A Director of Logistics in UAE earns between AED 360,000 and AED 720,000 per year. The role leads the entire logistics function of an organisation, overseeing warehousing, transportation, customs, and last-mile delivery across UAE and GCC. It requires a bachelor’s degree in logistics or engineering, 15 to 20 years of logistics experience, and a track record of managing 3PL partnerships and large-scale distribution networks.
UAE and Saudi Arabia
Salary: AED 360,000–720,000
Updated 2025
Director of Logistics Responsibilities
The table below lists the primary responsibilities of a Director of Logistics in UAE and Saudi Arabia as of 2025. Each responsibility is stated as a discrete, measurable activity.
| Responsibility | Frequency | Output / Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Set and execute the logistics strategy aligned to business growth | Annual | Logistics strategy approved by COO |
| Manage logistics budget of AED 10 million or above | Annual | Budget delivered within approved variance |
| Lead 3PL partner selection, contract negotiation, and performance management | Annual / per contract | 3PL SLA compliance above 95 percent per quarter |
| Oversee UAE customs compliance and free zone logistics operations | Ongoing | Zero customs compliance violations per year |
| Drive logistics technology implementation (TMS, WMS, last-mile platforms) | Per project | Technology deployed on time and within budget |
| Build and lead a logistics team of 50 to 500 personnel | Daily | Team retention above 85 percent per year |
Director of Logistics Qualifications and Requirements
The following qualifications apply to a Director of Logistics role in UAE and Saudi Arabia. Requirements vary by sector and employer size.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Industrial Engineering; MBA preferred |
| Experience | 15 to 20 years in logistics with minimum 5 years in a director or VP role |
| 3PL | Demonstrated 3PL contract management at AED 50 million or above per year |
| Certifications | CILT Fellowship or APICS CSCP at senior level |
| UAE customs | Deep knowledge of UAE Federal Customs Authority regulations and free zone logistics rules |
| Communication | Board-level reporting, 3PL negotiation, and executive stakeholder management |
All employment contracts in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. A Director of Logistics 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 Director of Logistics
- 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 Director of Logistics 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 Director of Logistics earn in UAE?
A Director of Logistics in UAE earns between AED 360,000 and AED 720,000 per year. E-commerce and retail logistics directors at large UAE companies earn AED 480,000 to AED 720,000. FMCG and manufacturing logistics directors earn AED 360,000 to AED 540,000.
What 3PL experience is expected for a Director of Logistics in UAE?
UAE Directors of Logistics are expected to have managed 3PL contracts with providers such as Agility, DSV, DHL Supply Chain, or Aramex. Experience managing multiple simultaneous 3PL relationships across UAE, KSA, and GCC is expected at director level. Contract management experience at AED 50 million or above per year is the baseline for senior roles.
How does RFS recruit Directors of Logistics?
RFS uses retained executive search for Director of Logistics mandates. 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 Director of Logistics does in UAE
A Director of Logistics in UAE leads the full logistics function for a corporate, retailer, FMCG company, or 3PL, managing warehousing, transportation, customs, and last-mile delivery across UAE and GCC operations. You hold P&L accountability for the logistics cost base and service quality that determines how products reach customers.
Key responsibilities
- Lead all logistics operations including warehousing, inbound and outbound transportation, customs, and delivery
- Own the logistics P&L across UAE and GCC operations including 3PL contracts and fleet costs
- Set the UAE distribution network strategy including DC location, capacity, and 3PL outsourcing model
- Manage 3PL performance and contracts including SLA governance and annual commercial negotiations
- Ensure compliance with UAE customs regulations, FTA free zone trade rules, and ESMA logistics standards
- Drive logistics cost reduction through network optimisation, route efficiency, and 3PL benchmarking
- Manage the S&OP integration for logistics capacity planning aligned with UAE demand cycles
- Lead Emiratisation hiring within the logistics function per UAE Ministry requirements
- Manage TMS and WMS implementation and optimisation for UAE logistics operations
- Present logistics performance, cost, and risk to the COO and CEO quarterly
Qualifications required
- Bachelor or Master degree in logistics, supply chain, or business administration
- CILT or APICS CSCP qualification preferred
- 15 to 20 years logistics experience with at least 5 years as Logistics Director in UAE or GCC
- Deep knowledge of UAE customs, FTA free zone regulations, and Jebel Ali port operations
- 3PL contract management and UAE logistics network design experience
- Arabic language skills strongly preferred for UAE authority, government, and community engagement
- Demonstrated logistics cost reduction track record in UAE operations
- TMS (Oracle TM, SAP TM, or JDA) and WMS (Manhattan, SAP EWM) implementation experience
Director of Logistics salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Large 3PL or logistics company UAE (Agility, DSV, DHL Supply Chain) | 480,000–860,000 |
| FMCG, retail, or consumer goods company UAE logistics | 420,000–780,000 |
| E-commerce or technology company UAE logistics | 400,000–760,000 |
| Government-linked or strategic entity UAE | 450,000–820,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Director of Logistics roles carry a 90 day notice period. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 governs end-of-service gratuity at 21 days basic salary per year for the first five years.
Hire a Director of Logistics in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Director of Logistics 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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