Globally recognized as one of the richest regions in the world, the Middle East is full of opportunities for many professionals. Consisting of countries with advanced technologies and towering skyscrapers, there is no doubt that construction industries in Middle Eastern countries are some of the most profitable landscapes in the world. Because of this, hopeful Filipino construction professionals who want to experience working in the prosperous construction industries of the Middle East are always searching for opportunities that can open doors to a financially secure future.
The State of Construction Industries In Middle Eastern Countries
Many countries in the Middle East are experiencing significant growth in their construction industries. According to Global Newswire, the entirety of the Middle East construction market is valued at US$1.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% by the end of the decade. Apart from the significant growth, the trajectory of the Middle Eastern construction market gunning towards the development of sustainable technologies and materials that reduce environmental impact while enhancing energy efficiency is one of the most profitable initiatives in the modern construction market.
Many overseas Filipino workers support the resurgence of the Middle Eastern construction industry or OFWs. According to the Manila Bulletin, Filipino construction professionals gained dominance once more in the United Arab Emirates construction industry just last year, with architects, engineers, and designers working in the Middle Eastern country and developing both the Philippine and the Middle Eastern construction landscape. Because of this, working in the region under construction has become more and more attractive to Filipino construction professionals once more. For those who are seeking to secure a career in the construction industry in the Middle East, the profitability of the work landscape is one of the most attractive factors to consider.
Salary of Construction Professionals in The Top 4 Richest Middle Eastern Countries
Image from Gulf News
According to data released by the World Bank, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are the top 4 wealthiest countries in the Middle East. Below are the average salaries for construction jobs in these 4 countries.
Saudi Arabia
| Average Salary of Construction Professionals In Saudi Arabia | Average Salary Per Hour | Average Salary Per Year |
| Architects | SAR 100 | SAR 206,981 |
| Civil Engineer | SAR 114 | SAR 236,899 |
| Mechanical Engineer | SAR 111 | SAR 230,031 |
| Geodetic Engineer | SAR 78 | SAR 163,230 |
| Electrical Engineer | SAR 113 | SAR 235,576 |
| General/Maintenance Carpenter | SAR 55 | SAR 114,535 |
| Brick Mason | SAR 56 | SAR 116,245 |
| Plumber | SAR 61 | SAR 126,743 |
Source: ERI Economic Research Institute
United Arab Emirates
| Average Salary of Construction Professionals In the United Arab Emirates | Average Salary Per Month | Average Salary Per Year |
| Architects | 17,200 AED | 206,000 AED |
| Civil Engineer | 14,125 AED | 152,000 AED |
| Mechanical Engineer | 21,225 AED | 254,700 AED |
| Geodetic Engineer | No consistent data | No consistent data |
| Electrical Engineer | 14,700 AED | 176,000 AED |
| General/Maintenance Carpenter | No consistent data | 84,560 AED |
| Brick Mason | 2,760 AED | 33,100 AED |
| Plumber | 4,090 AED | 49,100 AED |
Source: Glassdoor, Indeed, World Salaries, Salary Explorer
Kuwait
| Average Salary of Construction Professionals In Kuwait | Average Salary Per Hour | Average Salary Per Year |
| Architects | KWD 9 | KWD 18,940 |
| Civil Engineer | KWD 7 | KWD 14,100 |
| Mechanical Engineer | KWD 7 | KWD 14,600 |
| Geodetic Engineer | KWD 7 | KWD 12,020 |
| Electrical Engineer | KWD 5 | KWD 9,740 |
| General/Maintenance Carpenter | KWD 3 | KWD 6,080 |
| Brick Mason | KWD 2 | KWD 4,190 |
| Plumber | KWD 2 | KWD 5,140 |
Source: Salary Explorer
Qatar
| Average Salary of Construction Professionals In Qatar | Average Salary Per Hour | Average Salary Per Year |
| Architects | QAR 154 | QAR 119,406 |
| Civil Engineer | QAR 79 | QAR 101,122 |
| Mechanical Engineer | QAR 58 | QAR 96,675 |
| Geodetic Engineer | QAR 47 | QAR 77,994 |
| Electrical Engineer | QAR 65 | QAR 83,546 |
| General/Maintenance Carpenter | QAR 23 | QAR 32,772 |
| Brick Mason | QAR 31 | QAR 31,150 |
| Plumber | QAR 31 | QAR 36,324 |
Source: Indeed
A Bright Future For Filipino Construction Professionals In Middle East
Image from Construction Week Online
Construction industries in the Middle East are positioned to achieve significant growth in the years to come. With many opportunities lining up, many Filipino construction professionals are hoping to secure a steady career in the financially prolific region of the Middle East. With the right qualifications and the Filipino fighting spirit, the Middle Eastern construction market can be a big stepping stone towards success for many Filipinos.
References
- Cahiles, B. (2022, February 14). PH to revive dominance in UAE construction industry. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved November 10, 2023, from https://mb.com.ph/2022/02/14/ph-to-revive-dominance-in-uae-construction-industry/
- GlobeNewswire. (2023, October 5). Middle East Construction Market Report 2023 | Investment Opportunities, Real Estate Sector, Housing Market, Market Forecast, New Projects, 2023-2030. GlobeNewswire. Retrieved November 10, 2023, from https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/10/05/2755257/0/en/Middle-East-Construction-Market-Report-2023-Investment-Opportunities-Real-Estate-Sector-Housing-Market-Market-Forecast-New-Projects-2023-2030.html
