Top Cybersecurity Job Trends in Abu Dhabi for 2025
Shubhanshu VermaNov 22, 2024
Top Cybersecurity Job Trends in Abu Dhabi for 2025
In 2025, Abu Dhabi will witness a significant surge in cybersecurity jobs, primarily driven by the increasing sophistication of AI-powered cyber threats.
Abu Dhabi ranks third in the Middle East for cybersecurity job opportunities, with 1,586 positions available. According to research conducted by Edoxi across seven leading hiring platforms, including LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, The Muse, Bayt, Naukri, and Foundit, there is a total of 9,813 cybersecurity roles across the region. This accounts for approximately 16% of all cybersecurity jobs in the Middle East.
In 2024, the demand for cybersecurity experts in Abu Dhabi was on the rise, and by 2025, this demand is projected to increase by 15%. The city offers a variety of job roles suitable for all experience levels, which break down as follows:
Entry-Level Positions: 526 (approximately 33% of total positions)
With a population of 3,789,860, Abu Dhabi has a favourable job vacancy rate of 418.49 per 100,000 residents, making it an appealing choice for job seekers.
Based on Edoxi's findings, the following are the most sought-after cybersecurity jobs in Abu Dhabi.
Top Cybersecurity Job Vacancies and Salaries in Abu Dhabi
If you are considering starting a Cybersecurity career in Abu Dhabi, then here are the top cybersecurity job roles, their job level, the number of job opportunities available and salaries to get started!
Cyber Security Job Roles
Job-level
Number of jobs
Monthly Salary
Security Auditor
Entry-level job
193
AED 8,147
Cybersecurity Specialist
Intermediate-level
180
AED 34,000
Security Consultant
Professional-level
126
AED 13,867
Security Engineer
Entry-level
125
AED 9,741
Network Security Engineer
Entry-level
98
AED 9,741
Security Operations Specialist
Intermediate-level
92
AED 21,055
Security Analyst
Intermediate level
79
AED 13560
Cybersecurity Analyst
Intermediate-level
68
AED 12,917
SOC Engineer
Entry-level
66
AED 9,895
Forensic Consultant
Intermediate-level
63
16,459 AED
Tabular representation of the top 10 cybersecurity job vacancies, level and average salaries in Abu Dhabi
1. Security Auditor
Abu Dhabi has the most cybersecurity job openings for Security Auditor roles in the Middle East. Edoxi's latest research conducted in November 2024 indicates that Abu Dhabi has 193 job openings for security auditors, the highest number in the Middle East.
As an entry-level job, security auditors audit IT systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security standards.
Job Responsibilities of Security Auditor
Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessments: Conduct testing to identify vulnerabilities in systems and applications.
Compliance Monitoring: Ensure that the organisation adheres to regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 27001, PCI DSS).
Audit Reports Preparation: Document findings and provide detailed reports to management, outlining security gaps and recommended solutions.
Incident Investigation: Support investigations of security incidents and provide post-incident audit reports.
Access Control Audits: Evaluate the effectiveness of access controls to ensure authorised personnel have appropriate permissions.
Risk Management: Assess and categorise risks, suggesting mitigation strategies.
Collaborate with IT and Security Teams: Work with technical teams to implement recommendations and security improvements.
Continuous Monitoring and Follow-up: Ensure that security improvements are implemented and maintained through follow-up audits.
Skills Required for Security Auditor
Risk Assessment and Management
Audit Planning and Execution
Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge
Information Security Frameworks
Technical Proficiency
Incident Response and Recovery
Vulnerability Assessment
Data Analysis and Reporting
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Educational Qualification for Security Auditor Job Position
Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity or Information Assurance. (Optional)
Work Experience
1–3 years of experience in IT security, network security, or a related field is required for entry-level auditing positions.
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2. Cybersecurity Specialist
Edoxi's research report reveals that there are 697 cybersecurity specialist job vacancies across the Middle East, with 180 positions available in Abu Dhabi. Making Abu Dhabi, the top city in the Middle East for job availability in this field.
Cybersecurity Specialist is an intermediate-level cyber security role. They are essential for designing and implementing security policies to protect digital systems.
Job Responsibilities of Cybersecurity Specialist
Monitoring Security Systems: Continuously monitor networks for potential breaches or vulnerabilities.
Conducting Penetration Tests: Regularly test systems and applications to identify weaknesses.
Incident Management: Investigate and resolve security breaches or cyberattacks.
Managing Security Tools: Configure and maintain security systems, such as firewalls, anti-virus, and SIEM tools.
Conducting Security Audits: Perform internal audits to ensure compliance with security standards.
Skills Required for Cybersecurity Specialists
Network Security
Incident Response
Risk Management
Vulnerability Assessment
Encryption
Cyber Threat Intelligence
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Compliance
Cloud Security
Educational Qualification for Cybersecurity Specialist Job Position
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
Work Experience
2-5 years of experience in cybersecurity, network security, or related roles.
Certifications to Become A Cybersecurity Specialist
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
3. Security Consultant
Security Consultants have 126 job vacancies in Abu Dhabi, out of a total of 824 jobs available in the Middle East. This number is the 3rd highest in the Middle East, following Dubai and Riyadh.
Security Consultants is a professional-level cybersecurity job role. They advise companies on reducing risks, designing secure systems, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
The study also reveals that the average salary of a security consultant is AED 13,867 per month (Naukrigulf).
Job Responsibilities of Security Consultants
Conduct comprehensive security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and risks.
Create and recommend security policies, procedures, and best practices to clients.
Assist clients in developing incident response plans and provide support during security incidents.
Ensure clients are compliant with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Prepare detailed reports and documentation outlining findings, recommendations, and security measures.
Skills Required for Security Consultants
Risk Assessment and Management
Network Security
Security Architecture
Incident Response
Vulnerability Assessment
Compliance Knowledge
Security Tools
Threat Intelligence
Data Analysis
Problem-Solving
Educational Qualification for Security Consultant Job Position
A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field
Work Experience
5-7 years of relevant experience, with a strong focus on client management and advanced security knowledge.
Certifications to Become A Security Consultant
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
According to Edoxi’s research Findings, as of November 2024, Abu Dhabi, the capital city of UAE offers 125 openings for Security Engineers. This indicates a strong demand for cybersecurity professionals in this market.
Security Engineer is an entry-level cybersecurity job role. As a Security Engineer, you will develop and deploy security measures to protect systems and networks. As per our study report, the average salary of a Security Engineer is AED 9,741 per month (Glassdoor).
Develop and deploy security measures to protect systems and networks.
Continuously monitor security systems for anomalies and breaches.
Respond to and investigate security incidents, ensuring timely resolution.
Regular assessments and penetration tests are performed to identify weaknesses.
Create and maintain security policies, standards, and procedures.
Train employees on security best practices and awareness programs.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
Maintain documentation of security incidents, audits, and assessments
Certifications to become a Security Engineer
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Network+
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
Eligibility
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a rela ted field is typically required.
Work Experience
0-2 years of experience in IT, with a focus on networking and security
5. Network Security Engineer
According to Edoxi’s research report, Network Security Engineers has 98 open positions in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi ranks third for job opportunities for Network Security Engineers.
A Network Security Engineer is an entry-level cybersecurity professional responsible for protecting an organisation's computer networks from various cyber threats, including attacks, breaches, and vulnerabilities.
The study also reveals that the average salary of a Network Security Engineer is AED 9,741 per month (Glassdoor).
Skills needed to become a Network Security Engineer
Job Responsibilities of a Network Security Engineer
Designing and Implementing Security Solutions
Monitoring Network Traffic and Anomalies
Managing Network Security Tools
Implementing Security Policies and Procedures
Auditing and Compliance
Ensuring Secure Remote Access
Develop and maintain incident response and disaster recovery plans.
Investigate and mitigate security breaches and incidents
Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to ensure end-to-end security implementation.
Conduct security awareness training for staff to reduce risks from human error.
Implement and manage Zero Trust security frameworks (new)
Educational Qualifications needed to become a Network Security Engineer
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Network Administration, or a related field is often required.
Master's Degree in Cybersecurity.
Work Experience
0-2 years of relevant experience in networking or security.
Certifications
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Network+
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
6. Security Operations Specialist
Edoxi’s research findings reveal that, as of November 2024, there are 1586 cybersecurity jobs available in Abu Dhabi, including 92 Security Operations Specialist jobs.
A Security Operations Specialist is an intermediate-level cybersecurity job role. They investigate security incidents and analyse their impact. They monitor security events and alerts generated by security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
Job Responsibilities of Security Operations Specialists
Assist in implementing and maintaining security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and antivirus software.
Work with incident response teams to manage and mitigate security incidents effectively.
Create reports on security incidents, trends, and metrics to inform management and improve security posture.
Keep abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and industry best practices.
Contribute to the development and enforcement of security policies, standards, and procedures.
Skills Required for Security Operations Specialists
Network Security
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
Endpoint Protection
Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering
Vulnerability Management
Incident Response
Threat Intelligence Analysis
Forensics and Investigation
Compliance Frameworks
Educational Qualification for Security Operations Specialist Job Position
A bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
Work Experience
2-5 years of experience in security operations or cybersecurity roles focused on monitoring and incident response.
Certifications to Become a Security Operations Specialist
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7. Security Analyst
According to Edoxi’s research findings, As of November 2024, there are 692 Security Analyst jobs available in the Middle East, including 79 Security Analyst positions.
Security Analysts monitor the organisation's network, systems, and applications for suspicious activity and potential security threats. They do vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in the organisation’s IT Security infrastructure.
The study also reveals that the average salary of a Security Analyst is AED 13560 per month (Indeed).
Job Responsibilities of Security Analysts
Investigate and respond to security breaches, data leaks, and other incidents, ensuring that systems are restored quickly and effectively.
Install, configure, and manage security tools such as firewalls, antivirus software, IDS/IPS, and encryption tools.
Evaluate the organisation's infrastructure for potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
Implement Security Policies and Procedures
Ensure that the organisation adheres to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Work with IT and security teams to design, test, and implement new security measures.
Skills Required for Security Analysts
Network Security
Incident Detection and Response
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
Threat Intelligence
Security Auditing and Compliance
Malware Analysis
Cloud Security
Risk Management:
Vulnerability Assessment:
Compliance Knowledge
Educational Qualification for Security Analyst Job Position
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity
Or equivalent work experience or certifications in place of a degree.
Work Experience
2–5 years of experience in cybersecurity, network security, or a related role
Certifications to Become a Security Analyst
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
GIAC Cybersecurity Analyst (GCA)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
8. Cybersecurity Analyst
Based on Edoxi’s research report, As of November 2024, there are 1586 cybersecurity jobs available in Abu Dhabi, including 68 Cybersecurity Analyst positions.
Cybersecurity Analyst is an intermediate-level job role. They perform regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in the organisation’s security posture.
Our study findings also reveal that the average salary of a Cybersecurity Analyst is AED 12,917 per month (Glassdoor)
Job Responsibilities of Cybersecurity Analysts
Investigate security incidents, analyse their impact, and coordinate responses to mitigate risks and restore normal operations.
Assist in developing and enforcing security policies and procedures to protect the organisation’s assets.
Conduct training sessions for employees on security awareness and best practices to reduce the risk of human error.
Document security incidents, responses, and remediation efforts for compliance and reporting purposes.
Keep up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and best practices to enhance the organisation’s security measures.
Skills Required for Cybersecurity Analysts
Network Security
Operating Systems
Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
Firewall and Security Device Management
Malware Analysis
Vulnerability Assessment
Encryption Technologies
SIEM Tools
Threat Analysis
Risk Assessment
Incident Response
Problem-Solving Skills
Programming and Scripting Skills
Educational Qualification for Cybersecurity Analyst Job Position
A bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
Work Experience
2-5 years of experience in threat analysis, incident response and security monitoring.
Certifications to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
According to Edoxi’s research findings, As of November 2024, there are 1586 cybersecurity jobs available in Abu Dhabi, including 66 SOC Engineer positions.
A SOC (Security Operations Center) Engineer is an entry-level cybersecurity professional. They are responsible for monitoring, detecting, analysing, and responding to security incidents and threats within an organisation's IT infrastructure.
Job Responsibilities of Cybersecurity Analysts
Monitor Security Events: Continuously monitor security events through SIEM tools and other security monitoring systems to detect potential threats.
Incident Detection and Response: Respond to security alerts, analyze security events, and perform initial triage to contain threats.
Threat Hunting: Actively search for suspicious activity and vulnerabilities within the organisation’s infrastructure.
System and Network Logs Analysis: Review system and network logs to identify unusual activity and possible security breaches.
Develop Playbooks and Procedures: Create incident response playbooks and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling security incidents.
Security Tools Management: Manage and configure security monitoring tools, firewalls, and IDS/IPS.
Forensics and Root Cause Analysis: Perform forensic analysis during and after incidents to identify the root cause and propose long-term solutions.
Collaboration with Other Teams: Work closely with IT, network engineers, and security teams to ensure the security posture of the organisation.
Reporting and Documentation: Prepare detailed reports on security incidents, metrics, and threat analysis for management and compliance purposes
Skills required to become SOC Engineer
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
Incident Response
Threat Detection and Analysis
Network Security Monitoring
Malware Analysis
Forensics and Investigation
Vulnerability Management
Knowledge of Security Frameworks
Scripting and Automation
Risk Assessment and Management
Educational Qualification
Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically required.
Work Experience
1-3 years of experience in IT security, SOC analyst roles, or related fields.
Certifications to Become A Cybersecurity Analyst
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
10. Forensic Consultant
Edoxi's research indicates, As of November 2024, there are 1586 cybersecurity jobs available in Abu Dhabi, including 63 forensic consultants.
A forensic consultant is an intermediate-level cybersecurity professional. They assists attorneys in understanding how to best comply with rules and court requirements when dealing with digital evidence in legal cases.
Our study findings also reveals that the average salary of a Forensic Consultant is 16,459 AED per month.
Job Responsibilities of Forensic Consultant
Conduct forensic investigations for legal cases, corporate disputes, or fraud allegations.
Collect, analyse, and preserve physical and digital evidence.
Provide expert testimony in court regarding findings and methodologies used in investigations.
Write detailed reports that summarise findings, methodologies, and recommendations.
Collaborate with law enforcement, legal teams, and corporate clients to assist in investigations.
Develop protocols and best practices for evidence collection and analysis.
Stay current with advancements in forensic science and technology.
Skills required to become Forensic Consultant
Forensic Analysis Proficiency
Digital Forensics Expertise
Laboratory Techniques
Data Recovery Skills
Understanding of Security Protocols
Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving Abilities
Time Management
Educational Qualification
Bachelor's Degree: A degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, or a related field
Master's Degree (optional): A master’s degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or a related field can enhance job prospects and expertise.
Work Experience
3-5 years of experience in forensic analysis, law enforcement, or a related field.
Certifications to Become A Forensic Consultant
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
Companies recently hired cybersecurity professionals in Abu Dhabi
Bricks Technologies Systems
Waghela World Wide Connection
G42
ValueMentor
GAL Air Navigation Services L.L.C.
Care Professional Services
Key Takeaways
According to Edoxi’s research findings;
The total number of Cybersecurity job roles in the Middle East is 9813
The total number of cybersecurity job opportunities in Abu Dhabi: 1586 (9813 in the Middle East), 3rd place after Riyadh and Dubai.
Entry-level professional job opportunities available in Abu Dhabi are 526, 3rd in terms of job opportunities.
Intermediate-level job opportunities available in Abu Dhabi are 884 - 3rd in terms of job opportunities in the Middle East.
Professional level job opportunities available in Abu Dhabi are 176, 3rd in terms of job opportunities.
According to data collected during Edoxi’s research, Abu Dhabi offers the 3rd highest cybersecurity job opportunities for entry-level, intermediate, and professional-level roles. So, if you are planning to start your career in Abu Dhabi, it’s the right call. It is essential to pursue an industry-recognized cybersecurity certification to gain practical exposure. Edoxi offers top cybersecurity courses to kickstart your career in this field.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in Cyber Security?
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Shubhanshu Verma is a cybersecurity trainer and a contributing writer for Edoxi’s study hub. He holds several certifications, including CPEH, C|EH, C|HFI, CNSS, CEI, and CISA. He has notably contributed to leading organisations like Social27, Microsoft, Cyber Management Alliance, and Balsam Institute of Science and Technology. His training offerings include CEH, CND, CHFI, ICS/SCADA Cybersecurity, ECSA, WCNA, and ISO 27001:2013 for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).
Shubhanshu's expertise spans various penetration testing areas, such as web/application and infrastructure testing, wireless network testing, VoIP, and firewall rule set reviews. He is proficient in programming languages including HTML, Python, Java, and SQL, and adept with tools like Metasploit Framework, Burpsuite, Nessus, Splunk, Acunetix, and Threat Connect.
Nov 22, 2024
