Article: 60% of UAE workers plan to spend their 2025 bonuses on travel and upskilling
About Us • Contact Us
People Matters
People Matters Logo
Login / Signup
People Matters Logo
Login / Signup
  • Current
  • Top Stories
  • News
  • Research
  • Podcast
  • Videos
  • Webinars

© Copyright People Matters Media All Rights Reserved.

 

 

  • HotTopic
    HR Folk Talk
  • Strategy
    Leadership Csuite StrategicHR EmployeeRelations
  • Recruitment
    Employer Branding Appointments Recruitment
  • Performance
    Skilling PerformanceMgmt Compensation Benefits L&D Employee Engagement
  • Culture
    Culture Life@Work Diversity
  • Tech
    Technology HR Technology Funding & Investment Startups
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Feedback
  • Write For Us

Follow us:

Privacy Policy • Terms of Use

© Copyright People Matters Media All Rights Reserved.

People Matters Logo
  • Current
  • Top Stories
  • News
  • Research
  • Podcast
  • Videos
  • Webinars
Login / Signup

Categories:

  • HotTopic
    HR Folk Talk
  • Strategy
    Leadership Csuite StrategicHR EmployeeRelations
  • Recruitment
    Employer Branding Appointments Recruitment
  • Performance
    Skilling PerformanceMgmt Compensation Benefits L&D Employee Engagement
  • Culture
    Culture Life@Work Diversity
  • Tech
    Technology HR Technology Funding & Investment Startups
60% of UAE workers plan to spend their 2025 bonuses on travel and upskilling

Story • 7th Mar 2025 • 3 Min Read

60% of UAE workers plan to spend their 2025 bonuses on travel and upskilling

Compensation & Benefits#Work & Skills#Wellbeing

Author: Anjum Khan Anjum Khan
401 Reads
A large share of workers need their employers' support in planning for long-term financial security and well-being, presenting an opportunity for organisations to create a happier and more productive workforce.

The performance appraisal and rewards season is here, and according to a new survey by Zurich International Life Middle East, a whopping 75% of UAE workers are expecting a bonus this year.

This is closely aligned with the Salary Outlook 2025 reports, which indicate that while salaries are expected to see an average increase of 4%, most employers in the region are also planning to offer bonuses equivalent to one or two months' salary.

The optimism in these expectations – 68% jump from 2024 – is driven by awareness towards financial security. The survey commissioned by YouGov, suggested that there is a growing emphasis on strategic financial planning among the UAE residents. The Emiratis and even the expats in the region, want to save a portion of this year’s bonus as a long-term investment.  

What are the reasons?

The survey reveals that there is rising economic optimism in the UAE, and employees in the region are ready to invest in their future. A similar sentiment was shared by the Chief Economist of ACCA, who highlighted how, despite challenges, the overall economic outlook for the region is quite positive. Additionally, the report also emphasised how the economy is rapidly improving with non-oil GDP growth, increased workforce participation supported by flexible work arrangements, and enhanced benefits and policies aimed at nurturing talent. These elements are keeping employees happy and fulfilled, leading to 68% of the region’s workforce feeling confident about their current financial situation.

Does financial awareness have a role to play?

In addition to this, workers are increasingly seeking professional financial advice, which has significantly boosted their confidence in a better financial future — as conveyed by 79% of the survey respondents. This reflects that workers in the region trust expert guidance for financial management to improve their financial literacy — presenting an opportunity for organisations/ employers to schedule a seminar or session with a financial advisor for their employees. 

The awareness will help them plan for their long-term financial security, as over 75% of workers are optimistic about their retirement funds. They make proactive financial decisions, and are prioritising savings, investments, and retirement planning to build a stable financial future. But, 61% of the survey respondents said that for a comfortable retirement AED 5 million or less is enough. 

A lot of them (65%) rely solely on workplace savings or gratuity, which might not be enough in the long run. While gratuity can help, it’s not enough for a secure retirement. To build lasting financial security, residents should consider structured savings and smart investments, like saving part of their bonuses and salary increases.

Overall, the survey shows that while many feel positive about their finances, there’s a need for better understanding of how much savings are actually needed for a comfortable retirement.

Savings with a fulfilling purpose

The UAE workers plan to save part of their bonus, for:

  • 55% are investing for the future.
  • 46% are building emergency funds.
  • 38% are saving for their children's education.

But, the quality of life and personal growth are also up on their priority list, with 60% of them willing to spend their bonuses for travel or holidays, and the remaining 27% aim to invest in their learning and development – acquiring new skills.

Interestingly, young workers are showing a strong focus on saving for the future, as 31% of Gen Z plan to save their entire bonus for better financial security. Whereas, 52% of those aged 45 and above prefer to save most of their bonus, taking a more flexible approach to balance saving with other needs.

Much like Gen Zs, 63% of Millennials also plan to save 100% or or a bigger share of their bonuses.

This shows a growing trend of financial responsibility across generations, with younger people leading the way in planning for the future while managing immediate expenses. 

You may also like:

  • Are your employee benefits truly rewarding?
  • Culture Fit or Culture Add: What’s the real secret to high performance?
  • HR’s roadmap to workforce success in the Middle East
  • Long-Term Incentives Retain and Engage Top Talent

David Denton-Cardew, Head of Propositions at Zurich International Life Middle East underlined, “As financial awareness continues to grow across all generations, it’s clear that UAE residents are becoming more proactive in managing their money. Younger age groups, in particular, are leading the way, signalling a shift toward long-term planning and financial stability being ingrained in culture. The ability to balance saving with spending highlights a mature approach to financial well-being, where residents are not only preparing for the future but also prioritising personal growth and experiences,”

In essence, employers need to think of ways to support financial wellness programs at work, like seminars with financial experts or savings plans. Helping employees plan for the long term can boost their financial security and well-being, creating a happier and more productive workforce. 

Read More

Did you find this article helpful?


You Might Also Like

Why salary alone isn’t enough anymore

STORY • 12th Mar 2025 • 4 Min Read

Why salary alone isn’t enough anymore

Compensation & Benefits#Future of Work#EmployeeExperience#HRCommunity#Wellbeing#DEIB
Performance vs Pay: Defining the thin line

STORY • 7th Feb 2025 • 5 Min Read

Performance vs Pay: Defining the thin line

Strategic HRPerformance ManagementCompensation & BenefitsEmployment Landscape#Work & Skills#HRCommunity
What % pay hike to expect this year? Outlook 2025

STORY • 17th Jan 2025 • 6 Min Read

What % pay hike to expect this year? Outlook 2025

Strategic HRCompensation & BenefitsTalent Management#Trends#Artificial Intelligence#Outlook2025
NEXT STORY: Are your employee benefits truly rewarding?

Trending Stories

  • design-thinking-hr

    Eid Al Adha 2025 dates announced: Check official holidays fo...

  • design-thinking-hr

    Sharjah approves ‘care leave’ of 1-year paid leave for w...

  • design-thinking-hr

    Long working hours, yet Abu Dhabi residents are happy: DCD s...

  • design-thinking-hr

    Is everyone in the UAE getting free access to ChatGPT Plus? ...

People Matters Logo

Follow us:

Join our mailing list:

By clicking “Subscribe” button above, you are accepting our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Company:

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Contact:

  • Contact Us
  • Feedback
  • Write For Us

© Copyright People Matters Media All Rights Reserved.

Get the latest News, Insights & Trends from the world of people and work. Subscribe now!
People Matters Logo

Welcome Back!

or

Enter your registered email address to login

Not a user yet? Lets get you signed up!

A 5 digit OTP has been sent to your email address.

This is so we know it's you. Haven't received it yet? Resend the email or then change your email ID.

People Matters Logo

Welcome! Let's get you signed up...

Starting with the absolulte basics.

Already a user? Go ahead and login!

A 5 digit OTP has been sent to your email address.

This is so we know it's you. Haven't received it yet? Resend the email or then change your email ID.

Let's get to know you better

Be assured your information is confidential with us and we'll never share it with third parties.

And lastly...

Your official designation and company name.