1. Introduction
Throughout 2025, the UAE’s oil & gas drilling sector remains robust, with a noticeable increase in onshore and offshore well projects.
Drilling Supervisors—whether daytime or night shift—play a pivotal role in ensuring operational safety, efficiency, and delivery of wells according to plan.
2. Role & Responsibilities.
A Drilling Supervisor oversees daily drilling and workover operations. Key duties include:
- Coordinating rig teams, contractors, and technical services to execute drilling programs.
- Enforcing strict HSE compliance according to ADNOC and international standards.
- Monitoring drilling parameters (e.g., rate of penetration, mud weight, well integrity signals).
- Preparing daily drilling reports and implementing lessons‑learned protocols via DWOP/ILT systems.
- Proposing and implementing performance improvements while managing cost efficiency.
This role requires close collaboration with Drilling Engineers, DE/DTL staff, and on-site teams to ensure seamless operations.
3. Skills & Qualifications Required.
- Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferred).
- Minimum 6 years drilling engineering experience, including at least 5 years in supervision.
- Certifications such as IWCF Well Control, H2S, NEBOSH, and safety training are highly valued.
- Proven leadership in managing multicultural rig crews and strong problem-solving in high‑pressure settings.
4. Salary Expectations in 2025.
- A typical Drilling Supervisor in the UAE earns AED 33,000–45,000/month, with a median of around AED 42,700/month. Some postings report an average of ~AED 40,000/month across roles.
- Broader trends across engineering roles suggest a 4% average salary increase in the UAE energy sector for 2025.
5. Job Market Trends & Hiring Companies.
Demand for Supervisors is rising in offshore brownfield wells, especially under major operators and service providers. Notable employers include:
- ADNOC Onshore & Offshore / ADNOC Drilling – the state’s primary driller and largest employer.
- Global EPC and services firms: Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Halliburton, NPCC, Petrofac, Weatherford, and Dragon Oil.
Current job listings (e.g., Gulf Talent) feature Drilling Supervisor within ADNOC Drilling operations in Abu Dhabi. These roles include onshore/offshore supervision and contract compliance.
GulfTalent
Several firms such as NMDC Group and Baker Hughes UAE are actively recruiting supervisors with experience in pile, coiled tubing, and MWD operations.
6. Official Application Channels 📌
ADNOC Group Careers Portal — Browse and apply directly for Drilling Supervisor and related roles via the official portal:
➡️ Visit jobs.adnoc.ae and search “Drilling Supervisor” or “Supervisor, Drilling (Rigs & Ringless Services)”.
Ensure you build a detailed profile and upload your latest CV.
247career4freshers.net+2careeremirate.com+2aejobseekers.com+2
You can also see ADNOC listed vacancies via aggregators such as Gulf Talent, Indeed UAE, and career-specific blogs that link to their official postings.
GulfTalentIndeedGetGulfVacancy.com
7. How to Make Your Application Stand Out
- Use a tailored CV highlighting drilling project supervision experience, well integrity management, and safety leadership.
- Highlight relevant certifications—IWCF well control, H2S rescue, and NEBOSH—and mention experience with DWOP/ILT procedures.
- Craft a strong LinkedIn profile—many employers proactively search profiles for drilling roles.
- Enroll with niche recruitment agencies servicing the oil & gas sector: e.g., Airswift, NES Fircroft, Brunel.
8. Challenges & Opportunities
- This role can involve remote offshore/onshore rotations, strict regulation compliance, and high-pressure performance targets.
- The evolving drilling environment offers opportunities in automated systems, digital rig analytics, and enhanced recovery technology—creating upward pathways to Superintendent or Well Delivery Manager roles.
9. Conclusion.
Drilling Supervisor roles in the UAE remain highly sought-after and well-compensated in 2025.
With median pay around AED 42,700/month, combined with strong benefits and bonuses, these roles are key for professionals looking to lead in rig operations and well delivery.
Major operators like ADNOC Drilling and service providers such as Baker Hughes and NPCC continue to hire across onshore and offshore assets.
Visit the ADNOC Careers portal and top multi‑national service providers’ sites to explore current openings and apply.
