A Structural Engineer in UAE earns between AED 120,000 and AED 264,000 per year. The role designs structural systems for buildings and infrastructure, performing analysis and producing drawings that comply with UAE building codes and authority requirements. It requires a bachelor’s degree in structural or civil engineering, 4 to 12 years of structural design experience, and proficiency in structural analysis software.
UAE and Saudi Arabia
Salary: AED 120,000–264,000
Updated 2025
Structural Engineer Responsibilities
The table below lists the primary responsibilities of a Structural Engineer in UAE and Saudi Arabia as of 2025. Each responsibility is stated as a discrete, measurable activity.
| Responsibility | Frequency | Output / Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Design structural systems including foundations, frames, and slabs | Per project | Structural drawings issued with engineer’s stamp for authority approval |
| Perform structural analysis using finite element analysis (FEA) software | Per project | Analysis report peer reviewed by senior structural engineer |
| Prepare structural calculations for DM, UPC, or authority submission | Per project | Calculations submitted and approved without major revision |
| Review architectural drawings for structural feasibility | Per design stage | Structural comments issued within 5 working days of receipt |
| Review structural shop drawings and RFI responses | Per submittal | Response issued within agreed review period |
| Conduct structural site inspections during construction | Per visit | Site inspection report issued within 24 hours |
Structural Engineer Qualifications and Requirements
The following qualifications apply to a Structural Engineer role in UAE and Saudi Arabia. Requirements vary by sector and employer size.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Structural Engineering or Civil Engineering |
| Registration | UAE Engineers Registration (MOCCAE) required; Chartered Engineer (CEng) preferred |
| Experience | 4 to 12 years in structural engineering design for buildings or infrastructure |
| Software | ETABS, SAP2000, or SAFE for building structures; STAAD.Pro or LUSAS for infrastructure |
| Standards | ACI 318, BS 8110, or Eurocode 2 for concrete; AISC or BS 5950 for steel |
| Communication | Structural calculations, drawing review, and authority submission management |
All employment contracts in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. A Structural Engineer employed in mainland UAE requires a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) approved contract. ADGM, DIFC, and free zone employees are subject to their respective authority’s employment regulations.
How RFS Recruits a Structural Engineer
- You brief RFS with the role specification, seniority level, and team structure. The briefing call takes 30 minutes.
- RFS searches its active candidate database and activates direct outreach within 24 hours of instruction.
- RFS delivers a shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened Structural Engineer candidates within 48 to 72 hours.
- You conduct interviews. RFS coordinates scheduling and candidate communication throughout.
- RFS supports offer negotiation and manages the candidate’s notice period and onboarding.
- The 6-month replacement guarantee activates from the candidate’s start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Structural Engineer earn in UAE?
A Structural Engineer in UAE earns between AED 120,000 and AED 264,000 per year. Chartered Structural Engineers earn AED 180,000 to AED 264,000. Non-chartered structural engineers with 4 to 7 years earn AED 120,000 to AED 168,000. High-rise tower structural specialists earn at the upper end.
Which structural design standards apply in UAE?
UAE structural designs comply with ACI 318 (American Concrete Institute) for reinforced concrete, which is most widely specified. BS 8110 and Eurocode 2 are accepted in some markets. AISC 360 and BS 5950 apply for structural steel. Dubai Municipality specifies ACI 318 in its building regulations. Abu Dhabi UPC accepts both ACI and Eurocode.
How does RFS recruit Structural Engineers?
RFS sources Structural Engineer candidates for consultancies and contractors across UAE and Saudi Arabia. A shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened candidates is delivered within 48 to 72 hours. The retained search fee is 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation.
What a Structural Engineer does in UAE
A Structural Engineer in UAE designs the load-bearing framework of buildings, bridges, and infrastructure, ensuring structural integrity under UAE seismic, wind, and gravity load conditions. You prepare structural drawings and calculations for Dubai Municipality or Abu Dhabi City Municipality submission, supervise structural construction, and certify buildings for occupancy.
Key responsibilities
- Design reinforced concrete, structural steel, and post-tensioned systems for UAE building projects
- Prepare structural drawings and calculations for Dubai Municipality or Abu Dhabi authority submission
- Coordinate with architectural, MEP, and civil teams on structural interfaces and penetrations
- Review geotechnical reports and design foundations appropriate for UAE soil conditions including sabkha
- Conduct structural inspections during construction for conformance with design intent
- Review and approve contractor shop drawings and structural material submittals
- Certify structural completion for Dubai Municipality or Abu Dhabi occupancy certificate applications
- Perform structural assessments of existing buildings for refurbishment or change of use
- Manage the RFI process for structural design queries from the construction team
- Coordinate with UAE authority engineers including DEWA structural reviewers and RTA bridge engineers
Qualifications required
- Bachelor’s degree in structural or civil engineering
- 4 to 10 years structural engineering experience in UAE or GCC
- MIStructE or P.Eng qualification preferred for lead engineer roles
- Proficiency in ETABS, SAFE, STAAD Pro, AutoCAD, and Revit
- Knowledge of ACI 318, BS EN 1992, and Dubai Municipality structural requirements
- UAE Society of Engineers membership or registration for design authority roles
- Experience designing on sabkha or challenging UAE ground conditions preferred
- Arabic language skills preferred for municipality review meetings
Structural Engineer salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| International structural consultant (Arup, Buro Happold, WSP UAE) | 200,000–360,000 |
| UAE design consultancy (KEO, AECOM, Atkins UAE) | 180,000–320,000 |
| Developer project design team | 190,000–340,000 |
| Main contractor design team (D&B or EPC project) | 170,000–310,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Structural Engineer roles carry a 30 to 60 day notice period in UAE. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 applies to your end-of-service gratuity at 21 days basic salary per year for the first five years.
Hire a Structural Engineer in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Structural Engineer candidates in 48 to 72 hours. Retained search fee: 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation. 6-month replacement guarantee on all placements.
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