A Shipping Manager in UAE earns between AED 144,000 and AED 264,000 per year. The role manages ship agency, chartering, and port operations for a UAE-based shipping company or agent. It requires 6 to 12 years of commercial shipping experience and knowledge of UAE Port Authority regulations.
Shipping Manager in UAE — Key Facts
The Shipping Manager 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. Shipping Manager 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 Shipping Manager earn in UAE?
A Shipping Manager in UAE earns AED 144,000–264,000 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 Shipping Manager need in UAE?
UAE employers require 6–12 years of relevant experience for Shipping Manager positions. Candidates with professional qualifications (IWFM, NEBOSH, RICS, or equivalent) and UAE or GCC market experience are preferred.
How does RFS recruit Shipping Managers?
RFS sources Shipping Manager 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 Shipping Manager does in UAE
A Shipping Manager in UAE manages the commercial and operational shipping activities for a trading company, commodity house, oil major, or logistics company, overseeing vessel chartering, cargo documentation, freight cost management, and port agent relationships across UAE and GCC shipping operations.
Key responsibilities
- Manage vessel chartering for dry bulk, tanker, container, or breakbulk cargo movements through UAE ports
- Prepare and review charter party agreements, bills of lading, and letter of indemnity documentation
- Coordinate with UAE port agents at Dubai Port, Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah
- Manage freight cost forecasting, benchmarking, and payment reconciliation
- Oversee cargo insurance, claims management, and P&I correspondence for UAE shipments
- Coordinate with trading, procurement, and logistics teams on vessel scheduling and cargo readiness
- Monitor vessel ETA, loading, and discharge operations for cargo in UAE port rotation
- Ensure compliance with UAE Customs, FTA import/export regulations, and UAE maritime law
- Manage relationships with UAE-based shipping companies, brokers, and NVOCC operators
- Produce weekly freight cost reports and shipping activity summaries for commercial management
Qualifications required
- Bachelor degree in maritime studies, logistics, or international trade
- 4 to 8 years shipping management experience with at least 2 years handling UAE port operations
- Deep knowledge of UAE Customs procedures, FTA import/export regulations, and UAE maritime law
- Experience with charter party terms (GENCON, ASBATANKVOY, BPVoy) and bill of lading documentation
- UAE port operations knowledge across Jebel Ali, JAFZA, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah ports
- Arabic language skills preferred for UAE port agent and authority management
- BIMCO Diploma or equivalent shipping qualification preferred
- Proficiency in shipping management systems and UAE port community systems
Shipping Manager salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| UAE oil major or commodity trader (ADNOC Trading, Vitol UAE) | 280,000–500,000 |
| Shipping company or liner agency UAE (Maersk, MSC, DP World) | 240,000–440,000 |
| Trading company or commodities house Dubai (DMCC) | 260,000–480,000 |
| Logistics company or freight forwarder UAE (Agility, Kuehne+Nagel) | 220,000–400,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Shipping Manager 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 Shipping Manager in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Shipping Manager 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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