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.
The pardon of GPB Capital's David Gentile, who was convicted of a $1.6 billion fraud, highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability in the private equity industry. This could undermine investor confidence and tarnish the reputation of the sector, which has faced increased scrutiny in recent years over issues like excessive fees and lack of transparency.