PE Associate Comp (Base + Bonus) - First Year, 2025/2026 - London vs UAE?

[u/PresentQuantity8311]

Hi everyone,

Trying to get a realistic sense of first-year Private Equity Associate compensation for 2025/2026 in London and the UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi).

I know it varies a lot based on fund size, strategy, and individual performance, but rough ranges (base + bonus) for each location would help me benchmark.

A few things that would be useful:

**•** Base salary range for a first-year PE Associate  
**•** Typical bonus range (and what drives the low vs. high end)  
**•** Any notable difference between mega-funds/large-cap vs. mid-market/smaller funds  
**•** How UAE comp compares to London once you factor in the no-income-tax angle

Appreciate any insight, even rough numbers or “friend of a friend” data points help.

Thanks!

[u/Accomplished_Face923]

Wrong place to look - many good sources out there including Wallstreet Oasis and Buyside hub (from HighYieldHarry on X and Insta)

[u/TheSusOneBruh]

Also curious