UAE Offshore Sector to Create 83,000 Jobs

The Offshore Boom in UAE: 83,000 New Jobs and Dynamic Economic Growth in the Next 5 Years

The offshore industry of the United Arab Emirates has gained new momentum and is forecasted to provide nearly 83,000 new job opportunities for highly skilled workers over the next five years. The offshore industry involves activities conducted beyond the coastline in marine environments, such as resource extraction, oil drilling, and underwater infrastructure development. As a cornerstone of the UAE's economy, this sector is now at the brink of a new era that not only transforms the job market but also supports the diversification of the entire economy.

Economic Potential: $7 Billion Revenue by 2030

According to fresh research published by international recruitment firm Robert Walters, the offshore industry is expected to generate $7 billion (approximately 25.7 billion dirhams) in revenue for the country by 2030. This marks a significant 46% increase compared to the current $4.79 billion. Offshore activities have been present in the country for decades and are carried out by multinational as well as local companies employing thousands of experts.

The growth is not limited to resource extraction but also involves technological and engineering fields related to the development of marine structures, digital infrastructure, or automated systems. Several factors are driving these developments, providing UAE with a strategic advantage over international competitors.

Why the UAE?

Robert Walters' analysis identifies several key factors facilitating the expansion of the offshore sector in the United Arab Emirates. These include:

Geographic Location: The country is strategically located at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it ideal for global supply chains and service centers.

High Level of English Proficiency: A significant portion of the workforce speaks English, easing international collaboration.

Modern Digital Infrastructure: The country is at the forefront of 5G technology, cloud services, and artificial intelligence.

Regulatory Environment Promoting Innovation: The UAE government actively supports the introduction of new technologies and continuously simplifies business regulations.

Together, these factors allow global companies to increasingly relocate their offshore activities to the UAE, not just to optimize costs but also to access talent.

Prominent Salaries and Career Opportunities

According to naukrigulf data, offshore structural engineers are among the most sought-after professionals in the industry. The average monthly salary for an entry-level engineer is around 6,900 dirhams, while a professional with five to eight years of experience can earn up to 10,700 dirhams monthly. Engineers with eight to twelve years of experience earn an average of 13,600 dirhams, and at the highest level, with 12-15 years of experience, a monthly salary of 18,200 dirhams is achievable.

This not only offers an attractive career path for those with engineering and technology backgrounds but also provides opportunities for long-term career building in the country. Fields where digital competencies are crucial are especially in focus, such as:

Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Product Analysis and Data Science

Automation Technologies

New Strategy: Access to Talent, Not Just Cost Reduction

Amid the transformation of global workforce strategies, more companies are viewing offshoring not merely as a tool for cost-effectiveness but as a means to access the world's best talents. In this regard, the UAE is particularly competitive, offering a unique combination of digital infrastructure, alignment with international business practices, and a multilingual workforce.

According to a leader in the outsourcing industry: "More companies no longer see their offshore teams as separate entities but integrate them into the company's central operations. These teams build skills that require technical expertise, cross-border collaboration, and long-term talent development."

This mindset also anticipates new types of partnerships and training opportunities. Experts receive not only positions but also pathways for development while contributing to the modernization and diversification of the economy.

Summary

The growth of the offshore industry can be measured not only in economic figures but also in how the UAE is transforming into a central hub of the global knowledge-based economy. The nearly 83,000 new job opportunities target not only engineers but also IT specialists, project managers, data scientists, and other professionals with high-level skills.

The UAE’s strategy to rely less on revenue from oil exports in the long term is becoming increasingly apparent. The offshore industry—with its modern technology, highly skilled workforce, and regulatory support—could be one of the main engines of this transformation over the next decade.

(Source of the article based on fresh research.)