Engineering, manufacturing and maintenance jobs in the UAE

About engineering, manufacturing and maintenance jobs

Engineering, manufacturing and maintenance jobs cover the design, operation and upkeep of plants, equipment and infrastructure: mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineers, process and energy engineers, aviation engineers, maintenance technicians, operators, fitters and welders. In the UAE, they are concentrated in oil and gas, utilities, aviation, heavy industry and the many manufacturing companies located in industrial areas and free zones.

Abu Dhabi's energy sector, led by ADNOC and its group companies, and the industrial complex at Ruwais employ large numbers of engineers and technicians, as do aluminium smelting, utilities such as water and power producers, and the Barakah nuclear power plant. Dubai and Sharjah host manufacturing and logistics operations in Jebel Ali, Dubai Investments Park, SAIF Zone and the Sharjah industrial areas, while Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah have ceramics, cement and port-related industry. Airlines, airports and maintenance providers recruit licensed aircraft engineers and technicians.

Many positions are offered by EPC contractors and maintenance service companies, sometimes on rotation or for specific projects and shutdowns. Employers look for hands-on experience on similar equipment, knowledge of international codes and standards, and a strong safety record.

Main roles

• Mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineer
• Process, production and reliability engineer
• Oil, gas and energy engineer
• Aircraft maintenance engineer and technician
• Maintenance technician, fitter and welder
• Plant and production operator

Sectors that are hiring in the UAE

• Oil, gas and petrochemicals
• Utilities, renewable energy and nuclear
• Aviation and aerospace
• Manufacturing: metals, building materials, food and plastics
• EPC contractors and maintenance services
• Facilities management

Qualifications

Engineering roles require a recognised bachelor's degree, and engineering degrees obtained abroad usually need to be attested for the visa and professional registration. Technician roles call for a diploma or trade certificate plus proven experience. Aircraft engineers need licences recognised by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).