The United Arab Emirates continues to demand a high number of Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs) because of its expanding financial industry and position as a worldwide business center. The financial sector in the UAE strongly depends on CFAs to perform essential roles in investment management and financial planning while serving corporate finance needs.
The guide examines in detail the work duties and required experience along with compensation structures for CFAs working in the UAE. Read the following content for an exploration of career expectations and salary information if you want to work in this domain.
About the CFA Profession in UAE
- Industry: Banking, Financial Services, Investment Management
- Key Responsibilities: CFAs analyze investment opportunities, manage portfolios, provide financial planning, and offer risk assessment services.
- License Required: Candidates must pass all three levels of the CFA exam and meet experience requirements to earn the CFA charter.
- Experience Levels: 0-20+ years of experience
The financial sector accepts CFAs as professionals who work throughout banking institutions as well as investment companies and corporate finance departments and asset management organizations. Businesses seek these financial experts because of their abilities in financial analysis and investment strategies at major financial centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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Salary Overview
Average Monthly Salary
With 172 provided salary reports the CFA professional in the UAE earns an average monthly wage of AED 7,943. Salaries of CFA professionals demonstrate wide variations depending on their experience level and work location.
Average Annual Salary
On average CFA professionals working in the UAE receive AED 178,000 annually. Salary compensation depends on job position as well as work experience and company affiliation.
Experience-wise Monthly Salary of CFA
- 0-1 Years: AED 4,194
- 1-3 Years: AED 5,213
- 3-6 Years: AED 6,529
- 6-9 Years: AED 7,896
- 9-12 Years: AED 11,608
- 12-15 Years: AED 14,077
- 15-20 Years: AED 14,165
Location-wise Monthly Salary of CFA
- Dubai: AED 12,886
- Abu Dhabi: AED 7,562
CFA Salaries in UAE by Company
Here’s a breakdown of CFA salaries across different companies in the UAE:
| Company | Industry | Monthly Salary (AED) |
| Citibank | Banking / Financial Services | 21,242 |
| Ali Sons Holding LLC | Banking / Financial Services | 18,500 |
| ABB | Consumer Durables / Electronics | 18,222 |
| Al Fahim Group | Retail | 18,150 |
| Amazon UAE | Internet / E-commerce | 16,958 |
Salary for Certification: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
CFA professionals in the United Arab Emirates earn on average AED 178,000 annually as their base salary. Job roles determine salary levels in the employment market but the average base salary stands at AED 178,000 per year in the UAE:
| Job Title | Salary Range (AED) | Average Salary (AED) |
| Financial Analyst | 20k – 256k | 132,000 |
| Investment Analyst | 61k – 974k | 122,084 |
| Chartered Financial Analyst | 31k – 197k | 135,000 |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | 228k – 750k | 600,000 |
| Investment Manager | 251k – 610k | 330,000 |
| Finance Director | 165k – 660k | 324,000 |
Key Takeaways
- High Earning Potential: Persons working in the CFA profession receive competitive compensation which reaches monthly earnings of up to AED 14,165 for experienced practitioners.
- Location Matters: The geographical position determines that CFAs based in Dubai receive substantially better compensation than their Abu Dhabi counterparts.
- Experience is Key: The CFA profession increases earnings through experience accumulation which establishes itself as a rewarding professional career for the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest salary a CFA can expect to earn in the UAE?
The Emirates have established AED 750,000 as the highest possible yearly compensation for CFA professionals with CFO roles.
What is the average salary earned by a CFA in the UAE?
The monthly pay for CFA professionals practicing in the UAE amounts to AED 7,943 on average.
How much does a CFA earn in Dubai compared to Abu Dhabi?
The salary bracket for CFAs in Dubai reaches AED 12,886 per month whereas their counterparts in Abu Dhabi receive AED 7,562 per month.
Which companies in the UAE offer the highest salaries for CFAs?
The monthly compensation package at Citibank stands as the highest for CFAs at AED 21,242. The companies Ali Sons Holding LLC and ABB join Citibank as top-paying employers.
How does the salary for a CFA vary with different years of experience?
- 0-6 years: AED 5,312 per month
- 6-12 years: AED 9,752 per month
- 12+ years: AED 14,077 per month
The CFA profession in the UAE offers strong earning potential, particularly for those with significant experience in financial analysis and investment management. The starting salary for entry-level positions in the CFA profession in UAE stands at AED 4,194 per month but experienced professionals can earn more than AED 14,000 per month.
The highest salaries exist in Dubai among other locations in UAE. By attaining your CFA certification you can boost your possibilities for financial positions with high salaries in the UAE market.
