I am currently in early-stage discussions regarding roles based in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and I would appreciate guidance on what fair and competitive compensation packages look like in these markets currently.
I have 10+ years of experience. The job opportunities are PM roles for PE fund, co-investment and secondary investing.
Before the conversations go into more detail and I am asked for my salary expectations, I would like to understand:
- What would you consider a good base salary and bonus?
- Are carry or other long-term incentive structures typically offered?
In addition, I would welcome insights into any meaningful differences between Qatar and Abu Dhabi in terms of compensation and benefits.
Early guidance was USD 240k fix + c.200-240k bonus for the Quatar role, and a little less for Abu Dhabi.
It seems potentially a little low to me and I would like to get a feeling for what I could ask for.
I am not a US citizen, so I would expect to get the full tax benefit.
Thank you for your input!
Dont live there
Helpful.
Is this offer higher or lower than your current pre tax income? Does your offer include a housing allowance, schooling etc? If no then it’s lower than what some of the main SWFs and PE shops in the region.
- Majority of the offers these days in the ME is 0-15% higher than your current pre tax income
If it’s a government owned company then no they typically never offer carry unless your a Head of department/MD etc
Also Take into consideration whether you plan to move back to your current country or not because experience in ME is usually not as respected compared to NA and Europe.
Qatar
I do not have the concrete offer yet, but indication of the headhunter was no other allowances. The fixed salary would be slightly higher than my current fix. Given the career risk I was thinking about trying to push for a little more if things progress
Is this for QIA?
Comp in these regions are typically quoted as AED or QR per month. First thing is you need to get the recruiter to give you that number as early in the process as possible. Second thing is you need to know whether that number includes housing and schooling. I have been in too many processes where the recruiter hooks you in with a high number off the bat only to get to the end of the process and the company says something like the number we quoted is your USD equivalent post-tax number or some shit.
In your case, you're saying USD 240k base plus let's say USD 200k bonus. That works out to AED 73,400 per month in base. And about AED 728,000 in bonus. If that's the "no-bullshit" number, it's entirely in line with what's offered at institutional investment management firms in the region for mid-level positions. Your lifestyle and spending ability will be significantly higher than making the equivalent USD in a place like New York or LA.
Harum neque animi omnis saepe. Consequuntur qui rerum repudiandae dolorum est voluptas. Est reprehenderit voluptatem consequuntur explicabo. Quibusdam eligendi consequuntur laudantium asperiores provident quod possimus.
Ut qui et tempore deserunt non aut quod. Voluptatum ipsa facilis quia ut. Fuga quaerat et ab voluptas.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...