Chartered Accountant (CA) Salary in UAE | 2026 Updated
Wondering how much a Chartered Accountant (CA) earns in the UAE? This 2026 guide answers the top questions with clear tables for pay by experience level, emirate, and Gulf-region comparison.
How much does a Chartered Accountant earn in the UAE?
In 2026, the average CA salary in the UAE ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 26,000 per month. Entry-level roles typically start around AED 14,700–15,000, while senior CAs (8+ years) can earn up to AED 25,800 monthly. The national average is about AED 20,700/month (~AED 249,000/year).
What is the CA salary by experience level?
Experience drives compensation the most. Here is the typical range by career stage:
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (AED) | Annual Salary (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–3 years) | AED 14,700 – 15,000 | AED 176,400 – 180,000 |
| Mid-Career (4–7 years) | AED 15,000 – 21,000 | AED 180,000 – 252,000 |
| Senior-Level (8+ years) | AED 25,000+ | AED 300,000+ |
Sources synthesized from
UAE Government Portal, Bayt, Naukrigulf, GulfTalent, MonsterGulf, Dubizzle, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Laimoon, Oliv, Indeed, Drjobs, Khaleej Times Jobs, Edarabia, JobsinDubai, Jobzella & Tanqeeb.
Which emirates pay the highest salaries for CAs?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi typically offer the highest compensation due to the concentration of multinational headquarters and large enterprises.
| Emirate | Average Monthly Salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Dubai | AED 21,000 – 26,000 |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 20,000 – 24,000 |
| Sharjah | AED 17,000 – 20,000 |
| Ajman | AED 16,000 – 19,000 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | AED 15,000 – 18,000 |
| Fujairah | AED 14,000 – 17,000 |
How does CA salary in the UAE compare with other Gulf countries?
The UAE leads the region for CA compensation, followed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
| Country | Monthly Salary (AED eq.) | Annual Equivalent (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | AED 20,000 – 26,000 | AED 240,000 – 312,000 | Avg base ~AED 249k + ~AED 10k bonus |
| Saudi Arabia | AED 17,600 – 20,000 | AED 211,000 – 240,000 | Avg SAR 193k/year (~AED 17.6k/mo) |
| Qatar | AED 18,300 – 20,800 | AED 219,600 – 249,600 | Accountant-level; CAs at upper range |
| Kuwait | AED 13,900 – 16,100 | AED 166,800 – 193,200 | Accountant-level; CA likely higher |
| Oman | AED 9,800 – 11,800 | AED 117,600 – 141,600 | Accountant-level; CA may exceed range |
| Bahrain | AED 14,800 – 17,500 | AED 177,600 – 210,000 | Accountant-level; CAs slightly higher |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CA earn in the UAE?
A Chartered Accountant typically earns between AED 20,000 and 26,000 per month in 2026, depending on experience, emirate, skill set, and employer.
Who earns more, CA or ACCA in Dubai?
Generally, CA professionals earn more because CA roles are positioned as senior finance and leadership tracks with wider responsibilities.
Is Dubai good for Chartered Accountants?
Yes. Dubai is a major hub for multinational companies, financial institutions, and high-growth sectors—offering strong pay and career progression for CAs.
Which emirates pay the highest for CAs?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi typically lead, while emirates like Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah offer comparatively lower ranges.
What factors influence a CA’s salary in the UAE?
- Experience and seniority
- Emirate of employment
- Type and size of employer (MNC vs local)
- Industry (audit, real estate, banking, oil & gas, tech, etc.)
- Certifications, analytics/ERP skills, leadership scope
Summary & Suggestions
- Best-paying emirates: Dubai & Abu Dhabi.
- Entry-level: ~AED 15K/month; Senior: up to ~AED 25.8K/month.
- Regional ranking: UAE leads Gulf CA pay, followed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
If you are exploring roles in 2026, target high-growth sectors (finance, real estate, tech, consulting) and strengthen skills in analytics, ERP (SAP/Oracle), and leadership to reach the top bands.
