5 Best Keka Alternatives in UAE & GCC (2026) | HR & Payroll Comparison
Quick summary
Keka is an India-origin HR and payroll platform that has been expanding into the UAE and GCC market, where it competes with platforms built specifically for the region.
For businesses in the UAE and GCC, HR software evaluation is shaped by non-negotiable compliance requirements: WPS-compliant payroll, SIF file generation, gratuity and end-of-service benefit calculations, and country-specific statutory deductions across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Pricing transparency is an added complexity — several platforms in this market require a custom quote before sharing any cost information, making early-stage budgeting difficult.
The five platforms covered here - greytHR, ZenHR, Zoho People, Bayzat, and PeopleStrong - represent the range of alternatives most commonly evaluated by UAE and GCC businesses, from compliance-first HRMS platforms to broader HCM suites and benefits-led systems.
Each platform is assessed on regional compliance depth, HR and payroll coverage, pricing clarity, implementation support, and fit for different business sizes and structures.
The page also includes a decision checklist covering the key questions UAE and GCC businesses should ask before selecting an alternative - from WPS compliance and multi-country payroll depth to pricing structure, EOSB handling, and implementation support quality.
Why businesses look for Keka alternatives
For businesses operating in the UAE and GCC, selecting an HR platform is as much about regional compliance depth as it is about features. WPS-compliant payroll, SIF file generation, gratuity and end-of-service benefit calculations, and statutory deductions specific to each GCC country are baseline requirements. Organisations that have found gaps in their current platform's coverage, or that are expanding across multiple GCC jurisdictions, often begin evaluating alternatives with these compliance needs at the centre of their assessment. Beyond compliance, pricing transparency and implementation quality are consistent factors in how businesses in this market assess their options. Many HR platforms operating in the GCC do not publish pricing, which makes total cost of ownership difficult to estimate before entering a sales process. For teams migrating from an existing system, the quality of onboarding support, data migration assistance, and post-launch responsiveness matters considerably, as any disruption to a payroll cycle carries real operational and compliance risk.
How we pick alternatives to Keka
The HR software platforms on this page were selected based on criteria relevant to businesses evaluating HR and payroll software in the UAE and GCC. Each platform has been assessed on the following:
- Regional compliance coverage:
Documented support for WPS-compliant payroll, SIF file generation, UAE statutory deductions, GOSI for Saudi Arabia, gratuity and end-of-service benefit calculations, and payroll rules across GCC jurisdictions.
- HR and payroll integration:
Whether the platform covers payroll, leave, attendance, employee records, onboarding, and core HR workflows within a single system, rather than requiring separate tools for each function.
- Scalability and market presence:
Active adoption across different business sizes in the UAE and GCC, with the ability to support workforce growth, multi-entity structures, and expanding regional operations.
- Pricing transparency:
Clarity on plan tiers, included features, and per-user costs at scale. This is a meaningful consideration given that pricing opacity is common in this market and can slow down procurement decisions.
- Publicly available information:
All assessments are based on vendor websites, documented feature sets, and published pricing where available. This page does not imply endorsement or partnership with any listed HR software platform, and vendors are not ranked in order of preference.
Top Keka Alternatives - At a Glance
Here are some of the best Keka alternatives commonly evaluated by businesses in the UAE and GCC: greytHR, ZenHR, Zoho People, Bayzat, and PeopleStrong. The table below provides a quick comparison of how these HR software solutions differ in positioning, strengths, potential limitations, and ideal use cases.
| Product | What It Feels Like | Where It Shines | Watch-outs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| greytHR ★ | The compliance-first full-suite HRMS for UAE and GCC | WPS-compliant GCC HR & Payroll, UAE-specific deductions and reports, Onboarding to Exit with ATS and PM in single platform, transparent pricing | Some advanced modules (performance, recruitment) may be add-ons | UAE and GCC SMBs, mid-market firms, and multi-entity teams wanting a payroll-and-HRMS-first alternative |
| ZenHR | Localised MENA HRMS with bilingual usability | MOHRE & WPS compliance, geolocation-based time tracking, multi-branch payroll, document management and cost-center allocation | Pricing requires a quote; annual subscriptions may include implementation fees; advanced reporting is more limited | SMEs and mid-market GCC firms needing bilingual Arabic-English HR and payroll localisation |
| Zoho People | The global productivity suite extended into HR and payroll for UAE companies | UAE WPS, social security and gratuity compliance, integrated Zoho ecosystem, broad HR lifecycle, affordable base plans | UAE payroll module is relatively recent; companies needing deep multi-country GCC payroll may need to validate coverage | UAE businesses already in the Zoho ecosystem, or cost-conscious teams needing HR, payroll, and collaboration in one vendor |
| Bayzat | HR, payroll, benefits and finance unified in one platform | Automated WPS and MOHRE submissions, EOSB & GOSI calculations, benefits integration, AI-powered reporting | Benefits-led approach may be more than some HRMS-first buyers need; pricing is quote-based | UAE businesses seeking a single platform for payroll, benefits, insurance and financial processes |
| PeopleStrong | The enterprise HCM platform for large organizations in Asia Pacific and GCC | Full hire-to-exit HCM, Gen AI for HR, talent acquisition and management, payroll and workforce management, 500+ large | Pricing is not publicly disclosed; enterprise orientation may be more than mid-market or SMB teams need | Large GCC and MENA enterprises seeking a comprehensive, AI-powered HCM platform with talent management depth |
Top 5 Keka Alternatives
1. greytHR
Overview
greytHR is the strongest Keka HR alternative for businesses that want an HRMS-led platform with payroll compliance at the centre. While Keka is positioned as a broad, AI-powered people and project operations platform originating from India with a growing Middle East presence, greytHR is built around full-suite HRMS and payroll operations specifically for businesses in the Middle East, India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. For Middle East companies, greytHR highlights multi-country payroll, country-specific payroll compliance for 20+ countries, and GCC coverage across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Its UAE payroll positioning includes WPS-compliant SIF generation, automatic deductions such as GPSSA, ADRBPF, and SSSF, and ready-to-submit statutory reports. greytHR is compelling for companies that want to move beyond a platform with broad global ambitions and prioritise payroll accuracy, compliance reporting, leave, attendance, onboarding, employee self-service, document management, and HR workflows in one system built for GCC realities. It also makes evaluation easier through publicly available GCC pricing and a plan structure that covers payroll, leave management, employee self-service, and core HR in every plan.
Key strengths
- Full-suite HRMS coverage:
greytHR covers the employee lifecycle across employee data, payroll, leave, attendance, employee self-service, onboarding, exit workflows, reporting, and optional recruitment, performance, and expense modules.
- Payroll compliance depth:
greytHR supports GCC payroll needs such as WPS-compliant payroll, country-specific payroll rules, UAE statutory deductions, and ready-to-submit reports.
- Guided implementation and support:
greytHR emphasizes smooth implementation, personalized onboarding, and dedicated post-sales support, which matters for teams migrating from spreadsheets or another HRMS.
- Lower HR admin load:
By combining HR, payroll, leave, attendance, employee self-service, and reporting in one place, greytHR helps teams reduce repetitive manual work and improve payroll confidence.
- Transparent pricing for GCC buyers:
The Middle East pricing page publishes Essential and Growth plans, add-on costs, and a price calculator approach, making budgeting easier than custom-only evaluation models.
- Scalability:
greytHR positions itself for both SMBs and large enterprises and highlights adoption across 30,000+ companies and 3 million users.
Weaknesses
Employee insurance, benefits administration, and AI-driven engagement modules are not the core differentiator in the way they are for Zimyo. Companies whose top priority is AI-led engagement and built-in LMS should evaluate that fit closely.
Some advanced capabilities such as performance management, recruitment, expense management, geolocation attendance, facial-recognition attendance, SSO, and API access may be add-ons or part of premium packages.
Businesses with highly complex global payroll requirements outside greytHR's strongest regions may need additional country validation before selecting it as the global system of record.
Pricing
Published GCC pricing starts at USD 50/month for the Essential plan for 10 employees, then USD 2 per additional employee per month. The Growth plan starts at USD 60/month for 10 employees, then USD 3 per additional employee per month. Premium is custom. Prices are vendor estimates; verify current pricing directly with greytHR before purchase.
Best for
UAE and GCC SMBs, mid-sized companies, multi-entity groups, and regional businesses that want a compliance-first, HRMS-and-payroll-led alternative to Zimyo with clear pricing, strong implementation support, and end-to-end HR operations.
Why greytHR is a compelling alternative
greytHR is the most compelling Keka HR alternative because it directly addresses the areas where many GCC buyers seek more clarity and depth: transparent pricing, deep payroll compliance, audit-ready reporting, and guided implementation. For a UAE or GCC business that wants to put payroll and HRMS reliability ahead of a broad platform buying journey, greytHR offers a more focused and regionally grounded path.The fit is especially strong for organisations expanding across the Middle East. greytHR's emphasis on multi-country payroll, WPS compliance, statutory deductions, and regional reporting makes it a practical choice for HR and finance teams that need confidence during every payroll cycle.
2. ZenHR
Overview
ZenHR is a cloud-based HR and payroll platform focused on the MENA region. It positions itself as a localised HR system for markets including UAE, KSA, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, and the wider MENA region, with a 4.7-star rating across 300+ reviews on platforms including Capterra, G2, and GetApp. For UAE companies, ZenHR highlights MOHRE and WPS compliance, automated gratuity and payroll workflows, document management, geolocation attendance, cost centre allocation, and performance evaluation. For Saudi Arabia, it promotes native integrations with Mudad, Muqeem, WPS, and GOSI, along with multi-entity regional HR management. This dual-country depth makes it a meaningful regional alternative to platforms with stronger India-origin roots.
Key strengths
- Strong MENA localisation:
ZenHR is built around regional labour law and payroll requirements across multiple MENA countries.
- UAE and KSA compliance:
It highlights MOHRE and WPS for UAE companies and Mudad, Muqeem, WPS, and GOSI integrations for Saudi operations.
- Broad HR and payroll suite:
The platform covers payroll, HR management, time and attendance, self-service, employee management, performance evaluation, reporting, analytics, and ATS capabilities.
- Bilingual experience:
ZenHR's Arabic and English interface is a meaningful advantage for GCC teams with multilingual HR users and employees.
- Employee self-service:
ZenHR gives employees and managers mobile self-service for requests, payslips, attendance, approvals, personal updates, and workflows.
Weaknesses
Pricing is not publicly disclosed; commercial proposals require a custom quote, which can make early-stage budget benchmarking more difficult compared to platforms with transparent per-user pricing.
ZenHR's pricing model is subscription-based, and customers with 100 or more full-time employees may be subject to implementation and training fees.
For smaller businesses, some module depth and enterprise features may be more than their immediate needs require.
Pricing
Quote‑based; request a personalised proposal from ZenHR.
Best for
GCC and MENA businesses that need strong localized HR and payroll, bilingual Arabic and English user experience, UAE and KSA compliance, and a broad HR lifecycle platform - particularly those with operations across multiple MENA countries.
3. Zoho People
Overview
Zoho People, offered as part of the Zoho People Plus suite, is a cloud-based HCM platform that extends Zoho's global productivity ecosystem into HR and payroll. For UAE businesses, Zoho has positioned People Plus with a UAE-specific payroll module that covers WPS-compliant SIF generation, social security calculations including GPSSA, ADRPBF, GOSI, PASI, SIO, PIFSS, and GRSIA, gratuity management, overtime, and end-of-service automation. The People Plus Enterprise plan includes recruitment, onboarding, core HR, time and attendance, talent management, employee engagement, payroll, LMS, HR helpdesk, travel and expense management, and collaboration tools. For businesses already using Zoho Books, Zoho Expense, or other Zoho products, People Plus offers meaningful integration advantages.
Key strengths
- UAE payroll compliance module:
Zoho People Plus includes UAE-specific payroll with WPS SIF generation, pension calculations by jurisdiction (mainland, offshore, free zone), gratuity, and statutory deductions.
- Integrated Zoho ecosystem:
Businesses using Zoho Books, Zoho Expense, or Zoho Recruit gain tight integration across HR, finance, and recruitment in a single vendor relationship.
- Broad HR lifecycle coverage:
From recruitment and onboarding through performance, LMS, employee engagement, and exit workflows, People Plus covers the full employee lifecycle.
- Published starting pricing:
Complete transparency over plans and pricing. The country specific product portal displays the pricing.
- Scalability for 500+ users:
Larger organisations can request a custom quote, and the Enterprise plan includes LMS, HR helpdesk, expense management, and advanced collaboration tools.
Weaknesses
The UAE payroll module within People Plus is relatively newer compared with platforms that have run GCC payroll operations for many years; businesses with complex multi-country GCC payroll scenarios should validate depth before committing.
The People Plus pricing page does not make the exact per-user UAE or GCC-specific pricing immediately clear; buyers may need to navigate multiple Zoho product pages to understand total cost.
Teams that want a standalone HRMS-only platform without committing to the broader Zoho ecosystem may find the suite orientation more than needed.
Pricing
Zoho People Plus Premium starts at USD 4 per user per month when billed annually; Enterprise starts at USD 9 per user per month. Verify current pricing on the Zoho website before purchase.
Best for
UAE businesses already in the Zoho ecosystem, or cost-conscious teams that want HR, payroll, and collaboration in one vendor with published entry-level pricing and a UAE-compliant payroll module.
4. Bayzat
Overview
Bayzat is a UAE-headquartered, hyperlocalised HR, payroll, finance, and employee benefits platform built specifically for the GCC. It positions itself as a unified work-life platform for UAE and GCC businesses, combining core HR, payroll, leave management, attendance, shift scheduling, talent management, accounts payable, expense management, cross-border payments, group health insurance, and employee benefits in one system. Bayzat's AI capabilities include an AI assistant for HR queries, AI-powered reporting and analytics, and a knowledge hub. Its Bayzat Studio module allows businesses to build custom workflows, apps, and automations within the platform.
Key strengths
- Hyperlocalised GCC platform:
Bayzat is designed from the ground up for UAE and GCC businesses, with WPS-compliant payroll, UAE labour law alignment, and region-specific employee experience features.
- Integrated insurance and benefits:
Bayzat includes group health insurance, employee benefits, and individual health insurance as native platform capabilities, not third-party add-ons.
- Finance and spend management:
Accounts payable, work expenses, and cross-border payments sit alongside HR and payroll, reducing the need for a separate finance tool for many UAE businesses.
- AI-powered HR operations:
Bayzat's AI assistant, AI reporting, and knowledge hub bring modern automation to HR queries, reporting, and decision-making.
- Broad HR lifecycle:
From hiring and onboarding to performance, surveys, shift scheduling, attendance, and offboarding, Bayzat covers the complete employee journey.
Weaknesses
Pricing is not publicly disclosed; buyers need to go through a demo or quote process to estimate total cost, which can slow early evaluation for finance-led procurement.
Bayzat's insurance and benefits-led orientation may be more than teams seeking a pure-play HRMS or payroll system need, especially if benefits procurement is managed through a separate broker or insurer.
Pricing
Pricing is not publicly listed. Contact Bayzat for a custom quote.
Best for
UAE and GCC companies that want an all-in-one platform combining HR, payroll, finance, spend management, and employee insurance and benefits in a single hyperlocalised system.
5. PeopleStrong
Overview
PeopleStrong is Asia's leading HCM platform, with a growing Middle East and GCC presence through its dedicated MEA business unit. The platform is positioned for large enterprises, with 500+ enterprise clients across Asia Pacific and the GCC, 2 million+ employees on the platform, and Gartner Peer Insights recognition as a Customers' Choice for 1000+ employee enterprises across three consecutive years from 2022 to 2024. PeopleStrong's MEA-focused platform covers Human Capital Management, Payroll and Workforce Management, Talent Acquisition, and Talent Management in a single suite. Its Gen AI for HR framework, Jinie chatbot, and AI and ML-powered analytics are positioned as differentiators for enterprises managing complex talent and HR operations across multiple countries.
Key strengths
- Enterprise-grade HCM:
PeopleStrong covers the full hire-to-exit employee lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding, core HR, payroll, leave and attendance, performance, learning, career and skills, succession planning, and compensation.
- Gen AI and ML capabilities:
PeopleStrong's Gen AI framework for HR, Jinie chatbot, talent coach, and employee sentiment analysis bring advanced AI to HR decision-making and employee experience.
- Gartner-recognised:
Rated among the Top 5 in Asia Pacific at Gartner Peer Insights and voted Customers' Choice in the Gartner Voice of Customer report for 1000+ employee enterprises.
- GCC and MEA presence:
PeopleStrong operates a dedicated MEA unit and is trusted by top enterprises across the GCC, with a leadership team and sales organisation focused on the region.
- Scalable and agile architecture:
Enterprise-grade security, mobile-first employee experience, proven implementation methodology, and AI and ML-led innovation are highlighted as platform foundations.
Weaknesses
Pricing is not publicly disclosed; enterprise buyers need to engage the PeopleStrong sales team for a tailored quote, which may lengthen the evaluation cycle.
PeopleStrong's enterprise orientation and complexity may be more than SMBs or mid-sized UAE businesses with straightforward HRMS and payroll needs.
Some user reviews note a desire for more self-service configuration and reduced dependency on the PeopleStrong team for customisation.
Pricing
Pricing is not publicly disclosed. PeopleStrong uses a subscription-based model structured per user or per module. Contact PeopleStrong for a tailored quote.
Best for
Large GCC and MENA enterprises seeking a comprehensive, AI-powered HCM platform with deep talent management, Gen AI capabilities, and Gartner-recognised enterprise credentials.
How to choose the right Keka alternative
- WPS compliance and statutory payroll accuracy:
Confirm that the HR software generates WPS-compliant SIF files, handles UAE statutory deductions (GPSSA, ADRBPF, SSSF), and supports GOSI and other GCC country-specific payroll requirements. Payroll errors in the region carry compliance and reputational risk. This is the most critical box to check.
- Multi-country and multi-entity support:
If your business operates across more than one GCC country or has multiple legal entities, assess how the software handles country-specific payroll rules, consolidated reporting, and entity-level access controls. Not all HR software marketed for the GCC has equal depth across all six countries.
- Gratuity, EOSB, and leave management:
End-of-service benefit calculations and leave accruals governed by UAE Labour Law and equivalent GCC frameworks must be handled accurately and automatically. Verify that these are built into the software and not dependent on manual configuration or workarounds.
- Reporting, audit-readiness, and HR visibility:
Look for ready-to-use payroll and compliance reports, real-time workforce dashboards, and structured payslip and document management. greytHR, for instance, offers 150+ pre-built reports covering payroll, attendance, leave, and statutory compliance, reducing manual effort for HR teams managing audit requirements.
- Pricing transparency and total cost of ownership:
Several HR software solutions in the GCC market require a custom quote to understand even basic per-user pricing. Where published pricing is available, review how costs evolve as headcount grows, which features are included by default, and what is available only as an add-on or at a higher tier.
- Implementation support and migration assistance:
Switching HR software mid-cycle carries risk. Evaluate whether the vendor offers structured onboarding, data migration support, and dedicated implementation assistance, particularly for payroll go-live. Post-launch support responsiveness matters equally, as payroll queries often need fast resolution.
The right Keka alternative will be the HR software that aligns most closely with your compliance obligations, workforce complexity, and operational priorities - both today and as your business grows across the GCC
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Keka Alternatives
Why do businesses in the UAE and GCC look for Keka alternatives?
Businesses in the region typically reassess their HR software when compliance requirements evolve, when they expand across multiple GCC countries, or when they need greater confidence in payroll accuracy and statutory reporting. Pricing clarity, implementation support quality, and the depth of WPS and EOSB handling are among the factors that commonly drive these evaluations.
Which Keka alternative is best suited for WPS compliance and GCC payroll?
greytHR is built around GCC payroll compliance, with WPS-compliant SIF generation, UAE-specific statutory deductions (GPSSA, ADRBPF, SSSF), gratuity and EOSB calculations, and ready-to-submit reports across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Its published GCC pricing, complete with calculator and structured implementation support also make it easier to evaluate compared to HR software that requires a custom quote before sharing any cost information.
Are these Keka alternatives suitable for SMBs and growing businesses in the UAE?
Yes. Several of the HR software solutions on this page, including greytHR, ZenHR, and Zoho People, serve SMBs and growing businesses in the UAE with modular structures that scale with headcount and published entry-level pricing. Feature depth and plan inclusions vary across solutions, so it is worth reviewing what is available at each tier before committing.
How difficult is it to migrate from Keka to another HR software?
Migration complexity depends on the volume of employee data, payroll history, and integrations in place. Transitions are generally smoother at the start of a new payroll period or financial year. HR software vendors that offer structured implementation support and dedicated data migration assistance help reduce risk and shorten the go-live timeline considerably.
Does greytHR support payroll across all GCC countries, not just the UAE?
Yes. greytHR supports multi-country payroll across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with country-specific statutory deductions, compliance reporting, and payroll rules built into the software. For businesses with operations across multiple GCC markets, this breadth of regional coverage is a practical consideration when evaluating HR software options.
How do I evaluate the right Keka alternative for my business?
Start by identifying your most critical requirements: payroll compliance for your specific GCC countries, headcount and growth trajectory, integration needs with finance or attendance systems, and the level of implementation support your team needs. Use the decision checklist on this page as a structured starting point, and request a demo to validate compliance depth and reporting capabilities before making a decision. To evaluate greytHR for your UAE or GCC business, schedule a demo.
Legal disclaimer
All brands and trademarks belong to their respective owners.
This page is for informational use only and should not be treated as legal, financial, payroll, or procurement advice.
Features, prices, plan inclusions, integrations, implementation timelines, and compliance capabilities may change. Verify current details directly with vendor websites and sales teams before making a purchase decision.
No endorsement, partnership, or affiliation is implied unless explicitly stated by the relevant vendor.
Compliance requirements vary by country, entity type, workforce structure, and industry. Consult qualified HR, payroll, and legal specialists before relying on any HR software for statutory compliance.
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