When HR leaders review performance or hire new talent, it’s important to keep the preferences and priorities of their workers and potential hires in mind. This approach can not only help attract and retain top talent but also enhance the overall culture of the organisation. 

A recent report by Tiger Recruitment shared some interesting findings on what matters most to job seekers across the MENA region. According to the report, a large majority—80 percent—of respondents view salary as their top priority when considering a job offer or deciding whether to stay in their current role.

The report titled, the MENA Salary and Benefits Review 2025, surveyed over 2,100 job seekers in the UAE and KSA, providing insights into their salary expectations, benefits preferences, and emerging workplace trends. Some of the key findings are: 

#1 Salary tops the priority list 

According to the report, salary is the top consideration for job seekers, with an impressive 80 percent of surveyed workers in the region stating it’s the most important factor in their job search. Benefits come in second at 76 percent, followed by work-life balance, which ranks third with 61 percent of respondents identifying it as a key priority.

Interestingly, nearly 26 percent of the job seekers switched jobs only for better pay. While 44 percent stayed with their current employers as they received a salary increase last year, up from 39 percent in 2023.  

Most pay hikes ranged between 2.5 percent and 5 percent, but here’s an interesting insight—employees who secured a 5-10 percent increase were 10 percent less likely to leave their jobs.  

#2 Job market fluidity amidst rising workers’ concerns 

The report finds that MENA’s labour market remains fluid in 2025 as well, with 35 percent of professionals planning to change jobs, up from 33 percent the previous year.  

While only 13 percent are firmly staying put, the main reasons for job changes remain consistent—salary concerns, limited career growth, and a lack of skill development opportunities.  

#3 Benefits are equally important  

A strong benefits package is increasingly crucial for job seekers, as 47 percent of employees are satisfied with their current benefits, but 28 percent are not. The biggest demand? Cost-of-living adjustments, cited by 64 percent of the respondents. Other highly sought-after benefits include professional development opportunities by 43 percent of them, and enhanced health insurance as cited by another 37 percent.  

Notably, companies offering competitive benefits may see better talent retention, as 24 percent of employees who are highly satisfied with their benefits plan to stay, compared to the overall average of 13 percent.  

#4 Work-life balance and flexibility moving up the priority list 

Work-life balance is now a top consideration for job seekers, ranking just behind salary and benefits. While hybrid work remains popular, 67 percent of professionals are now back in the office full-time.  

Remote work is still rare, with only 5 percent of employees working fully remotely. Among hybrid workers, 12 percent enjoy full flexibility, while 7 percent follow a three-to-four-day office schedule.  

A four-day workweek is on the radar for 16 percent of employees, but only 2 percent currently have this option. Meanwhile, 84 percent of professionals believe that companies requiring full-time office attendance should offer higher salaries.  

#5 Hiring trends in the Private Sector  

The report shows that hiring remains strong in family offices, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the Government initiatives like the UAE’s Vision 2031 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are driving demand in the finance and tech sectors, with data center roles seeing a hiring boom across the GCC.  

If we look at the job roles, legal professionals are pushing for salary hikes, with compensation and learning opportunities being top reasons for job moves. In finance, employees cite a lack of skill development as their primary reason for seeking new opportunities.  

#6 Impact of AI in the workplace  

AI adoption is increasing, with half of MENA professionals using AI tools at least once a week. The most common applications? 48 percent use it for Research and reporting, followed by 38 percent for administrative tasks, and 30 percent for content creation. Interestingly, an overwhelming 70 percent of professionals believe AI boosts their efficiency.  

Zahra Clark Director and Head of Tiger MENA commented on the report findings, “The MENA region continues to establish itself as a hub for career opportunities and business expansion. Throughout 2024, the UAE, alongside the wider Middle East, has received considerable multi-sector investment, and…observed particularly strong hiring activity within family offices, hedge funds, real estate, legal services, consultancies and shipping. In 2025, we remain optimistic about the positive outlook for businesses and jobseekers looking for new opportunities across the region.”

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To attract and retain top talent, employers must pay close attention to salary benchmarks, benefits, and work-life balance preferences. Offering salary increases in the 5-10 percent range can significantly improve employee retention, and adjusting benefits to keep pace with the cost of living and investing in professional development could be game-changers in employee satisfaction and loyalty.