Shubhanshu Verma Nov 22, 2024

2025 Cybersecurity Job Trends and Opportunities in Sharjah, UAE

Sharjah’s Growing Cybersecurity Job Market: Opportunities and Vacancy Rates

Sharjah ranks fifth in the Middle East for cybersecurity vacancy rates, boasting an impressive 270.95 vacancies per 100,000 residents, according to Edoxi's research report, "Cybersecurity Jobs in the Middle East: Top Trends and Opportunities for 2025." With 485 cybersecurity job openings, Sharjah is the seventh highest in the region, accounting for 4.9% of the total cybersecurity roles available. 

The average salary for cybersecurity professionals in Sharjah ranges from AED 3,500 to AED 19,000, reflecting the demand for skilled workers in this field. 

The market is projected to grow by 8.50%, indicating strong future opportunities. Prominent companies like Crescent Petroleum, Michael Page, and CitiGroup are actively recruiting talent to enhance their cybersecurity teams. 

Explore your future in cybersecurity in Sharjah, a city ripe with opportunities!

The accompanying bar chart illustrates the top five cities in the Middle East with the highest rates of cybersecurity job vacancies, with Sharjah positioned fifth.

Bar graph illustrating cybersecurity job vacancy rates in Middle Eastern cities per 100,000 population.

Currently, there are 485 cybersecurity job openings in Sharjah, making it the seventh highest in the region for such opportunities, as reported by Edoxi.

The average salary for cybersecurity professionals in Sharjah ranges from AED 3,500 to AED 19,000. Notable companies such as Crescent Petroleum, Michael Page, and CitiGroup are actively seeking cybersecurity professionals.

Cybersecurity Job Vacancies and Salaries in Sharjah

According to Edoxi's research conducted in November 2024, these are the top 10 cybersecurity job vacancies in Sharjah. The average salary of each job role is also mentioned in the table. 

Job Roles Level  Average Monthly Salary  No: of Vacancies
Security Engineer Entry-level AED 16,000 64
SOC Engineer Entry-level AED 9895 54
SOC Manager Professional-level AED 18,488 37
Security Operations Specialist Intermediate-level AED 12,000 30
Security Analyst Intermediate-level AED 9,525 29
Cybersecurity Analyst Intermediate-level AED 9,525 28
Security Consultant Intermediate-level AED 13,974 25
Cybercrime Investigator Intermediate-level AED 14,740 25
SIEM Administrator Intermediate-level AED 8210 24
Incident Handler Professional-level AED 25,200 20
Tabular representation of the top 10 cybersecurity job vacancies, level and average salaries in Sharjah
 

We will examine the various job roles, the skills required, the educational qualifications necessary, the average salary, the experience needed, and the relevant certifications for each position in detail.

1. Security Engineer: 

The Security Engineer job has a vacancy rate of 35.75 per 100,000 population in Sharjah, making it the fourth-highest vacancy rate for this role in the Middle East. According to Edoxi’s report, there are currently 64 vacancies for Security Engineers in Sharjah.

The Security Engineer position is an entry-level role in cybersecurity, focused on deploying security measures to protect systems and networks. Security Engineers continuously monitor security systems and provide timely resolutions to any issues that arise.

Job Responsibilities of Security Engineers

  • Investigate security incidents in the organisation.
  • Identify the cases of anomalies and breaches.
  • Conduct regular assessments 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.
 

Salary of a Security Engineer in Sharjah

  • The average salary of a Security Engineer in Sharjah is AED 16,000 Per Month.

Work Experience 

  • 0-2 years of IT experience, focusing on networking and security. 

Certifications to Become a Security Engineer

  • CompTIA Security+
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 
  • CompTIA Network+
  • GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
  • Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT)

2. SOC Engineer

SOC engineers have a vacancy rate of 30.17 per 100,000 population in Dubai. This is the highest vacancy rate for a SOC Engineer job in the Middle East. According to Edoxi’s Whitepaper, there are 54 vacancies for this job role.

SOC Engineer is an entry-level job role to analyse security events and perform initial triage to contain cyber threats. They actively take part in identifying vulnerabilities within the organisation’s infrastructure.

Job Responsibilities of SOC Engineer

  • Create incident response playbooks and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling security incidents.
  • Perform forensic analysis during and after incidents to identify the root cause.
  • Propose long-term security solutions to strengthen the organisation’s IT infrastructure.
  • Prepare detailed reports on security incidents, metrics, and threat analysis for management and compliance purposes. 

Skills Required for SOC Engineers

  • 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 Required for SOC Engineers

  • 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 

 Salary of a SOC Engineer in Sharjah

  • The average salary of a SOC Engineer in Sharjah is AED 9895 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become A SOC Engineer  

  • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
  • GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
  • EC Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH)
  • CompTIA Security+

3. SOC Manager

Sharjah has the second-highest vacancy rate for SOC Managers in the Middle East. The city has a vacancy rate of 20.67 per 100,000 people for the SOC Engineer job role. There are 51 job openings for SOC Managers in Sharjah, which is the sixth highest in the Middle East. 

Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager is a professional-level role in cybersecurity to manage the SOC team. They oversee the incident response process, including detection, analysis, containment, and recovery from security incidents.

Job Responsibilities of SOC Managers 

  • Develop and manage security monitoring strategies and provide regular reports on security incidents and trends to upper management.
  • Implement threat intelligence feeds and enhance security posture based on identified threats.
  • Enforce security policies and procedures within the Security Operations Centre.
  • Provide training and mentorship to SOC staff to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Skills Required for SOC Managers

  • Incident Response
  • Threat Intelligence
  • Network Security
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
  • Malware Analysis
  • Vulnerability Management
  • Cloud Security
  • Problem-Solving
  • Analytical Thinking

Educational Qualification Required for SOC Managers

  • A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.  

Work Experience 

  • 7-10 years of relevant experience, including management responsibilities and extensive knowledge of security operations.

Salary of a SOC Manager in Sharjah

The average salary of a SOC Manager in Sharjah is AED 18,488 Per Month. 

  • Certifications to Become A SOC Manager:  
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) 
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • GIAC Security Management (GSLC)
  • Certified SOC Analyst (CSA)

4. Security Operations Specialist

The Security Operations Specialist job has a vacancy rate of 16.76 per 100,000 population in Sharjah. There is a total of 30 vacancies for this job role in Sharjah. 

Security Operations Specialist is an intermediate-level job role that involves investigating security incidents and analysing their impact. They monitor security events and alerts generated by security information and event management (SIEM) systems. 

Job Responsibilities of Security Operations Specialists 

  • Implement and maintain security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and antivirus software.
  • Work with incident response teams to mitigate security incidents effectively.
  • Prepare reports on security incidents, trends, and metrics to enhance security posture.
  • Stay updated with the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and industry best practices.
  • Take an active part in 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.  

Salary of a Security Operations Specialist in Sharjah

  • The average salary of a Security Operations Specialist in Sharjah is AED 12,000 Per Month. 

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 

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  1. Security Analyst

The Security Analyst job has a vacancy rate of 16.20 per 100,000 population in Sharjah. According to Edoxi’s Whitepaper, there are 29 job openings for this role. This is the 7th highest vacancy for Security Analysts in the Middle East. 

This intermediate-level job role involves monitoring the organisation's network, systems, and applications for potential security threats. Security Analysts conduct vulnerability assessments to identify weaknesses in the organisation’s digital assets. 

Job Responsibilities of Security Analysts

  • Investigate and respond to data leaks and other incidents.
  • Ensuring systems are restored quickly after cybersecurity incidents.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Salary of a Security Analyst in Sharjah

  • The average salary of a Security Analyst in Sharjah is AED 9,525 Per Month. 

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)
  • Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA)
  1. Cybersecurity Analyst

The Cybersecurity Analyst job has a vacancy rate of  15.64 per 100,000 population in Sharjah. As per Edoxi’s Report, there are 28 job vacancies for this position in Sharjah. 

This intermediate job role involves monitoring security alerts and logs generated by security tools to identify potential threats.  intermediate-level job position

Job Responsibilities of Cybersecurity Analysts

  • Analyse the impact of cyber-attacks and coordinate responses to restore normal operations.
  • Assist in developing and enforcing security policies and procedures to protect the organisation’s assets.
  • Conduct security awareness sessions for employees to reduce the risk of human error.
  • Document security incidents, responses, and remediation efforts for compliance and reporting purposes.
  • Implement best practices to boost 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 

Salary of a Cybersecurity Analyst in Sharjah

  • The average salary of a Cybersecurity Analyst in Sharjah is AED 9,525 Per Month. 

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)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

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  1. Security Consultant

Security consultants have a vacancy rate of 13.97 per 100,000 people in Sharjah. This is the sixth-highest vacancy rate for a Security Consultant job position in the Middle East. As per Edoxi’s research, there are 25 vacancies for this job role. 

Security Consultants assess an organisation's current security posture and design strategies to improve security measures. This is a professional-level role in cybersecurity which involves providing support during security incidents.

Job Responsibilities of Security Consultants

  • Create, review, and update security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
  • Assist clients in developing incident response and Business Continuity plans.
  • Ensure clients comply with relevant cyber laws, regulations, and industry standards.
  • Respond with appropriate countermeasures during security incidents.

Skills Required for Security Consultants

  • Risk Assessment and Management
  • Network Security
  • Security Architecture
  • Incident Response
  • Vulnerability Assessment
  • 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.

Salary of a Security Consultant in Sharjah

  • The average salary of a Security Consultant in Sharjah is AED 13,974 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become A Security Consultant

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Offensive Security Certifed Professional (OSCP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
  1. Cybercrime Investigator

Sharjah has the third-highest vacancy for cybercrime investigators in the Middle East. There are 25 job openings for Cybercrime Investigators in Sharjah. The vacancy rate of Cybercrime Investigators in Sharjah is 13.97 per 100,000 population. This is the second-highest vacancy rate for cybercrime investigators in the Middle East.

Cybercrime Investigator is an intermediate-level job position to investigate cybercrimes, including hacking, identity theft, and online fraud. This is a challenging job role that involves working closely with the digital forensics team. 

Job Responsibilities of  Cybercrime Investigator

  • Collecting and analysing digital evidence from computers, networks, and mobile devices.
  • Documenting findings and creating detailed reports for cyber law enforcement or legal proceedings.
  • Monitoring and analysing cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Providing expert testimony in court regarding cybercrime investigations.

Skills Required for Cybercrime Investigator

  • Network Security Knowledge
  • Digital Forensics Proficiency
  • Operating Systems Expertise
  • Programming Skills
  • Malware Analysis
  • Cyber Threat Intelligence
  • Critical Thinking
  • Data Analysis

Educational Qualification for Cybercrime Investigator Job Position

  • A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field

Work Experience 

  • 2-5 years of experience in cybersecurity, digital forensics, or a related field.

Salary of a Cybercrime Investigator in Sharjah

  • The average salary of a Cybercrime Investigator in Sharjah is AED 14,740 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become A Security Consultant

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI)
  • Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
  1. SIEM Administrator

Sharjah has the fourth-highest vacancy for  SIEM Administrator job roles in the Middle East. There are 24 job openings for SIEM Administrators in Sharjah. 

The vacancy rate of SIEM Administrators in Sharjah is 13.41 per 100,000 population. This is the second-highest vacancy rate for SIEM Administrators in the Middle East. 

This intermediate-level job position requires implementing and configuring SIEM tools to collect, analyse and correlate security event data from various sources.

Job Responsibilities of SIEM Administrator

  • Continuously monitor security events and alerts generated by the SIEM to identify potential threats and incidents.
  • Analyse logs and security events to identify patterns indicative of security threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Work with incident response teams to investigate security incidents and provide insights based on SIEM data.
  • Develop and maintain dashboards and reports for visualising security data and metrics to enhance situational awareness.
  • Regularly update SIEM configurations and tune alert thresholds to minimise false positives and improve detection capabilities.
  • Maintain comprehensive documentation of configurations, procedures, and incident response actions.
  • Collaborate with other IT and security teams to ensure the effectiveness of security measures and incident response protocols.

Skills Required for SIEM Administrator

  • SIEM Tools Proficiency
  • Log Management
  • Event Correlation
  • Incident Response
  • Network Security
  • Vulnerability Assessment
  • Threat Intelligence
  • Data Analysis
  • Problem-Solving Skills

Educational Qualification for SIEM Administrator

  • A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field

Work Experience

  • 2-5 years of experience working with SIEM technologies or in cybersecurity roles focused on incident detection and response.

Salary of a SIEM Administrator in Sharjah

  • The starting salary of an SIEM Administrator in Sharjah is AED 8210 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become a SIEM Administrator

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • GIAC Security Information and Event Management (GSEIEM)
  • Certified Network Defender (CND)
  1. Incident Handler

Sharjah has the third-highest vacancy for an Incident Handler in the Middle East. There are 20 vacancies for Incident Handlers in Sharjah. The vacancy rate for Incident Handler job roles in Sharjah is 11.17 per 100,000 population. 

Incident Handler is a professional-level job role in cybersecurity. They lead the response efforts for security incidents, including containment, eradication, and recovery.

Job Responsibilities of Incident Handler 

  • Conduct thorough investigations of incidents to determine their root causes and impacts.
  • Maintain detailed records of incidents, actions taken, and the outcomes of response efforts.
  • Participate in post-incident reviews to assess the effectiveness of response efforts and identify areas for improvement.
  • Work with other IT and security teams to enhance the incident response capabilities of the organisation.
  • Provide training and awareness programs to staff about incident reporting and response procedures.

Skills Required for Incident Handler

  • Incident Response Procedures
  • Malware Analysis
  • Forensics
  • Security Tools Proficiency
  • Network Security
  • Vulnerability Assessment
  • Threat Detection
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Data Interpretation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Decision-Making

Educational Qualification for Incident Handler

  • A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

Work Experience

  • 5-7 years of relevant experience, with advanced knowledge of incident response practices.

Salary of an Incident Handler in Sharjah

  • The average salary of an Incident Handler in Sharjah is AED 25,200 Per Month. 

Certifications to Become an Incident Handler

  • Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
  • GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI)
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) 
Discover the Cybersecurity Job Trends for 2025 in the Middle East.
Download the full report on “Top Cybersecurity Trends and Opportunities in the Middle East in 2025!”

Conclusion

Sharjah has one of the highest cybersecurity job vacancy rates in the UAE.  It is essential to have the right skills and knowledge about cybersecurity to start your cybersecurity career. 

Get equipped with the latest cybersecurity skills with Edoxi’s cybersecurity courses. Our expert trainers will help you take your first step towards becoming a successful cybersecurity professional in Sharjah.  

Are you interested in a Cybersecurity career?

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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.

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