Typical AED pay for every kind of driver job in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates, and the benefits to ask about.
The UAE pays drivers better than most of the Gulf, but the range is wide. A school bus driver and a fuel tanker driver can earn very different amounts. Here are typical monthly ranges for expat drivers in 2026.
Typical monthly salaries (AED)
- Family / house driver: about AED 2,500–4,000, often live-in with accommodation and meals.
- Company / light driver: about AED 1,800–2,200 for newcomers, AED 2,200–2,800 with 2–5 years of UAE experience, and up to about AED 3,500 for senior drivers.
- Heavy truck (10-tonne): about AED 2,500–3,200.
- Trailer / articulated truck: about AED 3,000–4,200.
- Fuel or chemical tanker: about AED 3,500–5,500. The highest truck pay, because of hazardous loads.
- School bus driver: about AED 2,000–2,800, usually with accommodation and meals.
- Limousine / VIP chauffeur: about AED 3,000–5,000; hotel and executive chauffeurs can earn more.
- Delivery rider (motorbike): a base of roughly AED 1,800–2,400 plus per-order incentives. Busy riders can reach AED 2,500–3,500.
- Delivery van driver: about AED 2,000–2,800 base plus bonuses.
Overseas recruitment offers are often lower than these, especially before you have a UAE licence.
Own visa vs company visa
Many UAE ads say "own visa" or "own car". These jobs often pay a higher headline salary (for example AED 6,000+ for app drivers with their own car), but you cover your own visa, car, fuel, insurance and maintenance. Work out what's left after costs before you compare.
Licence first, then pay rises
Some transport companies hire drivers without a UAE licence, pay a lower salary during training, and raise it after you pass. Ask for both figures in writing. Our UAE licence guide explains the process.
Benefits to ask about
- Accommodation and transport to work
- Meals or food allowance
- Medical insurance (mandatory for employees in the UAE)
- Overtime pay and weekly day off
- Annual ticket and leave
- Fuel card and company vehicle for work
Compare real offers
See current driver jobs in the UAE, heavy driver jobs and limousine driver jobs in Dubai. Delivery riders should also read our Dubai delivery rider guide.
Common questions
Do drivers pay income tax in the UAE?
No. The UAE doesn't tax salaries.
Is overtime paid for company drivers?
Under UAE labour law, overtime is generally paid at a higher rate than normal hours. Check how your contract defines working hours and overtime.
What is the salary difference between Dubai and other emirates?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi usually pay a little more than Sharjah, Ajman and the northern emirates, but living costs are higher too.
Does the company have to give me a day off?
Yes. Workers are entitled to rest days under UAE law. Your contract should state your rest day.
Salary ranges are based on advertised jobs and salary surveys. They aren't an official scale.
