The UAE government has announced reform to its Wage Protection System (WPS) and mandated that all private-sector salaries be paid on the first day of every month. This new rule will be applicable from June 1, 2026. As per the policy, any salary paid after the particular date will be treated as delayed under the WPS, tightening oversight on employers and strengthening worker protections nationwide.
The decision was issued on May 12, the main purpose of which is to establish a clear and standardized salary payment structure for all private-sector establishments registered with the ministry. Companies registered under MOHRE must pay employees’ salaries through the approved Wage Protection System or any other systems adopted by the ministry.
The new salary rule in the UAE is expected to improve transparency in wage disbursement while reinforcing the UAE’s broader push to ensure timely payments and labor market stability.
Let’s understand in detail the new rule and its impact on ACCA careers in the UAE.
The Penalties for Late Payment: New Salary Rule in the UAE
Authorities established a schedule of increasing penalties for late payments, starting with electronic surveillance and warnings from the second day after paychecks became due. For businesses that miss the deadline, MOHRE has laid out a precise, rising system of penalties.
- Day 2: Employers who do not comply receive warnings, and electronic surveillance is turned on.
- Day 5: The business is prohibited from obtaining new work permits. Outstanding wages must be paid by the employer after proper notification.
- Day 11: In accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2020, administrative fines are levied. Repeated infractions within a six-month period will result in additional action, and the company is relegated to the third business category.
- Day 16: Suspensions of work permits are suspended. In industries including construction, transportation and storage, security, cleaning, and recruitment, this is especially true for organizations with 25 or more unpaid employees or for jointly owned businesses where the total affected headcount reaches 25.
- Day 21: Executive orders to reclaim outstanding salaries may be issued by authorities. The people in charge of the establishment may be subject to travel restrictions and precautionary asset confiscation. Collective labor dispute processes may be started for businesses with 50 or more workers.
- Companies with more than 50 employees or associated entities that jointly employ 50 or more are affected when repeated offenses occur over a two-month period.
- The workers may be referred to the Public Prosecution.
Authorities also reserve the right to intervene, no matter the company size, if there is a risk to the stability of the UAE labor market.
What does this mean for ACCA aspirants?
The ACCA salary after the new salary rule in the UAE will be given on time, which will help professionals to keep on top of bills and prevent falling behind on payments by making it simpler to plan and manage monthly costs. Increased financial stability and transparency are also brought about by the private sector’s uniform salary processing schedule.
Other long-term benefits include better budgeting control, less financial stress, and increased confidence when preparing long-term commitments like rent, loans, and savings.
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Enrol in ACCA TodayImpact of New Salary Rule on ACCA Jobs in the UAE
| Impact | Summary |
| Faster Hiring Processes | WPS-compliant employers can continue hiring smoothly, increasing opportunities within MNCs, Big 4 firms, and compliant SMEs. |
| Structured Compensation Packages | Monthly WPS salary processing is leading to more standardized pay structures and higher reported basic salaries. |
| Rising Demand for ACCA Professionals | Demand is increasing for ACCA-qualified professionals in compliance, payroll, audit, VAT, and corporate tax functions. |
ACCA Jobs and Salaries in the UAE
Let’s take a brief look at the top ACCA jobs in the UAE that you can consider to move ahead:
Accountants
Average Salary: AED 32,000
Accountants generally analyze accounts, examine financial statements, documents, and other reports, perform regular and yearly audits, examine financial operations, prepare tax returns, offer risk analysis and forecasting, and offer advice on areas that need to be more efficient and cost-effective.
Finances Accountants
Average Salary: AED 132,000
A financial accountant manages an organization’s accounting and financial operations. Their main responsibilities include creating financial reports and statements and counseling business executives on investment tactics.
Investment Advisor
Average Salary: AED 370,000
A financial expert who performs securities research or offers investment suggestions is known as an investment advisor. They advise customers on investing in equities, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds, among other securities. Additionally, some financial advisors oversee securities portfolios.
Tax Professionals
Average Salary: AED 264,000
A tax advisor provides businesses and individuals with a range of tax advisory services. To reduce tax obligations for the company or customer, a tax advisor combines their expertise in accounting, auditing, and efficient planning with their understanding of tax law and finance.
CFOs
Average Salary: AED 530,983
A top executive in charge of overseeing a company’s financial operations is referred to as the chief financial officer (CFO). In addition to monitoring cash flow and financial planning, the CFO’s responsibilities also include assessing the company’s financial strengths and weaknesses and suggesting remedial measures.
Auditors
Average Salary: AED 57,000
ACCA audit jobs are in great demand these days. An auditor examines an organization’s financial records to make sure they are correct and compliant with the law. They can also serve as advisors, suggesting cost-cutting and risk-aversion strategies.
ACCA Salary After New UAE Rules: A Quick Glance
Depending on several variables, including geography, experience, title, and kind of organization, ACCA experts in the UAE may earn varying incomes. Here is an insight:
ACCA Salary After New UAE Rules
| Position | Average Salary (AED) |
| Accountant | AED 32,000 |
| Financial Accountant | AED 132,000 |
| Investment Advisor | AED 370,000 |
| Tax Professional | AED 264,000 |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | AED 530,983 |
| Auditor | AED 57,000 |
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Top Industries for ACCA Jobs in the UAE
ACCA specialists are in high demand in several sectors, including:
- Financial Services: To handle financial reporting and regulatory compliance, banks, investment firms, and insurance organizations.
- Oil and Gas: The oil and gas industry needs qualified accountants to handle intricate financial transactions.
- Consulting Firms: A lot of companies provide consulting services, and they need ACCA experts for advising services, tax planning, and financial audits.
- Technology: The need for financial experts to navigate the financial ramifications of technology investments.
Top Companies for ACCA Careers in the UAE
Big 4 Audit Firms (EY, PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG): These multinational giants often hire postgraduate programs and entry-level positions exclusively for ACCA affiliates. The Big 4 ACCA salary in the UAE is also so high that it attracts a huge number of candidates.
Local accounting and auditing firms like Russell Bedford, Biz Easy DMCC, and TGS KOYA regularly hire ACCA Affiliates for audit positions.
Real estate firms such as MHM Real Estate hire for leadership, strategic management, and financial management positions.
Multinational corporations offer jobs in financial reporting, budgeting, and internal audit for applicants with ACCA affiliate status in industries like real estate, fintech, logistics, and retail.
Final Thoughts
Overall, obtaining ACCA certification is a significant step, and this article takes you through all the information on the new salary rule in the UAE and its impact on ACCA jobs. It’s evident that there are fantastic prospects in a variety of fascinating career opportunities, even for those without prior experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pursue a growing career with ACCA in the UAE?
Building a successful finance career in the UAE is possible with competitive, tax-free salaries and a globally recognized qualification.
Does ACCA have a good scope in the Middle East?
Yes, ACCA is the ideal place to start if you want to pursue a career in finance in the Middle East.
Do you need assistance with ACCA career counseling? Mirchawala can help you at any stage. Contact us now for support!
