A Mechanical Engineer in UAE earns between AED 120,000 and AED 264,000 per year. The role designs, analyses, and maintains mechanical systems and equipment across oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing sectors. It requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, 3 to 10 years of experience, and proficiency in CAD software.
UAE and Saudi Arabia
Salary: AED 120,000–264,000
Updated 2025
Mechanical Engineer Responsibilities
The table below lists the primary responsibilities of a Mechanical Engineer in UAE and Saudi Arabia as of 2025. Each responsibility is stated as a discrete, measurable activity.
| Responsibility | Frequency | Output / Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Design mechanical systems and equipment specifications | Per project | Drawings issued with engineering review stamp |
| Conduct stress analysis and finite element analysis (FEA) | Per design | FEA report signed off by senior engineer |
| Oversee fabrication and installation of mechanical equipment | Per project | Inspection and test plan (ITP) completed |
| Evaluate vendor proposals and select mechanical equipment | Per procurement | Technical bid evaluation (TBE) submitted |
| Perform failure analysis on mechanical components | As required | Failure analysis report with corrective action plan |
| Ensure designs comply with ASME, API, and ADNOC standards | Per design | Standards compliance checklist completed |
Mechanical Engineer Qualifications and Requirements
The following qualifications apply to a Mechanical Engineer role in UAE and Saudi Arabia. Requirements vary by sector and employer size.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering |
| Experience | 3 to 10 years in mechanical engineering in oil and gas, construction, or manufacturing |
| CAD | AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA proficiency |
| Standards | ASME, API, and ISO standards knowledge |
| Chartership | Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership preferred for senior roles |
| Communication | Technical report writing and drawing review skills |
All employment contracts in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. A Mechanical Engineer 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 Mechanical Engineer
- 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 Mechanical Engineer 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 Mechanical Engineer earn in UAE?
A Mechanical Engineer in UAE earns between AED 120,000 and AED 264,000 per year. Oil and gas sector roles pay AED 168,000 to AED 264,000. Construction and manufacturing roles pay AED 120,000 to AED 180,000. Chartered Engineers earn a 15 to 20 percent premium.
Which standards must Mechanical Engineers follow in UAE?
UAE oil and gas employers require knowledge of ASME (pressure vessels, piping), API (equipment and pipelines), and ISO 9001 (quality). ADNOC mandates compliance with its own engineering standards in addition to international codes. Construction sector roles require knowledge of AISC and BS 5950.
Does RFS recruit Mechanical Engineers in UAE?
Yes. RFS sources Mechanical Engineer candidates for oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing clients in UAE and Saudi Arabia. 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 Mechanical Engineer (Oil and Gas) does in UAE
A Mechanical Engineer in UAE’s oil and gas sector designs, specifies, and oversees the installation and maintenance of rotating equipment, pressure vessels, piping systems, and mechanical packages for upstream, midstream, and downstream facilities operated by ADNOC Group and international companies. You work to API, ASME, and ADNOC Group technical standards and interface with UAE regulatory authorities for statutory inspections.
Key responsibilities
- Design and specify mechanical equipment packages for UAE oil and gas projects including pumps, compressors, and heat exchangers
- Prepare mechanical datasheets, vendor technical evaluations, and material requisitions
- Review vendor drawings and FAT documentation for UAE and international fabrication
- Manage mechanical installation supervision and pre-commissioning activities on UAE projects
- Conduct API and ASME code calculations for pressure vessels and piping systems
- Support rotating equipment maintenance planning and troubleshooting in UAE operating facilities
- Interface with UAE regulatory authorities on statutory inspection certification and NOC approvals
- Prepare technical reports and mechanical engineering documentation for ADNOC submissions
- Review and approve mechanical discipline deliverables from UAE and international contractors
- Support HSE activities including HAZOPs, risk assessments, and safety critical equipment reviews
Qualifications required
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited institution
- 4 to 10 years of mechanical engineering experience in UAE or GCC oil and gas
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, CAESAR II (piping stress), PV Elite (pressure vessel design), and PDMS/E3D
- API 610, API 617, and API 650 standard knowledge for rotating and static equipment
- ADNOC Group or equivalent NOC technical standard experience preferred
- UAE Society of Engineers membership or eligibility preferred
- Arabic language skills preferred for UAE authority and regulatory interactions
- Offshore or plant operations site experience preferred for facilities-based roles
Mechanical Engineer (Oil and Gas) salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| ADNOC Group operating company or engineering subsidiary | 220,000–400,000 |
| International oil company UAE (Shell, TotalEnergies, ENI) | 200,000–380,000 |
| EPC contractor (Technip, Saipem, Petrofac UAE) | 180,000–340,000 |
| Engineering consultancy or FEED contractor (UAE) | 190,000–360,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Mechanical Engineer 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 Mechanical Engineer in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Mechanical Engineer 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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