16 Best Deel Alternatives For MENA & Global Payroll Support
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16 Best Deel Alternatives For MENA & Global Payroll Support
When choosing a global HR system to support your international payroll needs, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. Let's say you settle on Deel. As you begin exploring its features, you might for instance realise it doesn’t yet include functionality tailored to supporting teams in the MENA region. While Deel is a popular choice, some teams discover it lacks the specific localisation needed for smooth MENA payroll management. This article will help you find the best Deel alternatives for MENA and global payroll support.
Cercli's global HR system can help you achieve your goals by supporting your international payroll needs in the MENA region and beyond. With our platform, you can quickly onboard global talent, pay them in a compliant manner, and ensure they have access to the local benefits they need to thrive.
What is Deel?
Deel's Global Payroll service starts at $29 per contractor per month and $599 per employee per month for Employer of Record. If you're a startup or small organisation with a tight budget, this can add up quickly. If you're looking to scale gradually, you may prefer global payroll solutions that offer more flexible pricing based on usage or region.
Why Localisation Matters for Global Payroll
While Deel covers a wide range of countries, some organisations, especially those based in the Middle East and North Africa, require deeper alignment with local labour laws, Arabic language interfaces, or integration with systems like the UAE's and Saudi Arabia's Wage Protection System (WPS).
Regional payroll requirements, such as specific leave entitlements including Hajj leave or religious holidays, may also be better handled by tools built with MENA users in mind.
Flexibility: The Need for Custom Workflows
Some businesses may require custom workflows for managing compliance documentation, varied leave policies, or multi-currency payroll handling that accurately reflect how their teams operate across borders. A rigid or overly standardised approach may make it harder to adapt to local norms or unique internal processes.
Regional Support: Why It Matters
Teams often benefit from working with providers who understand their context, both legally and culturally, and can respond quickly to queries or changes. For MENA-based businesses or companies expanding into the region, having access to regional expertise and timely support can make a significant difference in day-to-day operations.
Key Features to Consider in a Deel Alternative
Managing a globally distributed team presents unique challenges, particularly in terms of compliance. Labour laws vary widely from country to country, and even within specific regions, local employment regulations can differ significantly.
For businesses operating in MENA countries, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, there’s a pressing need for a global HR system that supports compliance with local labour laws, thereby avoiding penalties and protecting their employees. Always ensure that you research how a Deel alternative can assist with compliance in your target countries.
Multi-Currency Payroll Capabilities: A Must for Global Teams
If your team spans multiple countries, you’ll need a system that can handle payroll in different currencies without the hidden transaction fees. The ability to issue payments in local currency, taking into account exchange rates and applicable deductions, ensures accuracy and transparency.
This is particularly useful for businesses operating across both local and international markets, allowing teams to manage payroll efficiently without relying on separate systems.
Custom Workflows for Employee Lifecycle Events: Flexibility is Key
Flexibility in handling employee lifecycle events, such as onboarding, generating compliant contracts, and managing offboarding procedures, is crucial. These workflows should allow for local variations, such as required documentation, probation periods, and country-specific notice requirements. Having the ability to customise these processes ensures smoother HR operations and reduces administrative errors.
Leave Management Aligned with Local Labour Laws
Leave policies vary significantly across countries, so your HR system should support configurations based on local entitlements, such as public holidays, annual leave quotas, sick leave, maternity and paternity leave, and Hajj leave (in the UAE and Saudi Arabia). A good Deel alternative will allow you to automate leave accrual and approval processes while staying compliant with regional standards. A flexible HRIS platform will allow you to add as many leave policies as you need, customised down to the team member, location or entity.
Integration with Local Banking and WPS Systems: Compliance Matters
In countries like Saudi Arabia, integration with the Wage Protection System (WPS), via platforms like Mudad, is not optional; it’s a legal requirement. A suitable platform should support the accurate submission of payroll data in line with WPS guidelines and facilitate direct payment through approved local banks. These integrations are key to maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties.
Global Team Support Across 100+ Countries: Scale with Confidence
Finally, if you’re managing a distributed workforce, it’s essential that your chosen system can support HR, payroll, and compliance across a broad range of countries. This includes not only the core administrative functions but also the ability to adapt to the employment norms, currencies, and documentation requirements of each country in which your business operates.
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16 Deel Alternatives for Global Payroll & Distributed Teams
1. Cercli: A Tailored Approach for MENA Compliance
For businesses in the Middle East and North Africa seeking a more tailored alternative to Deel, Cercli offers a platform built specifically with the region’s needs in mind. Rather than retrofitting global solutions to suit MENA requirements, Cercli starts with local compliance at its core, making it a strong fit for businesses operating in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and beyond.
Localised HR and Payroll Platform for MENA Businesses
Cercli provides a single source of truth for HR, payroll, and compliance across the region. The platform supports multi-currency payroll and cross-border payments in over 150 countries, while offering in-depth support for local frameworks, such as Saudi Arabia’s Wage Protection System (WPS) and the UAE's labour law.
One of Cercli’s defining features is its localisation: it supports workflows that match the employment conditions, documentation requirements, and cultural expectations unique to the MENA region. This includes leave management configured to regional norms and contract templates that reflect local labour regulations.
Streamlined HR for Growing Teams in the Middle East
For businesses managing growing teams, whether 25 or 500+ employees, Cercli helps consolidate workforce operations, removing the complexity of juggling multiple platforms. HR teams benefit from consistent data, adaptable workflows for onboarding and offboarding, and easy compliance tracking, all within a single system.
Cercli offers not just a platform, but regional expertise to support businesses scaling across borders while maintaining compliance and operational clarity. To see how Cercli can help your team, book a demo and speak with our team about our global HR system designed for the way you do business in the Middle East.
Please book a demo with our team to learn more about our platform.
2. ADP
ADP is an HR suite that includes payroll, HRIS functionality, and benefits management. It offers over 200 prebuilt reports to help analyse workforce trends and supports businesses operating in more than 140 countries.
Key features:
- Processes international payroll through a standardised system
- Maintains a database of labour laws and regulations
- Allows people to access basic HR functions
Pricing: ADP offers custom pricing based on organisational needs.
3. BambooHR
BambooHR provides a centralised platform for managing HR tasks, including payroll, time tracking, and performance management. It integrates with more than 100 third-party applications and supports use in over 150 countries.
Key features:
- Automated tasks to streamline onboarding
- Performance reviews and goal-tracking management
- Work hours, time-off requests, and PTO tracking
- Team member benefits management and enrolment processes
- Reports for monitoring workforce trends
4. Gusto
Gusto is an HR platform that provides tools for payroll, benefits, and talent management. Its automation features simplify HR tasks, while compliance tools support adherence to tax and legal requirements. The platform also features engagement tools specifically designed for small businesses.
Key features:
- Onboarding tools like checklists, document e-signing, and job post features
- Benefits administration tools
- Performance review and engagement survey features
- Automated payroll, tax filing, and direct deposit
Pricing:
- Simple: $40/mo plus $6/mo per person
- Plus: $80/mo plus $12/mo per person
- Premium: $180/mo plus $22/mo per person
5. ZenHR: An Agile HR Software for the UAE Market
ZenHR is a leading HR software in the UAE, designed with a deep understanding of the unique HR needs of the market. With a commitment to innovation and ease of use, ZenHR offers a range of customisable features to streamline HR processes, from recruitment to retirement.
The platform's agility and comprehensive suite of tools make it ideal for businesses looking to enhance their HR operations with technology that understands local complexities and regulatory requirements.
Key features:
- Cloud-based HRMS localized for the MENA region
- Automated payroll with local tax and social security compliance
- Employee onboarding and offboarding management
- Leave and attendance tracking with real-time reports
- Employee self-service portal and mobile apps (iOS/Android)
Pricing:
- Starts at $5.00 per user/year (subscription model)
- Annual subscription, with custom quotes based on company size and needs
- Free trial available
6. Paylite HRMS: Compliant HR Software for the UAE
Paylite HRMS is specifically designed to meet the intricate and evolving HR needs of the UAE. It provides a comprehensive and scalable HR software in the UAE that helps businesses navigate the complexities of local labour laws and streamline their HR processes.
With a focus on innovation and customer service, Paylite HRMS delivers a range of features that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of HR in the region.
Key features:
- Modular HRMS covering core HR, payroll, self-service, recruitment, performance, and training
- Payroll management compliant with UAE labor laws
- Employee self-service portal
- Leave, attendance, and time management
- Document management and workflow automation
Pricing:
- Pricing is by quotation only (customized based on modules and company size)
7. GulfHR: Local HR Solutions Built by Experts
GulfHR is recognised for its in-depth expertise in delivering HR software solutions tailored to the UAE market. It offers a robust set of tools designed to ensure compliance with local regulations and streamline HR operations.
GulfHR's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction makes it a trusted choice for companies seeking to optimise their HR practices in a region known for its dynamic business landscape.
Key features:
- Cloud-based HR platform tailored for the GCC/UAE market
- Payroll management with WPS compliance
- Employee records, onboarding, and offboarding
- Leave and attendance management
- Performance appraisal and training modules
- Employee self-service portal
Pricing:
- Custom pricing (available upon request, based on company requirements)
8. Yomly: Easy to Use HR Software for the UAE
Yomly is a cloud-based HR and payroll software specifically designed for the UAE and GCC regions. Their intuitive software allows organisations to streamline the HR process and enhance the employee experience. The platform is perfect for the needs of small organisations in the GCC region.
Yomly is specially tailored to meet the company's needs in Middle East countries. It is easy to use and offers all the basic features to cater to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses in the Middle East. So, here are some features that Yomly offers.
Key features:
- Cloud-based HR and payroll software for the UAE and GCC
- Payroll processing with local compliance
- Leave and attendance management
- Employee self-service portal
- Document management
- Recruitment and onboarding tools
- Mobile-friendly interface
- Designed for SMEs in the Middle East
Pricing:
- Custom pricing (contact Yomly for a quote based on company size and modules)
9. Zimyo: The Best HR Software for UAE Businesses
Zimyo is the best HR software in the UAE, with a portfolio of over 2,500 organisations worldwide and more than 200 in the Middle East alone. Moreover, it aims to help Middle East business owners improve their employee experience with robust HR-tech software.
The top HR software in the UAE has covered every employee management issue with its 50+ modules. In addition, these modules are specially designed to meet the needs of Middle Eastern countries, including:
- UAE
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
Key features:
- Cloud-based HRMS for the Middle East (UAE, KSA, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait)
- 50+ modules: payroll, attendance, leave, performance, onboarding, benefits, and more
- Localized compliance for GCC countries
- Employee self-service and mobile app
- Multicurrency and multilingual support
- Analytics and reporting
Pricing:
- Custom pricing (available on request; tailored to company needs and selected modules)
10. Zoho People
Zoho People is an enterprise HRIS that supports onboarding, time tracking, performance management, and learning development. The platform includes a built-in LMS for creating training materials for new hires. It also offers case management features, enabling team members to submit personal queries to HR.
Key features:
- Centralises and manages all records in one place
- Offers leave management tools to customise leave types, automate accruals, and manage leave requests
- Records work hours, tracks projects, and ensures accurate billing
- Simplifies shift management
- Supports performance management with goal-setting, feedback, and appraisals
- Helps create and manage training programs with an integrated LMS
Pricing:
- Essential HR: $1.50/user/mo per user
- Professional: $2.50/user/mo per user
- Premium: $3.50/user/mo per user
- Enterprise: $5/user/mo per user
- People Plus: $10/user/mo per user
11. Justworks
Justworks is an HR platform that offers payroll and benefits administration, HR management tools, compliance management, time tracking, and platform integrations to streamline workflows. It helps businesses manage hiring and payroll for teams worldwide.
Key features:
- Basic payroll management, including options for multinational organisations
- Compliance support for standard tax filing, workers’ compensation, and more
- Benefits management for standard health insurance plans and common benefits like 401(k)
Pricing:
- Payroll: $8/month/person + $50/month base fee
- PEO Basic: $59/month/person
- PEO Plus: $109/month/person
- EOR: $599/month/person
12. Namely
Namely is an HRIS platform primarily serving mid-sized companies with standard HR needs and basic customisation options. It offers solutions for payroll, onboarding, reporting, time tracking, and more.
Key features:
- Enhanced payroll services with a team of experts
- Team member engagement tools
- Benefits system that supports benefits strategy development
- Compliance tools and live advice
Pricing: Namely offers custom pricing.
13. Oyster
Oyster is an employment management platform that offers HR functionalities for hiring, managing, and paying team members. It supports global hiring with tools for onboarding, payroll management, and benefits administration.
Key features:
- Offers the ability to hire full-time team members or contractors in over 180 countries
- Provides access to pre-designed local and global benefits packages
- Supports payroll operations in more than 140 countries
- Includes tools for tracking team member hours and managing expenses
Pricing:
- Oyster segments are priced into four main categories:
- Contractor Plan: $29 per contractor per month
- Global Payroll Plan: Starts at $25 per team member per month
- Employer of Record Plan: Begins at $699 per team member per month
- Scale Plan: Custom pricing for companies with five or more full-time people
14. Papaya Global
Papaya Global is a payroll-focused HRIS platform for companies managing international teams. The platform also offers tools for supporting team members’ immigration journeys, a knowledge base with topic guides, and benefits management.
Key features:
- Global payroll processing for standard payment operations
- Workforce analytics for automated data insights
- Papaya 360 support for expert assistance
- Embedded AI for increased automation
Pricing:
- Workforce OS: $5/month/team member
- PayrollPlus Grow Global: Starting at $25/month/team member
- PayrollPlus Scale Global: Starting at $20/month/team member
- PayrollPlus Enterprise Global: Starting at $15/month/team member
- Enterprise Grade Employer of Record (EOR): Starting from $599/month/team member
- Contractor Payments & Management: Starting from $30/month/team member
- Global workforce payments: Starting at $2.5/transaction
- Agent of Record: Starting at $200/month/contractor
15. Rippling
Rippling unifies HR, IT, and finance operations into a single platform. It includes global payroll and compliance management features to facilitate hiring, paying, and managing team members while maintaining alignment with local regulations. The platform is available in over 140 countries.
Key features:
- Automates payroll processing for local and international team members
- Streamlines onboarding with automated workflows
- Handles time tracking, scheduling, and attendance with direct payroll integration
- Manages benefits, open enrollment, and benefit updates
- Provides a portal for team members to manage their data, benefits, and performance
Pricing: Rippling offers custom pricing plans.
16. Workplus HCM: Smart HR Software for Growing Businesses
Workplus HCM is a cloud-based HR software powered by AI, designed specifically for growing businesses. It offers a complete HR solution tailored to meet the unique demands of modern organisations in the UAE and across the GCC region, including:
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
With a strong emphasis on customisation, automation, and efficiency, Workplus HCM simplifies complex HR processes, reduces errors, and significantly improves employee experiences. It is particularly well-suited for small businesses in the UAE, enabling them to automate their HR processes within just two weeks at an affordable and budget-friendly price.
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Choosing the Right Fit for Your Business
Selecting the right HR or payroll platform begins with understanding your business’s location, structure, and goals. If you're based in the MENA region, it's essential to seek platforms that offer more than basic international functionality.
Seek tools that have a strong regional presence, provide Arabic language support where needed, and include built-in alignment with local regulations, whether it’s UAE labour law, Saudi WPS integration, or local leave and contract norms.
Scale Up Globally With The Right Payroll System
If your business is global-first, scalability becomes key. You’ll need a system that can handle multiple currencies, manage payroll across borders, and integrate flexibly with existing tools. A centralised approach will help keep processes consistent, especially if you’re managing teams in 10 or more countries.
Align Your Choice With Your Business Size and Complexity
Your choice should also reflect the size of your team and the complexity of your HR requirements. Smaller teams may need a reliable and straightforward setup, while larger or more distributed organisations should prioritise adaptable workflows and thorough compliance tracking.
Keep Future Needs in Mind When Choosing a Global Payroll Solution
Don’t make your decision based solely on monthly costs. Take the time to assess the level of localisation, support responsiveness, and whether the system is likely to meet your future needs, not just your current ones. The right platform will grow with your business and reduce operational friction over time.
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Book a Demo to Speak with Our Team about Our Global HR System
Cercli is built for companies in the Middle East to manage their entire workforce, whether local or spread across 150+ countries, all in one platform. Run fully compliant payroll across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider MENA region, manage leave, onboard employees, track assets, and handle global contractor payments in multiple currencies with ease.
Whether you’re managing 25 employees or scaling to 500+ across multiple markets, Cercli combines deep local expertise with global capabilities, giving your HR team one simple, compliant system to run operations and pay your workforce anywhere.
Book a demo to see how Cercli helps MENA companies simplify HR, payroll, and global team management and stay fully compliant every step of the way.
