An Import and Export Executive in UAE earns between AED 48,000 and AED 108,000 per year. The role coordinates the documentation, regulatory compliance, and shipment logistics for import and export consignments through UAE ports, airports, and free zones. It requires a diploma or bachelor’s degree, 2 to 6 years of trade documentation experience, and knowledge of UAE customs procedures.
UAE and Saudi Arabia
Salary: AED 48,000–108,000
Updated 2025
Import and Export Executive Responsibilities
The table below lists the primary responsibilities of a Import and Export Executive in UAE and Saudi Arabia as of 2025. Each responsibility is stated as a discrete, measurable activity.
| Responsibility | Frequency | Output / Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare and verify import and export documentation (bills of lading, certificates of origin, commercial invoices) | Per shipment | Documents complete and accurate before customs submission |
| Coordinate customs clearance with licensed clearing agents | Per shipment | Clearance completed within agreed lead time |
| Monitor shipment status and communicate delays to stakeholders | Daily | Shipment tracker updated and stakeholders notified within 2 hours of delay |
| Classify goods using HS codes and verify duty applicability | Per shipment | Zero misclassification findings from customs audit |
| Manage relationships with freight forwarders and shipping lines | Ongoing | Rate comparisons completed and best rate selected per shipment |
| Maintain import and export records for regulatory audit | Ongoing | Records retained for 5 years as per UAE customs requirements |
Import and Export Executive Qualifications and Requirements
The following qualifications apply to a Import and Export Executive role in UAE and Saudi Arabia. Requirements vary by sector and employer size.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Education | Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Logistics, International Trade, or Business |
| Experience | 2 to 6 years in import/export documentation or customs clearance |
| UAE customs | UAE Federal Customs Authority procedures, Mirsal 2, and Dubai Customs online portal knowledge |
| Documentation | Bill of lading, letter of credit, certificate of origin, and packing list preparation |
| Languages | English required; Arabic and Hindi are advantageous for UAE trade roles |
| Systems | Basic freight management software and ERP import/export modules |
All employment contracts in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. A Import and Export Executive 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 Import and Export Executive
- 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 Import and Export Executive 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 an Import and Export Executive earn in UAE?
An Import and Export Executive in UAE earns between AED 48,000 and AED 108,000 per year. Executives handling air freight and perishable goods earn AED 72,000 to AED 108,000. Sea freight and general cargo executives earn AED 48,000 to AED 84,000. Bilingual Arabic-English executives earn a 10 to 15 percent premium.
What documentation does an Import and Export Executive manage in UAE?
An Import and Export Executive in UAE manages commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading (sea freight) or airway bills (air freight), certificates of origin, and phytosanitary or health certificates for regulated goods. Letters of credit are managed for high-value international transactions. All documents are submitted through Mirsal 2 (Dubai) or corresponding Abu Dhabi customs portals.
How does RFS recruit Import and Export Executives?
RFS sources Import and Export Executive candidates for freight, FMCG, and trading companies across UAE. 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 an Import Export Executive does in UAE
An Import Export Executive in UAE manages the documentation, customs clearance, and logistics coordination for international trade shipments, ensuring all import and export movements comply with UAE customs regulations, FTA requirements, and international trade documentation standards.
Key responsibilities
- Process import and export shipments through UAE customs using Mirsal 2 and UAE FTA e-customs platforms
- Prepare and manage trade documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin
- Coordinate with freight forwarders, shipping lines, and airlines for UAE inbound and outbound shipments
- Manage duty calculation and payment for commercial imports under UAE GCC tariff
- Coordinate UAE free zone to mainland transfer documentation for JAFZA and DMCC shipments
- Manage Letter of Credit documentation and bank trade finance correspondence
- Track shipment ETA and manage delivery coordination with UAE port agents and customs brokers
- Handle customs holds, inspections, and clearance delays in coordination with UAE customs authorities
- Maintain accurate import/export records for UAE FTA audit readiness
- Report weekly import/export activity and duty cost to the logistics manager
Qualifications required
- Bachelor degree in logistics, international trade, or business administration
- 1 to 4 years import/export experience in UAE trading or logistics company
- Proficiency in UAE Mirsal 2 customs clearance platform
- UAE GCC Common External Tariff and HS code classification knowledge
- Letter of Credit and trade finance documentation experience preferred
- Arabic language skills preferred for UAE customs authority interactions
- UAE free zone (JAFZA, DMCC, DWC) trade procedures knowledge preferred
- Freight forwarding or shipping line experience preferred
Import Export Executive salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trading company or commodity house (DMCC, Dubai) | 100,000–180,000 |
| Freight forwarder or customs broker UAE | 90,000–170,000 |
| FMCG or retail import company UAE | 95,000–175,000 |
| Free zone operator or logistics company UAE | 90,000–170,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Import Export Executive roles carry a 30 day notice period. 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 Import and Export Executive in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Import and Export Executive 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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