Recent statistics reveal that 94 high-ranking executives from various listed companies in the UAE’s Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets earned the highest salaries and bonuses in 2024.
According to an analysis by a platform dedicated to tracking executive compensation, which examined the governance reports from companies in both markets, the list of the highest-paid executives in the UAE reveals that Mohammed Ali Rashed Alabbar, the executive chairman of Emaar Properties, received a total compensation of 48 million dirhams. This figure includes a bonus of 36 million dirhams, as well as business-related travel expenses and logistical costs.
In second place is Hatem Mohammed Dowidar, the CEO of Etisalat Group, who earned a total of 19.97 million dirhams in salaries, allowances, and long-term incentives for the period spanning 2022 to 2024. Following him is Hanan Alrstomani, the CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank, who compensated 16.84 million dirhams for the year 2024.
Fourth on the list is Jassim Hussein Thabet, the CEO and managing director of the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, who received 14.74 million dirhams in total salary and other benefits during 2024. Fifth is Khaled Jassim bin Khelban, vice chairman and CEO of Dubai Investments, who garnered 13.34 million dirhams in total compensation for the year.
Here is a summary of the top-paying executives in publicly listed UAE companies for 2024 (in million dirhams):
| Rank | Executive Name | Company | Total Compensation (million dirhams) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohammed Ali Rashed Alabbar | Emaar Properties | 48 |
| 2 | Hatem Mohammed Dowidar | Etisalat Group | 19.97 |
| 3 | Hanan Alrstomani | First Abu Dhabi Bank | 16.84 |
| 4 | Jassim Hussein Thabet | Abu Dhabi National Energy Company | 14.74 |
| 5 | Khaled Jassim bin Khelban | Dubai Investments | 13.34 |