Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Salary in UAE 2025 | RFS HR Consultancy
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the UAE earns a median salary of AED 55,000 per month in 2025. Entry-level professionals earn AED 40,000 per month. Senior Chief Financial Officer (CFO)s at director level earn AED 200,000 per month. All figures reflect actual offer letters from UAE employer placements.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Salary Breakdown by Level — UAE 2025
| Level | Minimum | Median | Maximum | Typical Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VP Finance / Deputy CFO | AED 40,000 | AED 55,000 | AED 75,000 | 20–30% |
| CFO — SME (up to AED 50M revenue) | AED 50,000 | AED 65,000 | AED 85,000 | 25–35% |
| CFO — Mid-market (AED 50M–500M) | AED 70,000 | AED 90,000 | AED 120,000 | 30–50% |
| CFO — Large Enterprise (500M+) | AED 100,000 | AED 130,000 | AED 200,000 | 40–60% |
Key Facts: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Salaries in UAE
CFO salaries in UAE vary significantly by company size and sector. Banking and financial services CFOs earn the highest packages. Equity participation and long-term incentive plans appear in 40 percent of large enterprise CFO offers in UAE. CPA, CFA, or CA (ICAEW/ACCA) qualifications are required for 95 percent of CFO roles. UAE-listed company CFOs must comply with DFSA or SCA financial reporting requirements.
UAE Labour Law: Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 sets minimum wage protections for all UAE employees. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) registers every employment contract. The Wage Protection System (WPS) requires employers to pay salaries by the last day of each month. Late payment attracts penalties under Article 54 from AED 1,000 per affected employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a CFO earn in UAE 2025?
CFOs in UAE earn AED 65,000 to AED 200,000 per month in 2025 depending on company size. Large enterprise CFOs at AED 500M+ revenue companies earn AED 100,000 to AED 200,000 plus equity. SME CFOs earn AED 50,000 to AED 85,000.
What qualifications do UAE CFOs hold?
UAE CFOs typically hold CPA, CA (ICAEW or ACCA), or CFA qualifications. An MBA from a top-20 business school increases offer competitiveness at large enterprise level. IFRS expertise is required for all UAE-listed company CFO roles.
How does CFO compensation differ between DIFC and mainland UAE?
DIFC CFOs at regulated financial institutions earn 20 to 35 percent above mainland equivalents due to regulatory complexity and DFSA licensing requirements. DIFC compensation packages often include USD-denominated components and international mobility provisions.
View the full job description for this role
Hire a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the UAE
RFS HR Consultancy delivers a verified shortlist within 48 to 72 hours. No placement, no fee.
recruitment agency Dubai UAE
Emiratisation recruitment agency UAE
UAE salary guide 2025
talk to a recruiter Dubai
CFO Salary by Emirate — UAE 2025
| Emirate | Salary Range (AED/month) | vs Dubai | Key Employers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | AED 35,000 – 72,000 | Base | MNCs, DIFC banks, listed companies |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 37,000 – 77,000 | +5–8% | ADNOC, government-linked entities, ADGM firms |
| Sharjah | AED 30,000 – 63,000 | -10–15% | Regional conglomerates, SMEs |
Source: Michael Page UAE Salary Guide 2026, Indeed UAE 2025. All figures tax-free.
Sector note: DIFC-regulated CFOs earn 15–25% more due to DFSA Approved Person requirements. CPA/ACCA/CFA holders command the upper range. UAE Corporate Tax (June 2023) has increased demand for tax-literate CFOs.
UAE Market Data — Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 2025
Salary Range (AED/month)
AED 35,000 – 72,000
Tax-free. Source: Michael Page UAE 2026, Indeed UAE 2025
Seniority Level
C-Suite
Required Certifications (UAE Market)
CPA / ACCA / CFA mandatory for MNCs. MBA preferred.
UAE-Specific Regulatory Skills
CBUAE reporting, UAE VAT (FTA), UAE Corporate Tax (June 2023), WPS compliance, IFRS, Emiratisation quota tracking.
View the full CFO job description UAE or explore our finance and banking recruitment agency Dubai.