A Core Network Specialist in UAE earns between AED 144,000 and AED 288,000 per year. The role manages and optimises the core telecom network including EPC, IMS, and 5G core nodes for a mobile operator or MVNO.
Core Network Specialist in UAE — Key Facts
The Core Network Specialist 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. Core Network Specialist 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 Core Network Specialist earn in UAE?
A Core Network Specialist in UAE earns AED 144,000–288,000 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 Core Network Specialist need in UAE?
UAE employers require 5–10 years of relevant experience for Core Network Specialist positions. Candidates with professional qualifications (IWFM, NEBOSH, RICS, or equivalent) and UAE or GCC market experience are preferred.
How does RFS recruit Core Network Specialists?
RFS sources Core Network Specialist 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 Core Network Specialist does in UAE
A Core Network Specialist in UAE manages the 4G EPC, 5G Core, and IMS platforms for a telecom operator or managed services provider, ensuring core network availability, performance, and compliance with UAE TDRA interconnect and service obligations.
Key responsibilities
- Manage 4G EPC components including MME, SGW, PGW, and HSS for UAE mobile network
- Support 5G Core deployment including AMF, SMF, UPF, and NRF network functions
- Manage IMS platform including P/S/I-CSCF and PCRF for VoLTE and multimedia services
- Monitor core network KPIs including registration success rate, call setup, and data session establishment
- Perform core network configuration changes and software upgrades through change management
- Investigate and resolve core network incidents and major outages affecting UAE subscribers
- Manage network interconnect including SS7, DIAMETER, and SIP interconnects with UAE and international carriers
- Ensure UAE TDRA interconnect technical standards compliance for core network elements
- Produce core network capacity forecasting and planning reports
- Support network disaster recovery testing for core network elements
Qualifications required
- Bachelor degree in telecommunications or electrical engineering
- 4 to 9 years core network specialist experience in a UAE or GCC mobile operator
- Ericsson, Nokia, or Huawei EPC/5G Core platform certification preferred
- 3GPP LTE and 5G NR core protocol knowledge (TS 23.401, TS 23.501)
- SS7, DIAMETER, and SIP signalling protocol expertise
- UAE TDRA interconnect technical requirements knowledge
- Arabic language skills preferred for UAE TDRA regulatory interactions
- VoLTE IMS architecture and call flow troubleshooting experience
Core Network Specialist salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| UAE telecom operator core team (e&, du) | 240,000–440,000 |
| Telecom network vendor UAE (Ericsson, Nokia) | 220,000–400,000 |
| Managed services provider UAE telecom | 200,000–380,000 |
| MVNO or virtual operator UAE | 190,000–360,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Core Network Specialist roles carry 30 to 60 day notice periods. 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 Core Network Specialist in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Core Network Specialist 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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