An Exploration Manager in UAE earns between AED 360,000 and AED 720,000 per year. The role leads hydrocarbon exploration programmes, manages exploration budgets and acreage, and directs teams of geologists, geophysicists, and petrophysicists. It requires a master’s or PhD in geoscience, 15 to 20 years of exploration experience, and a track record of managing exploration wells from concept to completion.
UAE and Saudi Arabia
Salary: AED 360,000–720,000
Updated 2025
Exploration Manager Responsibilities
The table below lists the primary responsibilities of a Exploration Manager in UAE and Saudi Arabia as of 2025. Each responsibility is stated as a discrete, measurable activity.
| Responsibility | Frequency | Output / Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Lead exploration portfolio strategy and prospect inventory management | Annual | Exploration portfolio reviewed and approved by VP Exploration |
| Manage exploration CAPEX budget | Annual | Budget delivered within approved variance |
| Direct 2D and 3D seismic acquisition and interpretation programmes | Per programme | Seismic interpretation report peer reviewed |
| Oversee geological and geophysical studies to rank prospects | Per study | Prospect ranking report with risked resources estimate |
| Manage exploration well planning from concept to spud | Per well | Well programme submitted 90 days before spud |
| Represent company in licence applications and bid rounds | Per bid round | Bid submitted with full technical and commercial package |
Exploration Manager Qualifications and Requirements
The following qualifications apply to a Exploration Manager role in UAE and Saudi Arabia. Requirements vary by sector and employer size.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Education | Master’s degree or PhD in Geoscience, Geology, or Geophysics |
| Experience | 15 to 20 years in exploration with minimum 5 years in a management role |
| Software | Petrel, Kingdom, or GeoFrame seismic interpretation experience |
| Reserves | SPE PRMS prospective resources estimation experience |
| Leadership | Track record of leading multidisciplinary exploration teams |
| Communication | Board-level technical presentation and bid round negotiation skills |
All employment contracts in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. A Exploration Manager 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 Exploration Manager
- 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 Exploration Manager 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 Exploration Manager earn in UAE?
An Exploration Manager in UAE earns between AED 360,000 and AED 720,000 per year. ADNOC Upstream and IOC partners pay at the top of this range with full expatriate packages. Independent E&P companies operating in UAE pay AED 360,000 to AED 480,000.
What is the career path to Exploration Manager in UAE?
The typical career path to Exploration Manager in UAE starts as a geologist or geophysicist (3 to 7 years), progresses to senior geoscientist (8 to 12 years), then exploration team leader (12 to 15 years), and Exploration Manager at 15 years or above. A master’s degree is standard; a PhD accelerates progression to senior technical roles.
How does RFS recruit Exploration Managers?
RFS uses retained executive search for Exploration Manager mandates. A shortlist is delivered within 48 to 72 hours. The retained search fee is 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation.
What an Exploration Manager does in UAE
An Exploration Manager in UAE leads the exploration programme for an oil and gas company operating in the UAE, Arabian Gulf, or wider Middle East region, managing the geoscience team, exploration budget, and licensing activity for new acreage opportunities. You report to the VP Exploration or CEO and own the exploration portfolio that determines the organisation’s future production pipeline.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the exploration team including geologists, geophysicists, and petrophysicists
- Manage the exploration budget including seismic acquisition, processing, and well drilling costs
- Oversee 2D and 3D seismic interpretation and prospect generation for UAE and regional acreage
- Evaluate exploration acreage opportunities and manage bid round submissions
- Build relationships with ADNOC, UAE Ministry of Energy, and regional NOCs for exploration partnerships
- Manage exploration JV partnerships and data room processes for farm-in and farm-out transactions
- Present exploration portfolio, prospects, and resource estimates to the Board
- Ensure all exploration activities comply with UAE environmental and regulatory requirements
- Coordinate with drilling and operations teams on exploration well planning and execution
- Manage exploration data management and subsurface data room quality
Qualifications required
- Master’s degree in geology, geophysics, or geoscience
- 15 to 20 years exploration geoscience experience with at least 5 years as Exploration Manager in UAE or GCC
- Demonstrated exploration prospect generation and well delivery experience in carbonate and clastic basins
- AAPG, SEG, or EAGE membership and active conference participation
- Experience managing UAE or Arabian Gulf exploration licensing and government authority relationships
- Strong Petrel or Kingdom seismic interpretation skills
- Arabic language fluency preferred for UAE government and ADNOC exploration authority engagement
- SPE PRMS resource estimation and reporting experience
Exploration Manager salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| ADNOC Group exploration subsidiary or JV | 550,000–1,000,000 |
| International oil company UAE exploration (Shell, TotalEnergies, ENI) | 500,000–950,000 |
| Independent E&P company UAE or GCC operations | 420,000–800,000 |
| Geoscience consultancy serving UAE operators | 360,000–680,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Exploration Manager roles carry a 3 month 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 Exploration Manager in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Exploration Manager 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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