2025 UAE MEP Design Salary Guide & Market Overview
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Posted 16.06.25
At Energi People, we’ve released our 2025 UAE MEP Design Market Overview & Salary Guide, and the insights are eye-opening – for candidates and employers alike.
The Middle East is building big, and fast – but can the MEP talent pipeline keep up with the pace? If you work in MEP design within the UAE, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year. From hyperscale data centres to smart city projects and luxury megadevelopments, demand for experienced engineers is off the charts. But here’s the catch: the talent just isn’t keeping up.
MEP Salaries in the UAE: What’s New?
Here’s a quick peek at some typical roles and average salaries. These do vary depending on the number or type of experience:
| Role | Typical Monthly Salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Junior Engineer | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Intermediate Engineer | 15,000 – 20,000 |
| Senior Engineer | 25,000 – 30,000 |
| Principal Engineer | 33,000 – 36,000 |
| Associate | 40,000 – 47,000 |
| Associate Director | 45,000 – 65,000 |
| Technical Director | 60,000 – 72,000 |
| Director | 65,000 – 90,000 |
These figures reflect combined insights from placements, clients and candidates across the UAE’s MEP design space and is depending on experience.
Access the full 2025 UAE MEP Design Salary guide here.
What’s Driving the Market in 2025?
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Mega-project momentum – Think Ajman’s new 100MW data centre, Palm Jebel Ali’s luxury villas, and the Dubai Metro Blue Line. These are just the tip of the iceberg.
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Sustainability rules – Green design, energy efficiency and net-zero targets are no longer optional; they’re shaping hiring decisions.
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Tech-driven delivery – BIM, IoT integration, and smart buildings mean digital-savvy engineers are now must-haves.
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Severe talent shortages – Especially at Associate and Director levels in the data centre sector. Employers are having to go global to fill the gap.
What Do Engineers Want in 2025?
Our survey found engineers in the UAE are increasingly looking for:
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Clear progression plans & sponsored training
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Family relocation support & annual flights
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Hybrid/flexible work arrangements
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Premium health cover (for the whole family)
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Transparent, achievable bonuses
In short: culture, benefits, and career development now matter just as much as the payslip.
The Outlook: Opportunity Meets Urgency
With Abu Dhabi and Dubai both entering a major resurgence – particularly in digital infrastructure – the UAE is reasserting itself as a global engineering hub. But unless companies adapt quickly, the talent shortage could stall progress.
We’re urging our clients to:
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Think beyond borders to plug talent gaps
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Prioritise retention, not just attraction
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Invest in diversity, upskilling, and wellbeing
Download the 2025 UAE MEP Salary Guide
Whether you’re a hiring manager, business leader or engineer considering your next move, our salary guide is essential reading. It’s packed with insights, market trends, and strategies for staying competitive in a high-demand market.
Download the full PDF now – and get ahead in the 2025 MEP talent race.
Need help hiring in the UAE?
We’ve placed thousands of engineers across the region and can help you build the team you need to deliver. Let’s talk.
