Dubai is emerging as a prominent hub for cybersecurity careers in the Middle East. A recent Edoxi study from November 2024 found a 60.59% rise in demand for cybersecurity positions in Dubai across seven major job platforms, including LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, The Muse, Bayt, Naukri, and Foundit.
Dubai is currently home to 2,013 cybersecurity job openings, making it the second-highest city in the Middle East region. Dubai currently leads the Middle East with a vacancy rate of 659.78 cybersecurity job positions per 100,000 residents, indicating a significant demand for skilled professionals in the field.
The accompanying bar graph illustrates the top three cities in the region with the highest rates of cybersecurity job vacancies, highlighting opportunities for growth and development in this sector.
Several major companies, including Honeywell, Inspirec, Emirates Group, CrowdStrike Holdings Inc., DTS Solution, and CloudPSO Inc. are actively seeking cybersecurity talent to address the pressing need for skilled professionals in enhancing the city’s digital security framework.
Between 2023 and 2024, there has been a 55% increase in the demand for cybersecurity professionals, particularly within the UAE. This upward trend highlights Dubai's commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity landscape and presents a significant opportunity for job seekers in this vital field.
Cybersecurity Job Vacancies and Salaries in Dubai
The table below presents the top 10 cybersecurity job vacancies in Dubai, as identified by Edoxi's research conducted in November 2024. The average salary of each job role is also provided in the table.
| Job Roles |
Level |
Average Monthly Salary |
No. of Vacancies |
| Security Consultant |
Professional-level |
AED 13,500 |
233 |
| Security Engineer |
Entry-level |
AED 8400 |
206 |
| Network Security Engineer |
Entry-level |
AED 6600 |
156 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist |
Intermediate-level |
AED 11,830 |
132 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst |
Intermediate-level |
AED 13,867 |
130 |
| Cyber Intelligence Analyst |
Intermediate-level |
AED 9,500 |
128 |
| Security Analyst |
Intermediate-level |
AED 9,000 |
124 |
| Security Operations Specialist |
Intermediate-level |
AED 6,500 |
103 |
| Security Auditor |
Entry-level |
AED 8,127 |
96 |
| Network Administrator |
Entry-level |
AED 5,500 |
92 |
Tabular representation of the top 10 cybersecurity job vacancies, level and average salaries in Dubai
Let's explore the top 10 cybersecurity job openings in Dubai, as mentioned in the report.
1. Security Consultant
The Security Consultants have a vacancy rate of 76.37 per 100,000 population in Dubai. As per Edoxi’s findings, there are 233 job openings for this position, which is the highest in the Middle East. Security Consultant is a Professional-level job position with a salary of AED 13,500 Per Month in Dubai.
Security Consultants advise companies on reducing risks, designing secure systems, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. They play a crucial role in safeguarding an organisation’s systems and data from threats.
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
2. Security Engineer
The Security Engineer job has a vacancy rate of 67.52 per 100,000 population in Dubai. There are 206 vacancies for Security Engineers in Dubai as per Edoxi’s report.
This is an entry-level job role in Cybersecurity with a starting salary of AED 8400 Per Month in Dubai.
The Security Engineer develops and deploys security measures to protect systems and networks. They continuously monitor security systems for anomalies and breaches.
Job Responsibilities of Security Engineers:
- Respond to and investigate security incidents, ensuring timely resolution.
- Perform regular assessments and penetration tests 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.
Skills Required for Security Engineers:
- Networking Knowledge
- Security Technologies
- Operating Systems
- Incident Response
- Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
- Data Encryption and Cryptography
- Risk Management
- Security Architecture
- Cloud Security
- Threat Analysis
Educational Qualification for Security Engineer Job Position:
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field is typically required.
Work Experience:
- 0-2 years of IT experience, focusing on networking and security.
Certifications to Become A Security Engineer
- CompTIA Security+
- CEH v13
- CompTIA Network+
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
3. Network Security Engineer
There are 156 job openings for Network Security Engineers in Dubai. This is the second-largest vacancy for Network Security Engineers in the Middle East.
The Network Security Engineers have a vacancy rate of 51.13 per 100,000 population in Dubai.
Network Security Engineer is an entry-level job with a starting salary of AED 6600 Per Month in Dubai.
Network Security Engineers design and implement Network Security Solutions
They continuously monitor Network Traffic and Anomalies. The following are the responsibilities of a Network Security Engineer.
Job Responsibilities of Network Security Engineers
- Managing Network Security Tools
- Implementing Security Policies and Procedures
- Auditing and Compliance of Network Security Protocols.
- 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.
Skills Required for Network Security Engineers
- Firewall Configuration (Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Checkpoint)
- IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems)
- Internet Protocol (IP)
- Data Encryption Techniques:
- Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP)
- SSL/TLS Protocols
- Network Protocols
- Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
- Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
- Troubleshooting
- VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- Endpoint Security Solutions
- Incident Response Procedures
- Zero Trust Architecture
Educational Qualification for Network Security Engineer Job Position
- 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 to Become A Network Security Engineer
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamental
4. Cybersecurity Specialist
Dubai has the third-highest job openings (132 Nos.) for Cybersecurity Specialists in the Middle East. The Cybersecurity Specialist jobs have a vacancy rate of 43.26 per 100,000 population in Dubai.
This is an intermediate-level cybersecurity job with a salary of AED 11,830 Per Month in Dubai.
Cybersecurity Specialists design and implement security policies to safeguard digital systems. They identify vulnerabilities and suggest measures to mitigate risks.
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)
5. Cybersecurity Analyst
The Cybersecurity Analyst job has a vacancy rate of 42.61 per 100,000 population in Dubai. As per Edoxi’s Report, there are 130 job vacancies for this position in Dubai.
This intermediate-level job position can fetch a starting salary of AED 13,867 Per Month in Dubai.
Cybersecurity Analysts perform regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in the organisation’s security posture. They monitor security alerts and logs generated by security tools to identify potential threats.
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
6. Cyber Intelligence Analyst
The Cyber Intelligence job has a vacancy rate of 41.95 per 100,000 population in Dubai. This is the highest vacancy rate for Cyber Intelligence jobs in the Middle East. As per Edoxi’s findings, there are 128 job openings for Cyber Intelligence Analysts.
This is an intermediate-level cybersecurity job with a salary of AED 9,500 Per Month in Dubai.
Cyber Intelligence Analysts collect and analyse data from various sources to identify and assess potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. They create detailed intelligence reports that summarise findings, trends, and recommendations for mitigating risks.
Job Responsibilities of Cyber Intelligence Analysts
- Stay informed about emerging threats, attack techniques, and vulnerabilities affecting the organisation and its industry.
- Work closely with other cybersecurity teams (e.g., incident response, security operations) to provide intelligence support and enhance overall security posture.
- Communicate findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders through presentations and reports.
- Contribute to the development of threat intelligence strategies to improve the organisation's proactive security measures.
Skills Required for Cyber Intelligence Analysts
- Threat Intelligence Tools
- Networking Knowledge
- Malware Analysis
- Operating Systems Expertise
- Data Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Cyber Threat Landscape Awareness
- Incident Response Knowledge
- Security Frameworks
Educational Qualification for Cyber Intelligence Analyst Job Position:
- A bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field
Work Experience:
- 2-5 years of relevant experience in threat intelligence analysis, security operations, or incident response.
Certifications to Become a Cyber Intelligence Analyst
7. Security Analyst
The Security Analyst job has a vacancy rate of 40.64 per 100,000 population in Dubai. According to Edoxi’s Whitepaper, there are 124 openings for this job role. This is the second-highest vacancy for Security Analysts in the Middle East.
This intermediate-level job in cybersecurity has a starting pay scale of AED 9,000 Per Month in Dubai.
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.
Job Responsibilities of Security Analysts
- Investigate and respond to security breaches, data leaks, and other incidents, ensuring 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. Security Operations Specialist
The Security Operations Specialist job has a vacancy rate of 33.76 per 100,000 population in Dubai. There is a total of 103 vacancies for this job role in Dubai.
This is an intermediate-level with a starting salary of AED 6,500 Per Month in Dubai.
A Security Operations Specialist 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:
9. Security Auditor
Dubai has the second-highest number of job vacancies for Security auditors in the Middle East. The security auditor job has a vacancy rate of 31.46 per 100,000 population in Dubai. This entry-level job role has a salary of AED 8,127 Per Month in Dubai.
Security auditors perform auditing on IT systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security standards. They review and assess the organisation’s existing security policies and suggest improvements.
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.
Certifications to Become A Security Auditor:
10. Network Administrator
There are 92 job openings for Network Administrators in Dubai. According to Edoxi, the Network Administrator job has a vacancy rate of 30.15 per 100,000 population in Dubai. This entry-level job role has a salary of AED 5,500 Per Month in Dubai.
Network Administrators plan, design, and deploy new network systems to meet organisational needs. They continuously monitor network performance and optimise it to reduce bottlenecks.
Job Responsibilities of Network Administrator
- Implement and manage network security measures, including firewalls, encryption, and VPNs.
- Diagnosing and resolving network issues, including connectivity problems, outages, and performance degradation.
- Installing, configuring, and maintaining network hardware and software systems.
- Maintaining detailed documentation on network configurations, diagrams, issues, and resolutions.
- Ensure network compliance with organisational policies and external regulations.
- Create and maintain network documentation (configurations, diagrams, issues).
- Manage network backups and disaster recovery protocols.
- -Collaborate with IT teams to integrate new technologies and applications.
- Update and apply network patches, firmware, and software upgrades regularly.
- Support remote access solutions (VPN, secure connections).
- Train and support users on network access and troubleshooting.
- Oversee network scalability and capacity planning for future growth.
- Manage and monitor network traffic for bandwidth optimisation.
Skills Required for Network Administrators
- Networking Fundamentals (IP addressing, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)
- Advanced Routing Protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP)
- Network Security (Firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS)
- Cloud Networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Network Automation and Scripting (Python, Ansible)
- Network Troubleshooting (Wireshark, SNMP, network logs)
- Virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V)
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN) (Cisco ACI, VMware NSX)
- Communication and Collaboration (Teamwork, technical documentation)
- Wireless Networking (WLAN, 802.11 standards)
- Network Monitoring (Nagios, SolarWinds)
- Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning
- IPv6 Networking
- Network Hardware Configuration (Routers, Switches, Access Points)
- Network Performance Optimization
Educational Qualification for Network Administrator Job Position:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Computer Science, IT, Networking) or a similar field.
Work Experience:
- 0-2 years of experience in IT support or related roles.
Certifications to Become A Network Administrator
Conclusion
Dubai is one of the tech-driven cities in the Middle East. People from various countries migrate to Dubai for better career opportunities. Edoxi’s White Paper will greatly benefit the people trying to establish themselves as cybersecurity professionals in Dubai.
If you plan to start your career in Dubai it is essential to pursue the industry-recognised cybersecurity certifications and gain practical exposure. Edoxi offers the best cybersecurity courses in Dubai to kickstart your career in cybersecurity.
Nov 25, 2024
