Core Insights - Employers in the UAE are preparing for significant changes in workforce management as 2026 approaches, focusing on compensation strategies that align with economic growth, digital transformation, and talent retention [2][3] - The Korn Ferry UAE Salary Forecast 2026 indicates a shift from reactive pay adjustments to strategic workforce planning, emphasizing long-term capability building alongside competitive compensation [3][21] Economic Context - The UAE economy grew by approximately 4% in 2025 and is expected to accelerate to 4.5% in 2026, driven mainly by non-oil sectors such as finance, technology, and professional services [10] - Workforce growth in the UAE has risen by 9%, with new business formations increasing by 14%, indicating a vibrant economic landscape [10] Salary Trends - Average salary increases across the UAE are projected at 4.1% for 2026, slightly below Saudi Arabia's forecasted 4.6% increase [4][22] - Specialist roles in engineering, technology, logistics, finance, and accounting are expected to see the strongest demand, driven by sector diversification and digital transformation [6][23] Sector-Specific Insights - Industries anticipated to deliver the most robust salary growth in 2026 include banking, real estate, oil and gas, industrial, and retail, influenced by major investment pipelines and evolving operating models [20][24] - In the banking sector, compensation for heads of wholesale banking ranges from Dhs110,000 to 240,000 per month, with senior relationship managers earning between Dhs50,000 and 70,000 [12][13] Workforce Dynamics - High turnover rates are observed in specialist roles, particularly in sales, finance, accounting, and engineering, as employees seek new opportunities in a competitive market [7][8] - Companies are increasingly focused on building the right capabilities for the future, requiring sophisticated approaches to talent retention and development [8][21] Employee Sentiment - While 52% of workers report satisfaction with their current pay, nearly two-thirds are considering job changes in 2026, indicating a shift in employee priorities towards work-life balance and career growth opportunities [11]

Core Insights - Dayforce, Inc. has launched Dayforce Strategic Workforce Planning, an AI-powered platform aimed at enhancing workforce planning and business outcomes for organizations [1][3][7] - The introduction of this tool is bolstered by Dayforce's acquisition of Agentnoon, which provides a more intuitive and collaborative workforce planning solution [2][4] Group 1: Product Features and Benefits - Dayforce Strategic Workforce Planning allows organizations to streamline planning processes, reducing manual data cleansing and reliance on disconnected spreadsheets [5] - The platform offers a centralized view of workforce and cost drivers, enabling better decision-making and resource allocation [5] - Users can run predictive "what if" scenarios and model organizational shifts, enhancing the ability to forecast skills and costs [5] - The tool promotes collaboration among HR, Finance, and business stakeholders, ensuring alignment with organizational goals [5] Group 2: Market Context and Demand - The current business environment is characterized by rapid AI transformation and increasing demands for innovation and efficiency, creating a need for advanced workforce planning technology [3][4] - Organizations are seeking tools that can provide a holistic view of their workforce, including various worker types such as frontline, knowledge, corporate, contingent, and gig workers [4][6] Group 3: Strategic Implications - The integration of Agentnoon's technology into Dayforce's platform is expected to enhance the overall user experience and provide significant value to customers [2][4] - The platform is designed to empower Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs), Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) by aligning workforce plans with financial outcomes and simplifying technology landscapes [5][6]