Dubai has emerged as a premier destination for finance professionals, with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) hosting 500+ financial services firms and creating thousands of high-paying roles. The emirate offers tax-free salaries, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic location bridging East and West markets.
Key finance employers in Dubai include global investment banks (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan), PE firms (Gulf Capital, Investcorp, Abraaj legacy), asset managers (BlackRock, Franklin Templeton), and regional champions across fintech and Islamic finance. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) ensures regulatory standards matching London and New York.
Finance jobs in Dubai span investment banking, private equity, asset management, corporate finance, and fintech roles. Compensation packages include tax-free base salaries 20-40% higher than London equivalents, housing allowances, education benefits, and annual flights home. Senna provides Dubai-specific salary benchmarks and relocation intelligence for candidates considering the move.
Breaking into Dubai finance requires networking through industry events, leveraging headhunters like Michael Page and Robert Walters Middle East, and understanding visa sponsorship processes. Many firms prefer candidates with 2-5 years experience who can hit the ground running in this fast-paced market.
This new private equity program from Columbia Business School highlights the evolving skill requirements for senior-level PE professionals. As the industry faces increasing complexity, firms are seeking ways to sharpen the leadership capabilities of their most experienced talent. This program could give Columbia a competitive edge in executive education and position its graduates for greater success in navigating the changing PE landscape.