Head of Offshore Operations Job Description UAE 2025
A Head of Offshore Operations in UAE earns between AED 420,000 and AED 780,000 per year. The role leads offshore support vessel (OSV) operations, jack-up rig activities, or subsea operations for oil and gas clients. It requires 15 to 20 years of offshore industry experience and a strong HSE and regulatory compliance track record.
Head of Offshore Operations in UAE — Key Facts
The Head of Offshore Operations role in UAE operates under employment contracts governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) regulates all mainland employment. ADGM, DIFC, and free zone employees are subject to their respective authority employment regulations. Salaries stated are benchmarked to the UAE market as of April 2025.
All employment contracts in the UAE must comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Head of Offshore Operations roles in mainland UAE require Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) approved contracts. End-of-service gratuity is calculated at 21 days per year of service for the first 5 years and 30 days per year thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Head of Offshore Operations earn in UAE?
A Head of Offshore Operations in UAE earns AED 420,000–780,000 per year. Roles in Abu Dhabi government-linked organisations and large multinational corporations pay at the upper end. Free zone and private sector roles pay at the lower to mid range.
What experience does a Head of Offshore Operations need in UAE?
UAE employers require 15–20 years of relevant experience for Head of Offshore Operations positions. Candidates with professional qualifications (IWFM, NEBOSH, RICS, or equivalent) and UAE or GCC market experience are preferred.
How does RFS recruit Head of Offshore Operationss?
RFS sources Head of Offshore Operations candidates from its UAE facilities management network. 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 Head of Offshore Operations does in UAE
A Head of Offshore Operations in UAE leads all offshore oil and gas, marine construction, or submarine cable operations, managing offshore asset deployment, crew rotation, vessel scheduling, and compliance with ADNOC Group, UAE maritime, and international offshore safety standards.
Key responsibilities
- Lead all offshore operations including vessel deployment, platform support, and marine construction activities
- Manage the offshore operations team including offshore installation managers, vessel masters, and ROV teams
- Own offshore vessel schedule, crew rotation, and OPEX budget
- Ensure compliance with ADNOC Group offshore HSE standards, IMO, and UAE maritime regulations
- Manage offshore emergency response planning and drills for all UAE offshore assets
- Lead marine warranty surveys and installation vessel approach procedures
- Manage offshore contractor and subcontractor performance on UAE offshore projects
- Coordinate with ADNOC, UAE Ministry of Energy, and UAE maritime authority on offshore work permits
- Drive offshore operational efficiency and cost reduction programmes
- Present offshore performance, risk, and investment plans to the CEO and clients
Qualifications required
- Bachelor degree in engineering or maritime studies, or CoC Master/Chief Engineer
- 12 to 18 years offshore operations experience with at least 5 years as Head of Offshore Operations in UAE or GCC
- OPITO BOSIET, HUET, and offshore survival certification current
- Deep knowledge of ADNOC Group offshore safety standards and UAE offshore regulatory framework
- Experience managing OSV, AHTS, DSV, or construction vessel operations in Arabian Gulf
- Arabic language skills strongly preferred for ADNOC authority and UAE government offshore engagement
- Dynamic positioning awareness for DP vessel offshore operations management
- IWCF or well control awareness for upstream offshore support roles
Head of Offshore Operations salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| ADNOC Fleet or ADNOC Logistics offshore division | 700,000–1,300,000 |
| UAE offshore oil and gas contractor (NPCC, Sapura UAE) | 600,000–1,150,000 |
| International marine construction company UAE (Saipem, McDermott) | 650,000–1,200,000 |
| UAE offshore support vessel operator | 560,000–1,050,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Head of Offshore Operations roles carry 3 month notice periods in UAE. 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 Head of Offshore Operations in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Head of Offshore Operations candidates in 48 to 72 hours. Retained search fee: 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation. 6-month replacement guarantee.
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UAE Market Data — Head of Offshore Operations 2025
Salary Range (AED/month)
AED 10,000 – 45,000 (varies by role)
Tax-free. Source: Michael Page UAE 2026, Indeed UAE 2025
Industry
Marine — UAE & GCC
Required Certifications (UAE Market)
STCW certification mandatory for seagoing roles. MARPOL compliance knowledge. Class society approvals (Lloyd’s/DNV) for engineering roles.
UAE-Specific Regulatory Skills
UAE Maritime Law (Federal Law No. 26 of 1981), Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) licensing, Port Authority regulations (DP World/ADPC), International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions.
RFS HR Consultancy places head of offshore operations professionals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE and GCC. View our marine and shipping recruitment agency UAE or check the UAE salary guide 2025.
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