The UAE is positioned at the crossroads of major global shipping routes between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Ports like Jebel Ali (Dubai) and Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi) are among the busiest and most advanced in the region.
This strategic location ensures a constant demand for shipbuilding, repair, and machinery services.
The UAE has invested heavily in maritime infrastructure and aims to be a global maritime hub.
Government initiatives like the UAE Maritime Vision 2030 promote innovation, sustainability, and growth in the shipbuilding sector.
Companies such as Drydocks World, ADNOC Logistics & Services, and Damen Shipyards Sharjah offer world-class shipbuilding and repair services.
Salaries in the UAE are typically higher than in many other countries, especially for skilled trades, engineers, and marine technicians.
The UAE offers tax-free income, enhancing your take-home pay.
The UAE’s shipyards use cutting-edge maritime technologies including automation, AI-driven diagnostics, and eco-friendly propulsion systems.
Working here provides hands-on experience with modern vessels like LNG carriers, offshore support vessels, and military ships.
The shipbuilding sector in the UAE is highly multicultural, offering the chance to work with professionals from around the globe.
This exposure enhances teamwork, communication, and global industry understanding.
Many UAE-based shipyards and maritime companies offer structured training programs and certification support (e.g., IMO standards, IACS certifications).
Opportunities to grow into specialized roles such as marine engineering, project management, or offshore operations are abundant.
The sector covers a wide range of disciplines including:
Ship construction and retrofitting
Marine engines and propulsion systems
Offshore oil & gas support vessels
Naval and defense shipbuilding
The UAE government supports the maritime sector through policy, investment, and regulatory frameworks aimed at boosting sustainability and competitiveness.
Free zones like Dubai Maritime City provide tax incentives and a streamlined business environment for maritime firms.
The UAE has made significant investments in maritime infrastructure, aiming to become a leading regional and global shipbuilding center. With major ports like Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, and Khalifa Port, the demand for vessel construction, retrofitting, and repair services is on the rise. As a result, skilled professionals in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and ship machinery maintenance are consistently in demand.
Several major companies drive the maritime sector in the UAE, including Drydocks World (Dubai), ADNOC Logistics & Services, Abu Dhabi Ship Building, Damen Shipyards Sharjah, and Grandweld Shipyards. These companies often hire international experts, particularly for specialized technical and engineering roles. Many of these firms are based in industrial zones or maritime free zones, such as Dubai Maritime City and the Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD).
International candidates with expertise in naval architecture, marine engineering, ship systems integration, welding and fabrication, propulsion systems, and offshore support vessels have a competitive edge. Experience with LNG carriers, chemical tankers, defense vessels, or offshore platforms is particularly valuable.
The UAE has streamlined its visa and employment processes to attract skilled foreign workers. Work permits are usually sponsored by the employer, and professionals can often secure long-term residency under the UAE’s Golden Visa program, depending on their qualifications and contributions to the industry.
The UAE offers tax-free salaries, which is a significant incentive for international workers. Compensation packages often include housing allowances, medical insurance, transportation support, and airfare for home visits. Senior engineers, supervisors, and project managers can earn especially competitive wages.
International candidates may be required or encouraged to hold certifications aligned with international maritime standards, such as IMO, IACS, or class society approvals (e.g., Lloyd’s Register, DNV, ABS). Many UAE-based companies also offer ongoing training and upskilling programs to align with evolving technologies and global regulations.
The shipbuilding industry in the UAE is multicultural, with teams made up of professionals from across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. English is the primary language of business. Work environments are typically structured and safety-focused, especially in shipyards and offshore operations.
While there are many advantages, international candidates should be aware of certain challenges, including high competition for top-tier roles, long working hours in some technical jobs, and the need to adapt to local labor laws and cultural expectations.
Naval Architect
Designs hull structures, evaluates stability, strength, and performance of ships.
Marine Design Engineer
Works on 3D modeling, structural layouts, and system integration using CAD software.
Marine Engineer
Oversees installation and maintenance of propulsion systems, pumps, HVAC, and auxiliary machinery.
Mechanical Engineer (Ship Systems)
Focuses on shipboard engines, hydraulics, and rotating machinery systems.
Marine Electrical Engineer
Handles installation and repair of electrical power systems, lighting, and navigation systems.
Electronics Technician (Marine)
Works on radar, communication systems, and instrumentation.
Shipbuilding Supervisor / Foreman
Manages shipyard workers, oversees structural assembly and hull construction.
Welder / Fabricator (Shipbuilding)
Performs welding and fabrication of steel and aluminum parts according to shipbuilding standards.
Pipe Fitter / Plumber (Marine)
Installs and maintains piping systems on board ships.
Carpenter / Interior Fitter (Shipbuilding)
Builds and installs interior components such as bulkheads, flooring, and furnishings.
Engine Room Technician
Maintains diesel engines, generators, and related machinery.
Machinery Maintenance Engineer
Diagnoses and repairs mechanical failures in shipboard systems.
Project Manager (Shipbuilding)
Oversees ship construction or repair projects from planning to delivery.
Production Planner / Scheduler
Coordinates workflow, timelines, and resource allocation within the shipyard.
Quality Control Inspector (Shipbuilding)
Ensures that components and assemblies meet specifications and class society requirements.
HSE Officer (Marine / Shipyard)
Implements health, safety, and environmental protocols in shipyard operations.
Class Surveyor (or Class Society Inspector)
Works on behalf of classification societies like DNV or ABS to inspect ships for compliance.
Offshore Vessel Engineer
Works on anchor handling tugs, supply ships, and other offshore support vessels.
ROV Technician / Operator
Operates remotely operated vehicles used in underwater inspection and maintenance.
Procurement Engineer (Marine Equipment)
Sources parts and systems for ship construction or maintenance.
Technical Documentation Specialist
Prepares and maintains manuals, technical drawings, and compliance paperwork.
Ship Repair Engineer
Manages maintenance, overhaul, and retrofitting of existing vessels.
Hull Repair Technician
Specializes in fixing structural damage and corrosion on ship hulls.
Job Title |
Avg. Monthly Salary (AED) |
USD Equivalent |
INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
18,000 |
4,900 |
405,000 |
|
Marine Engineer |
16,000 |
4,360 |
360,000 |
|
Shipbuilding Project Manager |
25,000 |
6,810 |
562,500 |
|
Marine Electrical Engineer |
15,000 |
4,090 |
337,500 |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Ship Systems) |
14,000 |
3,810 |
315,000 |
|
Shipyard Supervisor / Foreman |
12,000 |
3,270 |
270,000 |
|
Welding Engineer / Supervisor |
11,000 |
2,995 |
247,500 |
|
Pipe Fitter (Marine) |
6,000 |
1,635 |
135,000 |
|
Welder / Fabricator |
6,500 |
1,770 |
146,250 |
|
Marine Electrician |
7,000 |
1,910 |
157,500 |
|
Engine Room Technician |
8,000 |
2,180 |
180,000 |
|
HSE Officer (Shipyard) |
10,000 |
2,725 |
225,000 |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
9,500 |
2,590 |
213,750 |
|
Class Surveyor / Marine Surveyor |
20,000 |
5,450 |
450,000 |
|
Marine Design Engineer |
14,000 |
3,810 |
315,000 |
|
Production Planner / Scheduler |
11,000 |
2,995 |
247,500 |
|
Technical Documentation Specialist |
8,500 |
2,315 |
191,250 |
|
Procurement Engineer (Marine) |
10,500 |
2,860 |
236,250 |
|
Ship Repair Engineer |
13,000 |
3,540 |
292,500 |
|
Offshore Vessel Engineer |
17,000 |
4,630 |
382,500 |
Engineers and Designers: Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, or related disciplines.
Technicians and Tradespeople: Diploma or ITI certification in welding, fabrication, pipe fitting, marine electrical, etc.
Specialist Roles: Advanced certifications or postgraduate degrees for roles like Project Manager, Surveyor, or Offshore Engineer.
Entry-Level: 0–2 years of relevant experience, often under supervision or internship programs.
Mid-Level: 3–7 years of hands-on experience in shipyards, offshore vessels, or marine equipment maintenance.
Senior-Level: 8+ years with proven project management, engineering leadership, or vessel construction experience.
Marine Engineering Certifications: IMO STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping)
Class Society Familiarity: Knowledge of DNV, ABS, BV, or Lloyd’s Register compliance.
Welding/Fabrication Certifications: 6G/3G Welding, AWS, or equivalent trade certificates.
Safety Certifications: HSE, NEBOSH, or basic offshore safety induction and emergency training (BOSIET) for offshore jobs.
Software Proficiency: AutoCAD, ShipConstructor, AVEVA, or other design/production planning tools.
English is the primary business language in the UAE.
Strong communication skills are required, especially for engineers, supervisors, and project managers.
You must be sponsored by a UAE-based employer (company or shipyard).
The employer applies for your residence visa, labor card, and Emirates ID.
Work visas are typically valid for 2 years and renewable.
For high-skilled professionals, UAE Golden Visa (10 years) may be an option.
You must pass a UAE medical fitness test (blood test and chest X-ray).
Background checks and police clearance may be required for sensitive or defense-related roles.
Most employers prefer candidates between 21–55 years.
UAE labor law restricts heavy labor for candidates above 60 unless granted special approval.
Willingness to work in harsh environments (shipyards, offshore platforms, high temperatures).
Readiness for shift work, overtime, and extended hours as needed.
Job Title |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. Naval Architect |
Designs ship structures, analyzes stability and performance, develops hull forms and layouts. |
|
2. Marine Engineer |
Installs, maintains, and repairs propulsion systems, engines, pumps, and shipboard mechanical equipment. |
|
3. Shipbuilding Project Manager |
Manages full shipbuilding projects, from planning to delivery, ensuring timelines, budget, and quality. |
|
4. Mechanical Engineer |
Designs and maintains mechanical systems used in ships, such as steering, hydraulics, and HVAC systems. |
|
5. Marine Electrical Engineer |
Installs and troubleshoots ship electrical systems including power distribution, lighting, and controls. |
|
6. Shipyard Supervisor |
Oversees daily shipyard operations, assigns tasks to workers, enforces safety, and monitors progress. |
|
7. Welding Engineer |
Develops welding procedures, supervises welding teams, and ensures structural integrity and safety. |
|
8. Welder / Fabricator |
Performs welding and fabrication tasks based on blueprints and marine-grade standards. |
|
9. Pipe Fitter (Marine) |
Installs and repairs piping systems onboard ships for water, fuel, and exhaust systems. |
|
10. Marine Electrician |
Connects and maintains electrical wiring and equipment aboard vessels. |
|
11. Engine Room Technician |
Assists in operating and maintaining marine engines and engine room systems. |
|
12. Quality Control Inspector |
Inspects components and assemblies for compliance with design, safety, and classification standards. |
|
13. HSE Officer (Shipyard) |
Implements safety protocols, conducts risk assessments, and ensures compliance with health regulations. |
|
14. Class Surveyor |
Conducts inspections on behalf of classification societies for certification and regulatory compliance. |
|
15. Production Planner |
Plans, schedules, and coordinates production activities and resource allocation within shipyards. |
|
16. Marine Design Engineer |
Prepares technical drawings and 3D models of ship components and layouts using CAD tools. |
|
17. Procurement Engineer |
Sources marine materials and components, negotiates with suppliers, and manages inventory levels. |
|
18. Offshore Vessel Engineer |
Maintains systems and machinery on offshore support vessels (OSVs, AHTS, PSVs, etc.). |
|
19. Ship Repair Engineer |
Plans and executes repair, retrofit, and maintenance activities for damaged or aging vessels. |
|
20. Technical Documentation Specialist |
Prepares and maintains manuals, schematics, and compliance documents for vessels and shipyard projects. |
Job Title |
Educational Qualification |
Experience Required |
Certifications/Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Naval Architect |
B.Tech/B.E. in Naval Architecture or Marine |
3–7 years |
AutoCAD, Rhino, stability analysis, IMO rules |
|
2. Marine Engineer |
B.E./B.Tech in Marine or Mechanical Engg. |
3–8 years |
STCW, engine room operations, IMO regulations |
|
3. Shipbuilding Project Manager |
B.E./B.Tech + PMP (preferred) |
7–12 years |
Project planning, budgeting, team management |
|
4. Mechanical Engineer |
Diploma/B.Tech in Mechanical Engg. |
2–5 years |
Knowledge of pumps, hydraulics, valves, machinery layout |
|
5. Marine Electrical Engineer |
B.E./Diploma in Electrical/E&I |
3–6 years |
Marine electrical systems, PLCs, STCW (if offshore) |
|
6. Shipyard Supervisor |
Diploma in Marine/Mechanical |
5–10 years (incl. hands-on) |
Supervisory experience, production planning |
|
7. Welding Engineer |
B.Tech/Diploma in Welding/Mech Engg. |
3–7 years |
AWS/CSWIP, WPS/PQR, NDT methods |
|
8. Welder / Fabricator |
ITI/Diploma in Welding/Fabrication |
2–5 years |
3G/6G certification, blueprint reading |
|
9. Pipe Fitter (Marine) |
ITI in Pipe Fitting/Plumbing |
2–5 years |
Pipe layout, hydro testing, marine standards |
|
10. Marine Electrician |
ITI/Diploma in Electrical |
2–4 years |
Troubleshooting, motor control, cable termination |
|
11. Engine Room Technician |
Diploma/ITI in Mechanical/Marine |
2–4 years |
Engine overhauling, maintenance, STCW (optional) |
|
12. Quality Control Inspector |
Diploma/B.E. in Mechanical/Marine |
3–6 years |
Inspection, ISO, class society standards |
|
13. HSE Officer (Shipyard) |
Diploma + HSE/NEBOSH |
3–5 years |
NEBOSH/IOSH, incident reporting, risk assessment |
|
14. Class Surveyor |
B.E. in Naval/Marine/Mech Engg. |
5–10 years (class society) |
Knowledge of IACS rules, certification experience |
|
15. Production Planner |
Diploma/B.E. in Engineering |
3–6 years |
MS Project, ERP, scheduling tools |
|
16. Marine Design Engineer |
B.E. in Naval Architecture/Mech |
2–5 years |
CAD software, structural layout, modeling tools |
|
17. Procurement Engineer |
B.E. or Diploma in Engg./Supply Chain |
3–6 years |
Vendor mgmt, marine parts sourcing, ERP/SAP |
|
18. Offshore Vessel Engineer |
B.E./Marine COC (Class 4 or 2) |
3–8 years offshore |
DP systems, STCW, offshore safety training (BOSIET) |
|
19. Ship Repair Engineer |
B.E./Diploma in Mechanical/Marine |
3–6 years |
Drydock, maintenance planning, retrofitting experience |
|
20. Technical Documentation Specialist |
B.E. / Diploma + Technical Writing |
2–4 years |
AutoCAD, MS Office, manual creation, classification docs |
Criteria |
Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Language Proficiency |
Fluent in English (spoken and written) |
|
Age Range |
Typically 21–55 years |
|
Work Visa |
Employer-sponsored UAE work visa required |
|
Medical Fitness |
Pass UAE government medical fitness test |
|
Police Clearance |
May be required depending on employer |
|
Adaptability |
Ability to work in hot climates, shipyards, offshore |
Suitable For:
Recent graduates or diploma holders
Interns or apprentices
Technical assistants
Common Roles:
Junior marine technician
Trainee welder or fabricator
Assistant design engineer
Junior pipe fitter or electrician
Requirements:
Basic technical knowledge (academic or vocational training)
Willingness to undergo on-the-job training
No prior UAE experience usually required
Suitable For:
Skilled tradespeople and junior engineers with industry exposure
Professionals moving from other countries to the UAE
Candidates with experience in similar industries (e.g., oil & gas, heavy fabrication)
Common Roles:
Marine engineer
Mechanical or electrical technician
Quality control inspector
Shipyard supervisor (junior level)
CAD/design engineer
Pipe fitter or welder (certified with multiple techniques)
Requirements:
Proven hands-on experience in shipyards, offshore platforms, or marine machinery
Familiarity with international standards (IMO, IACS, STCW, etc.)
Industry-relevant certifications (e.g., 6G welding, NEBOSH, STCW)
Suitable For:
Experienced engineers, managers, and subject-matter experts
Professionals with international shipbuilding or offshore experience
Those leading teams, projects, or departments
Common Roles:
Shipbuilding project manager
Senior marine engineer
Class surveyor
Offshore vessel engineer (Chief or 2nd Engineer)
Senior welding/QA/QC engineer
Procurement/project planners
Requirements:
Deep technical expertise in ship construction, systems integration, or project delivery
Leadership or supervisory experience
Familiarity with classification societies (DNV, ABS, etc.)
Ability to manage budgets, timelines, and cross-functional teams
Company Name |
Headquarters / Location |
Key Areas of Operation |
|---|---|---|
|
Drydocks World – Dubai |
Dubai |
Shipbuilding, ship repair, offshore construction, marine engineering |
|
Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) |
Abu Dhabi |
Naval shipbuilding, MRO services, commercial and military vessel repair |
|
ADNOC Logistics & Services |
Abu Dhabi |
Offshore support vessels, fleet operations, marine engineering and logistics |
|
Grandweld Shipyards |
Dubai |
Design and construction of offshore support vessels, fast patrol boats, tugboats |
|
Damen Shipyards Sharjah |
Sharjah |
Offshore vessels, fast crew suppliers, repair and maintenance |
|
Albwardy Damen (Dubai) |
Dubai |
Ship repair, dry docking, mechanical and electrical repairs, new builds |
|
Lamprell Energy Ltd. |
Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah |
Offshore rigs, fabrication yards, oil & gas EPC, marine asset construction |
|
Nico International |
Dubai |
Ship repair, marine and industrial engineering services across UAE ports |
|
Marine Core & Charter (MCC) |
Abu Dhabi |
Marine vessel chartering, offshore support, fleet management |
|
Goltens Dubai |
Dubai |
Marine and diesel engine repair, machining, reconditioning, retrofit services |
|
Zamil Offshore (UAE Branch) |
Abu Dhabi |
Offshore fleet support, shipbuilding, rig maintenance |
|
Tristar Maritime Logistics |
Dubai |
Tanker fleet operations, maritime logistics, vessel engineering |
|
Topaz Energy & Marine (part of P&O Maritime) |
Dubai |
Offshore vessel management, engineering and logistics services |
|
P&O Maritime Logistics |
Dubai |
Offshore supply and logistics, ship management, crewing |
|
Topaz Ship Building (now part of ADNOC) |
Abu Dhabi |
Ship design, offshore vessel construction, engineering |
|
ASRY (Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard – UAE Rep.) |
UAE Office |
Drydock services, ship and rig repair (head office in Bahrain, regional projects in UAE) |
|
Target Engineering Construction Co. |
Abu Dhabi |
Offshore EPC projects, marine and civil construction |
|
Burgess Marine (UAE Projects) |
Project-based in UAE |
High-performance vessel repair, defense-related retrofits (UK-based with UAE contracts) |
|
Al Jazeera Port / Shipyard |
Ras Al Khaimah |
Shipbuilding, vessel maintenance, dry docking |
|
Al Fattan Ship Industry |
Abu Dhabi |
Naval vessels, high-speed crafts, custom builds |
Job Profile |
Avg. Monthly Salary (AED) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
18,000 |
B.E./B.Tech Naval Architecture, 3–7 yrs exp, CAD software, stability analysis |
ADSB, Drydocks World, Damen |
Design ship structure, assess performance, ensure compliance with class/IMO standards |
|
Marine Engineer |
16,000 |
B.E. Marine/Mechanical, STCW, 3–6 yrs exp, propulsion & engine systems |
ADNOC L&S, Grandweld, Goltens |
Maintain marine engines, pumps, generators, and systems onboard |
|
Shipbuilding Project Manager |
25,000 |
B.E. + PMP (preferred), 7–12 yrs exp, marine project experience |
Drydocks World, Lamprell, Target Engineering |
Oversee shipbuilding projects, budgeting, planning, team leadership |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
14,000 |
B.E./Diploma Mechanical, 3–6 yrs exp, marine systems expertise |
Albwardy Damen, Grandweld |
Design/install shipboard machinery, piping, hydraulics |
|
Marine Electrical Engineer |
15,000 |
B.E. Electrical, 3–6 yrs, electrical systems, STCW (if offshore) |
Nico International, Topaz, Albwardy Damen |
Install, troubleshoot ship power systems, panels, and automation controls |
|
Shipyard Supervisor |
12,000 |
Diploma, 5–10 yrs exp in shipyard, team handling |
Drydocks World, Al Fattan, Al Jazeera Port |
Supervise workforce, manage daily operations, enforce safety and quality standards |
|
Welding Engineer |
11,000 |
B.E./Diploma Welding/Mech, AWS/CSWIP, 3–6 yrs exp |
Goltens, Damen, Grandweld |
Develop welding procedures, inspect joints, ensure safety/quality compliance |
|
Welder / Fabricator |
6,500 |
ITI/Diploma, 3G/6G cert, blueprint reading |
Drydocks World, Al Fattan, Damen Sharjah |
Perform MIG/TIG/arc welding and fabricate marine components |
|
Pipe Fitter (Marine) |
6,000 |
ITI/Diploma, 2–4 yrs exp, layout/installation of marine piping |
Nico Int’l, Grandweld, Al Jazeera Port |
Install and repair pipes onboard ships – water, fuel, hydraulic systems |
|
Marine Electrician |
7,000 |
ITI Electrical, 2–4 yrs exp, wiring, motors, marine safety standards |
Albwardy Damen, Topaz |
Connect electrical panels, maintain circuits and devices on vessels |
|
Engine Room Technician |
8,000 |
Diploma/ITI Mechanical, STCW (optional), 2–4 yrs exp |
ADNOC, Nico, Zamil Offshore |
Assist in engine room maintenance, machinery checks, operations |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
9,500 |
Diploma/B.E. Mech/Marine, 3–6 yrs exp, ISO/class knowledge |
Goltens, Drydocks, Damen |
Inspect builds and repairs for compliance with standards and drawings |
|
HSE Officer (Shipyard) |
10,000 |
NEBOSH/IOSH, 3–5 yrs exp in marine/industrial safety |
Drydocks, Target Engineering, Lamprell |
Implement safety protocols, audits, conduct toolbox talks, accident investigations |
|
Class Surveyor |
20,000 |
B.E. Marine/Naval Arch, class society exp, 5+ yrs exp |
DNV, ABS, BV (partnered companies) |
Inspect ships for compliance with classification society and flag state requirements |
|
Production Planner |
11,000 |
B.E./Diploma + 3–6 yrs exp in planning/scheduling, MS Project/ERP |
Damen, ADSB, Grandweld |
Plan and coordinate shipbuilding schedules, manpower, and materials |
|
Marine Design Engineer |
14,000 |
B.E. Naval/Mech, CAD software, 3D modeling, 2–5 yrs exp |
Al Fattan, Damen, Drydocks |
Create detailed designs, models, and schematics for ship systems and layouts |
|
Procurement Engineer |
10,500 |
B.E./Diploma + supply chain knowledge, 3–6 yrs exp |
Goltens, Albwardy Damen, ADSB |
Source marine components, manage vendor relations, inventory control |
|
Offshore Vessel Engineer |
17,000 |
Marine Engineering degree + STCW/BOSIET, 3–8 yrs offshore exp |
ADNOC, Topaz, P&O Maritime |
Maintain propulsion, DP systems, and onboard machinery for offshore vessels |
|
Ship Repair Engineer |
13,000 |
B.E./Diploma Marine/Mech, 3–6 yrs exp, drydock knowledge |
Drydocks, Nico, Goltens |
Manage repairs and overhauls of hulls, engines, and systems |
|
Technical Documentation Specialist |
8,500 |
Diploma/B.E. + 2–4 yrs exp, MS Office, AutoCAD, tech writing skills |
ADSB, Damen, Grandweld |
Prepare manuals, drawings, and compliance docs for projects and certification bodies |
Visa Type |
Purpose |
Eligibility |
Validity |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Employment Visa (Work Permit) |
For skilled and semi-skilled workers hired by a UAE-based company |
Offer letter from UAE employer, medical fitness, relevant qualifications/experience |
2 years (renewable) |
Most common; sponsored by employer; includes Emirates ID & health insurance |
|
Mission Visa |
For short-term technical or project-based work (e.g., ship machinery installation) |
Contract with UAE-based company; passport, recent photos, and relevant experience |
90–180 days |
Fast-tracked; for urgent or project-based hiring |
|
Golden Visa (Skilled Professionals) |
For highly skilled engineers and technical professionals in ship design, mechanical engineering, etc. |
Advanced degrees, 5+ years experience, high salary bracket (~AED 30,000+/mo) |
5–10 years |
Self-sponsored; long-term residency without employer sponsorship |
|
Freelance Visa (for Marine Consultants) |
For independent consultants or marine engineers |
Proven marine industry experience; portfolio; income proof |
1–2 years (renewable) |
Work independently; requires freelance license from free zones like RAKEZ, DMCC |
|
Investor Visa |
For investors in shipbuilding businesses or marine equipment startups |
Proof of business investment in UAE, business license |
3 years (renewable) |
Allows ownership in shipbuilding or marine parts business |
|
Green Visa (Skilled Workers) |
For skilled workers without employer sponsorship |
Bachelor's degree or diploma; salary ≥ AED 15,000/month |
5 years |
No employer sponsor needed; allows family sponsorship |
|
Internship/Training Visa |
For shipbuilding apprenticeships or training programs |
Agreement with shipyard or training institute in UAE |
6–12 months |
Best for recent graduates or trainees gaining marine/shipyard experience |
Valid passport (min 6 months)
Educational & experience certificates (attested)
Medical fitness certificate (from UAE-approved center)
Police clearance (in some cases)
Emirates ID and biometrics (for long-term stay)
