Top 10 HR Software Solutions in UAE & Middle East | Best HRIS Platforms for 2025

The Best HRIS Platforms in UAE & MENA

One source of truth, many software options—how do you choose the right one? The right HR software isn’t just a tool; it’s the backbone of your company’s workforce management. From payroll and compliance to employee engagement and analytics, having an all-in-one platform simplifies operations and drives efficiency.

In this guide, we break down the top HR platforms in the UAE and MENA region, helping you find the best fit for your business.

What is HR Software?

HR software integrates multiple human resources functions into a single system, covering payroll, onboarding, employee management, and compliance. The right HR tool streamlines processes, improves collaboration, and enhances data accuracy across departments, ultimately leading to better workforce management.

HRIS vs. HRMS vs. HCM – What’s the Difference?

• HRIS (Human Resources Information System): Primarily focuses on data management, payroll, benefits, time tracking, and reporting. Ideal for businesses that need a centralized database for HR operations.
• HRMS (Human Resource Management System): A more advanced version of HRIS, adding features like recruitment, performance management, and training.
• HCM (Human Capital Management): A broader, strategic approach to HR, incorporating talent management, succession planning, and workforce optimization.

Important Features in an HRIS

• Centralised Employee Data: A single source for all HR and people related information.
• Payroll & Compliance: Automated salary processing with built-in compliance for local labor laws.
• Employee Self-Service: Portals for payslips, leave requests, and personal info updates.
• Time & Attendance Tracking: Streamlined monitoring of work hours, absences, and overtime.
• Integration Capabilities: Connectivity with accounting, ERP, and other business software.
• Security & Compliance: Adherence to regional labor laws and data protection standards.

Top HR Software in the UAE and MENA

Based on customer feedback and reviews, we've compiled a list of the top HR software in the UAE and MENA region. Keep reading to know more!

1. Cercli

About Cercli:

A rising startup based in Dubai, Cercli is fully localised to the MENA market, addressing a crucial gap in the region’s HR and payroll sector. It provides a modern, unified platform for businesses to hire, manage, and pay their workforce seamlessly across countries. With Cercli, companies can process both local and remote payrolls in just a few minutes, significantly improving efficiency. In addition to payroll, Cercli offers a comprehensive platform for managing HR activities, onboarding, compliance, expenses, and more. Cercli minimises human error and also ensures that organisations remain fully compliant with local labor laws and regulations.

Key Features of Cercli:

• Multi-country, multi-currency payroll
• AI-enabled expense management
• Mobile-friendly design
• Slack bot for quick approvals
• 24/7 customer support across multiple channels
• Seamless integrations with existing business tools

Pros:

• Fully localised to MENA labor laws
• Unlimited customisable leave policies for different jurisdictions
• Replaces fragmented HR tools with a single, reliable platform

Customer Review:

Cercli has heavily streamlined our HR processes. We're able to get everything from org chart to employee expenses in one place. It also flows straight through payroll, reducing the risk of fraud and errors - Mitul Ganatra, CFO at Huspy

2. Workday

About Workday:

Workday is a global cloud-based HCM platform designed for enterprises. Its platform helps businesses streamline both their HR and financial processes, offering solutions for workforce management, expenses, accounting, revenue management, grants, projects, and professional services automation.

‍Key Features of Workday:

• Time tracking & attendance
• Payroll & benefits administration
• Role-based access control
• Employee self-service tools

Pros:

• Strong customer support and issue resolution
• Well-integrated with modern tools like Slack
• Comprehensive HR functionalities

Cons:

• Limited customisation options
• No native payroll for the MENA region (outsourced)
• Complex implementation requiring extensive training
• Difficult to create own reports

3. Rippling

About Rippling:

Rippling is a leading workforce management system that eliminates the friction from running a business by combining HR, IT, and Finance apps on a unified data platform.

‍Key Features of Rippling:

• Automated onboarding
• Global payroll & tax compliance
• Employee records & document management
• Employer of Record (EOR) services

Pros:

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface
• Quick onboarding for new hires
• Strong customer support

Cons:

• No local payroll presence in the UAE and MENA
• Limited customisation for reporting tools
• Org chart navigation can be tricky

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4. BambooHR

BambooHR is an HR information system (HRIS) designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It simplifies HR management through payroll processing, time tracking, and applicant tracking.

‍Key features of BambooHR:

• HR data management
• Hiring and onboarding
• Employee performance

Pros:

• Customisable access controls
• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
• API integrations available

Cons:

• No localised payroll for MENA
• Limited workflow automation capabilities
• Limited reporting filters

5. Yomly

Yomly is a cloud-based HR and payroll solution designed to enhance employee engagement and streamline HR functions. It offers a secure, scalable system that meets the needs of organisations of all sizes.

Key Features of Yomly:

• Shift scheduling
• Benefits & compensation management
• Leave management
• Document & reporting tools

Pros:

• Customisable workflows for different company structures
• Simplifies HR processes and task management

Cons:

• Primarily designed for enterprise businesses, limiting appeal to smaller companies
• Reporting functionality could be improved

6. Zoho People

Zoho People is a cloud-based HR software that allows businesses to manage their workforce effectively. It offers a flexible and customisable platform with strong security measures.

Key Feature of Zoho People:

• Employee management
• Attendance maangement
• Talent management

Pros:

• Quick and easy setup
• Highly customisable interface
• Strong security features

Cons:

• New interface can be complex for first-time users
• Limited reporting and integration options

6. Adrenalin

Adrenalin enable organisations  HR processes and transform HR into a cohesive function. It is said that the platform is powered by AI and automates HR functions, streamlining the employee lifecycle.

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Key features of BambooHR:

• Talent management
• Compensation management
• Absence management

Pros:

• Good to use interface
• Travel requests within the portal
• Integrates with other API tools

Cons:

• No localised payroll for MENA
• High price point
• Configuration can be a little tough

7. HiBob

HiBob is a modern HR platform offering flexibility and customisation for growing businesses. It enables companies to streamline HR processes and ensure data accuracy.

Key features of HiBob:

• People data storage
• Time, Attendance, and PTO
• Self-service portal

Pros:

• Customisable workflows and fields
• User-friendly UI with smooth navigation

Cons:

• Not optimised for local labor laws
• Complex implementation process
• Higher pricing compared to competitors

8. Oracle HCM Cloud

Oracle HCM Cloud is a comprehensive HR and payroll solution that provides cloud-based workforce management. It is particularly beneficial for organisations with large, distributed teams.

Key Features of Oracle HCM:

• Absence management
• Employee data management
• Recruit and onboard
• Success planning
• Employee benefits

Pros:

• Robust payroll & HR functionalities
• Ideal for multinational large companies

Cons:

• Complex interface with a learning curve
• Requires significant technical expertise for setup

9. Darwinbox

Darwinbox is an advanced human capital management (HCM) system that helps enterprises automate daily HR tasks while providing insights to improve workplace efficiency.

Key Features of Darwinbox:

• AI-powered workforce insights
• Attendance and leave tracking

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• Automates repetitive HR processes

Cons:

• Outdated user interface
• Learning curve for new users

Choosing the right HR and payroll software is essential for ensuring compliance, improving efficiency, and enhancing employee experience. Each platform listed above offers unique strengths, and the best choice depends on your organisation’s specific needs. Whether you are a startup or a large enterprise, selecting a solution that integrates seamlessly with your business operations will help you manage your workforce more effectively.

Book a demo to learn more.