Destination UAE: Your Gateway to a Thriving Career in Shipping and Logistics

    Karthik, a 27-year-old Chief Officer working for a reputed Japanese shipping company who had a bright prospect of becoming a Master if he had continued sailing. But, one day he came across a job opportunity which would require him to leave sailing altogether and relocate to Dubai. The job was in commercial shipping segment and required him to charter vessels for carrying cargoes. Today, less than a decade since he left his sailing career, he sits in a lavish shipping company corner office as a Senior Chartering manager overlooking fixtures of multiple vessels under him. This is not just a story of  Karthik but many today. As more opportunities open and people happily embracing these opportunities, whether in commercial shipping, port agency, freight forwarding, port management, logistics etc. this blog explores the maritime landscape in UAE and how it could be your gateway to a thriving career.

(Image source: GDP of UAE)

If we look at the economic landscape of UAE, Transportation and storage form a major part contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The above data was published by CBUAE (Central bank of UAE). The Transportation and Storage sector (6.3% of Dubai's GDP) includes various segments related to the movement of goods and people, as well as the storage of cargo. The key sub-segments are:

1.Maritime and Shipping 

• Ports and Terminals (e.g., Jebel Ali Port, Port Rashid)
• Shipping Companies (container, bulk, tanker, offshore supply)
• Freight Forwarding and Logistics
• Maritime Support Services (bunkering, ship repair, ship management)

2. Warehousing and Logistics

• Free Zones (JAFZA, Dubai Logistics City)
• Cold Storage and Distribution Centres
• E-commerce Fulfilment Centres 

3.Aviation and Air Freight

4. Road Transport

5. Rail Transport

All of this data clearly indicates that the transportation sector is a key contributor to the UAE’s economy, but what does it mean for an ordinary seafarer or professionals in commercial shipping and logistics who are looking out for various opportunities in UAE?

In my search to find an answer to this question I landed upon a few more pieces of data and here’s what it suggests:

• Dubai: As of 2017, Dubai's maritime industry employed approximately 76,200 individuals, accounting for about 3.3% of the emirate's workforce. (Source: tbcduai.org)
• AD Ports Group's Contribution:
  • Nationwide Impact: In 2022, activities by the AD Ports Group supported an estimated 398,400 jobs across the UAE, representing 14.1% of total non-oil sector employment. 
  • Abu Dhabi Specific: Within Abu Dhabi, the group supported around 261,700 jobs, including 32.1% of employment in the emirate's manufacturing sector. (Source: adportsgroup.com) 
• Logistics Sector Trends:
  • Blue-Collar Demand: Between the summers of 2023 and 2024, there was a 69% surge in demand for blue-collar roles in the UAE's logistics sector, driven by infrastructure projects and increased port activities.

(Source: logisticsmiddleeast.com)

Indeed, the available data underscores the sectors' significant role in job creation and economic diversification within the nation. But before ditching your current job and pack your bags to move towards UAE, one also needs to be aware that data are facts of the past and does not guarantee the future. To determine the future sustainability of the given facts one needs to look at the initiatives and policy that the government is taking to shape the future of the sector, and you would appreciate the proactive measures that the UAE government is taking and is committed towards more sustainable transportation and logistic sector. Here are some details below:

Infrastructure: Dubai has put forth immense resources into constructing up-to-date structural designs to assist the logistics market. It holds a modern harbour, Dubai Ports World, which is amongst the largest in the world. It is also equipped with a high-functioning road system and a far-reaching airport, Dubai International Airport, which is one of the liveliest in the world.

Free Zones: The emirate of Dubai boasts many free regions specifically centred around distribution and delivery, including Dubai Logistics City, Dubai South, and Dubai Airport Free Zone. These divisions offer a range of rewards, vacating taxes, enabling complete foreign possession, and shortening customs procedures, to lure in logistics entities.

Freight Forwarding: Dubai serves as a major hub for the transportation of goods, with many worldwide logistic firms having a presence. The services provided are broad and include air, sea, land transport, and customs formalities.

Warehousing: Dubai boasts a comprehensive inventory of warehouses and storage amenities that serve the logistics sector. These services involve storage, inventory control, and distribution.

E-commerce: Dubai’s e-commerce sector is growing at a fast rate, which has caused a rise in the necessity for logistics and transportation. A lot of logistic firms in Dubai are adapting to the transforming wants of the field, delivering solutions like next-day shipping and payment upon receipt.

Investment: The tax advantages, geographic convenience, and high-tech infrastructure of Dubai have made it a great spot for logistics firms to set up shop. In addition, the local government has been encouraging investment in this field by supplying incentives and assistance to businesses investing in the city.

In addition to the above insights, the development of the IME (India – Middle East – Europe) Corridor and participation of other GCC countries would push up the entire sector in the region.

Maritime Education In UAE:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively promoting education to attract skilled professionals to its maritime sector through several key initiatives:

Establishment of Specialized Maritime Academies:

Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA): Launched by the AD Ports Group, ADMA offers world-class maritime education and training, aiming to develop future industry leaders. 

Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA): SMA provides undergraduate programs in Maritime Transport, Marine Engineering, and Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain Management, focusing on equipping students with essential industry skills.

EM Normandie Dubai Business School: One of the leading business schools in Europe, in the year 2022 established their state of art campus in Dubai adjacent to the Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City. It offers bachelor and master’s programs in various segments including logistics and port management and others. 

(For more details on education) click here

Job availability and key employers in the maritime & logistic segment:

The opportunity is vast, in a nutshell one can understand from a simple search done only in Dubai region these are the numbers of companies: Shipping companies 300+, freight forwarders 400+, Ship chandlers and store suppliers 100+, ship repairs and maintenance 50+, stevedoring 50+. And now if we include other major ports like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah etc. these figures would go substantially higher.

The major segments of employment are:

• Ports and Terminals – (Jabel Ali, Port Rashid, Abu Dhabi etc)
• Shipping Companies (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd etc)
• Freight forwarding and logistics (Cargo Gulf, M&J Shipping, TNA Worldwide etc)
• Maritime support services
  • Port agency (Kanoo Shipping, GAC Shipping, Sharaf Shipping etc)
  • Bunkering
  • Ship repair / Survey & Inspection / Marine Insurance
  • Ship management

In UAE, jobs offer competitive salary packages and attractive benefits. According to sources here’s an estimate of salary ranges one can expect. However, it is highly variable in nature to exactly determine and mention.

Port Operations Managers: AED 18,000 – AED 45,000 per month

Logistics & Supply Chain Managers: AED 12,000 – AED 35,000 per month

Additional benefits include tax-free income, housing allowances, medical insurance, and annual bonuses.

Lifestyle and culture in UAE: 

Dubai is home to people of over 200 nationalities. Expats make up nearly 90% of the population, contributing to a diverse and vibrant society where traditions from around the world blend seamlessly. From Indian and Pakistani communities to Western and Arab expatriates, Dubai embraces multiculturalism in its cuisine, festivals, and business environment. The cost of living in Dubai varies significantly based on lifestyle choices. While there is no income tax, housing, education, and entertainment can be expensive. Rent is one of the biggest expenses, with prime areas commanding high prices. Despite this, many professionals are drawn to Dubai for its high standard of living, career opportunities, and tax-free salaries.

Conclusion: With its strategic location and proactive government initiatives, Dubai is an ideal location for international business. It is home to several world-class facilities. Its strong maritime and logistics sector, along with educational initiatives, further solidifies its position as a key player in global trade. Dubai remains a top destination for business and living.

For opportunities in the UAE, connect with us at education@seaandbeyond.com for training and upskilling programs or reach out to jobs@seaandbeyond.com for the latest job openings in the maritime and logistics sector. 🚢✨ 

Here’s few glimpses of Sea And Beyond now at Dubai!