salary of USD 7,500 is not too bad if you only need to support yourself.

If we say that USD 7,500 per month is equivalent to AED 27,500 per month, then accommodation will cost at least AED10,000 if you are willing to share an apartment. Hiring a car in Abu Dhabi will cost at least AED 2,500.

That leaves you with around AED 15,000 to spend on groceries, clothing and leisure activities. How much you can save will depend on your personal preferences. 

Take a look at the Expat Arrivals Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi page for more information. 

If you do feel that with your experience you do deserve a higher salary don't be afraid to go back to your employer a negotiate a better wage. Many MNCs in the Middle East will offer you expats incentives like an accommodation allowance, air ticket home and relocation assistance so bear this in mind when negotiating your salary. This guide on Contract Negotiation in Abu Dhabi should also be helpful.

Please do let me know if you have any furthur questions. 

Hai...i found this platform to be very useful. I just finish an f2f interview at gasco today. Based on briefed by hr personnel, ALL including accommodation will be provided, except car. I was advised that salary would be not more than 30k (25-30k I presumed). This is below my expectation. Plus i am gonna bring my family members as well (2 of them). Would such package is ok for me should my presumption happened to be true? Kindly advise. Your kind attention will be much appreciated.

Any reply on my post

Hi Mohd,

I think you should be able to survive on AED 30,000 per month especially if accomodation, food and utilities are provided. 

Renting a small car will cost around AED 2,500 per month. Your other expenses depend on your family's lifestyle. If you have children then you will also need to factor in the cost of school fees. International schools charge at least AED 50,000 per year.

Take a look at the Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi page for more information. 

If you are not entirely happy with this salary you should go back to the employer and negotiate a better package that is suitable for a person with your experience. Without knowing more about the job itself or your experience it is hard to comment on salary expectations. 

This page on Contract Negotiation in Abu Dhabi could be useful. 

Hope this helps