CFA Salary in Dubai 2025: What You Should Know?

A career in corporate finance, investment banking, capital markets, or equities research requires a CFA or Chartered Financial Analyst qualification, the industry’s gold standard. CFA is a financial and investment management programme accredited and recognised internationally.

A CFA certification helps professionals land prestigious finance positions in top companies worldwide. Here is a thorough guide to assist you in making the best choice if you are wondering about a fresh CFA salary in Dubai.

Salary and Career Growth as a CFA in Dubai

Dubai is a sought-after destination for professionals looking for employment opportunities overseas. Tax exemptions, extensive worldwide exposure, employee-friendly work culture and attractive compensation packages are the primary factors making Dubai an obvious choice. You can anticipate earning an average of AED 200,000 to AED 400,000 or more annually, which is in the higher range of the pay scale for a Senior Chartered Financial Analyst’s salary in Dubai. Moreover, this gross pay is approximately 3% to 4% more than the UAE average.

According to projections, the anticipated salary hike over the next five years could range from 20% to 25%. However, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, company, and other factors also impact remuneration and career advancement.

To know more about salary expectations, read CFA Level 1 Expected Salary: For Freshers & Experienced Professionals

Does Dubai Provide Secure Employment to CFAs?

Several companies in Dubai look abroad for people that meet their hiring criteria. According to a cursory search of any employment portal serving the Dubai market, the majority of roles accessible for financial professionals are found in investment, banking, stock, portfolio and fund management, and credit research. Individuals with a CFA certification qualify for positions in all these fields.

You don’t have to worry about job stability or career progress because top companies favour CFAs. Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered, Marriott International Inc. and Moody’s, among others, are organisations hiring CFAs in Dubai. Finance jobs are highly sought-after in Dubai, and the diversity of job profiles can give you the assurance you need. 

You may also make yourself a valuable resource by continuing to improve your résumé, learn new skills, and focus on what you know.

Companies in Dubai that are primarily looking for CFAs include:

• Investment companies
• Private client management companies
• Investment banking and brokers
• Consulting firms
• Regulatory agencies
• Mutual funds and asset management firms
• Banks
• Corporates and accounting firms

Companies and businesses in Dubai are rapidly growing and expanding each day. As a result, they are more and more in need of CFAs. The CFA salary in Dubai per month is skyrocketing. CFA salary in Dubai in 2025 is expected to increase even more compared to the previous years’ because of incremental trading as well as structural and financial development. 

Check out our blog, Is CFA Course Worth it? Top 7 Benefits of doing a CFA to Learn More About CFA Career Prospects.

A Career in Dubai After CFA

Here is a list of job profiles that individuals with a CFA qualification are eligible for:

Risk Managers: Risk Managers are key professionals in the banking, corporate finance, and investment sectors. Credit, liquidity, investment, market, and other concepts are included in the broad concept of risk management. Due to its expanding economy, Dubai has a pressing need for risk analysts and managers.

Companies in Dubai that are opening up newer operations pay close attention to diversification and penetrating different markets. They require Risk Managers who can analyse markets, predict future developments, and mitigate hazards. They earn an average of AED 217,335 per month, as per Glassdoor.

Investment Strategist: Professionals in investment banking assist organisations with capital raising and mergers and acquisitions. A certified Investment Strategist can help new businesses, established manufacturing and construction firms, and governments. 

Due to its rapidly expanding and open financial sector, Dubai is the ideal location for an Investment Strategist. On average, Investment Strategists in Dubai make AED 220,000 (Rs. 52,47,162).

Senior Financial Analyst: A fund or a collection of funds might be under your management as a Senior Financial Analyst in Dubai. Since Dubai is a developing market, there is a high demand for professionals who can collaborate with analysts, clients, and researchers and have first-hand knowledge of the industry. They bring home AED 263,956 (Rs.62,95,545) on average.

Investment Manager: Dubai offers one of the best opportunities for CFAs to work as Investment Managers. The city has a high concentration of high-net-worth professionals and those who require help with financial management and investment planning.

The need for specialists with an understanding of the financial markets, investing skills, portfolio management, and estate planning is driving the demand for Investment Managers. Their average remuneration in Dubai is around AED 440,000 (Rs.1,04,94,325).

Private Banker: Private Bankers manage money and supervise financial activity for high net-worth clientele. In addition to personal cash management, secured and unsecured credit and investment management, and interest services, they also offer banking services. They get an average of AED 550,000 (Rs.1,31,17,907) in Dubai.

To know more, read 8 Highest Paying Jobs in Finance.

Conclusion

Pursuing a CFA course is a calculated move. The CFA programme lasts for around 2-3 years, and individuals can complete it while working. The financial and investment industry offers several profitable employment paths after completion of the course.

Zell Education presents the CFA Course replete with a personalised study plan, CFA-qualified faculties, student mentorship and a ton of more benefits. The highlights of the course include an 80% pass rate, curated study notes, and Zell’s Learning Management System.

More Questions About CFA Program

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FAQs on CFA Salary in Dubai

What is the average salary of a CFA fresher in Dubai?

A CFA fresher in Dubai typically earns around AED 8,000–15,000 monthly, depending on role and employer.

Does a CFA earn good money in Dubai at senior levels?

Yes, senior CFA professionals can earn AED 35,000–60,000 per month, with leadership roles crossing AED 80,000.

Is 16,000 AED considered a good salary in Dubai?

Yes, AED 16,000 is a comfortable salary, covering living expenses while allowing savings, especially for finance professionals.

Which companies in Dubai pay the highest salaries to CFAs?

Top-paying employers include Big 4 firms, global banks, and investment houses like HSBC, Deloitte, and Emirates NBD.

Is CFA in demand and valid in the UAE job market?

Absolutely, CFA is highly recognised in the UAE, especially for investment banking, asset management, and financial advisory roles.

Is pursuing CFA really worth it for a career in Dubai?

Yes, CFA offers strong career growth in Dubai, with opportunities in banking, consulting, and global finance hubs.

Which country pays CFA professionals the highest salaries globally?

CFA salaries are highest in financial hubs like the USA, UAE, and Singapore, with Dubai ranking among the top-paying markets.

Satyamedh Nandedkar, a seasoned finance professional, holds ACCA, CA, US CMA & CS credentials. With 10+ years of experience, he’s a master ACCA tutor, IFRS trainer, adept in global financial standards, and a trusted advisor in navigating complex financial landscapes.