What GCC Board Members Are Paid and Why It Matters
From UAE’s top-tier compensation packages to emerging governance reforms in Bahrain and Oman, we break down the real numbers and responsibilities of Board of Directors across the region. Backed by 2023–2025 data, this article gives you insights you won’t find anywhere else including trends, tables, and benchmarks.
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Board of Directors in the GCC What They Earn and What They Do
Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Board of Directors (BOD) members play a pivotal role in guiding organizational strategy, ensuring governance, and protecting shareholder interests. As businesses in the region mature and expectations around transparency grow, so too does the focus on how board members are compensated and held accountable.
This article explores the latest insights into board responsibilities, average remuneration across GCC countries from 2023 to 2025, and what defines an effective board in today's dynamic regulatory and business climate.
Understanding the Role of Board Members
Board members both executive and non-executive are responsible for:
- Setting strategic direction
- Monitoring financial performance and risk
- Ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards
- Appointing and evaluating C-level executives
- Representing shareholder interests
In the GCC, there's been an increasing trend toward separating executive and non-executive responsibilities. Executive board members are involved in day-to-day operations, while non-executive members bring independent oversight and advisory input.
According to the Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance, organizations with a clear separation of duties between executive and non-executive members demonstrate better risk mitigation and performance oversight.
Remuneration of Board Members in the GCC (2023–2025)
Board compensation varies significantly by country, industry, and whether the role is executive or non-executive. The data below is drawn from the Procapita Hub, which offers GCC-wide benchmarks and labor market insights.
Average Annual Board Remuneration (USD)
Data source: Procapita Group 2025 Q1 Report on Board Compensation in the GCC
It’s important to note that these figures exclude stock options, travel allowances, insurance coverage, and other fringe benefits, which are common in executive packages.
Key Trends in Board Governance and Compensation
1. Increased Scrutiny and Disclosure Requirements
Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have recently updated corporate governance codes requiring clearer disclosure of board compensation. According to PwC Middle East (2024), 63% of listed companies now publish detailed director remuneration reports in line with ESG reporting frameworks.
2. Shift Toward Performance-Based Compensation
Rather than fixed fees, many companies are introducing performance-linked bonuses or equity-based compensation. This aligns board interests with long-term shareholder value.
Reference: PwC Middle East - Board Effectiveness and Governance Survey 2024
3. Demand for Diverse and Independent Board Members
Inclusion of independent directors with specialized skills (e.g., digital transformation, ESG, or audit) is now a governance priority. The GCC Board Directors Institute (BDI) notes that more than 40% of boards in the region aim to increase female representation and independent oversight by 2026.
What Makes an Effective Board in the GCC?
Based on insights from the Procapita Advisory Team, effective boards in the GCC typically exhibit:
- Clear role definitions between chairpersons and executive management
- Board composition that reflects both regional knowledge and global expertise
- Periodic board assessments and independent governance reviews
- Succession planning for key leadership positions
- Strong collaboration between the board and audit committees
How Procapita Hub Supports Better Board Decisions
Procapita Hub provides customized board compensation reports segmented by country, sector, and company size. Whether you’re a CHRO benchmarking governance practices or a CEO preparing for a board restructure, the platform gives you instant access to:
- Remuneration data for executive and non-executive roles
- Governance maturity indicators
- Benchmark comparisons with peer companies
- Nationalization quotas and compliance rates
To explore the platform and start benchmarking today, visit the Procapita Hub.
Final Thoughts
Board compensation is more than a financial matter — it’s a reflection of organizational priorities, governance maturity, and strategic intent. As the GCC region embraces more transparency and accountability, companies that align board structures with evolving expectations will stand out to investors, regulators, and employees alike.
At Procapita Group, our advisory and audit experts support companies in building governance frameworks, optimizing compensation strategies, and conducting board effectiveness reviews. Whether you're preparing for a public listing or enhancing internal structures, we’re here to help.
References
- PwC Middle East – Board Effectiveness and Governance Survey 2024
https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/services/consulting/publications/board-effectiveness.html - Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance – Annual Governance Reports 2023–2025
https://www.hawkamah.org - GCC Board Directors Institute – Insights and Best Practices
https://www.gccbdi.org - Procapita Hub – How Much Board of Directors Members in GCC Get Paid and What They Do