1. Introduction

In 2025, the UAE’s oil & gas sector is growing dynamically, with major investments in upstream expansion, refinery upgrades, and digital transformation.
Project Managers are playing a critical role overseeing large-scale EPC/EPCM projects and ensuring delivery within budget and schedule.
2Role & Responsibilities.
Lead end‑to‑end project execution across upstream, midstream, and downstream initiatives. Define scope, budgets, schedules, resources; manage risk and safety.
Coordinate teams—including engineering, procurement, HSE, and subcontractors—to meet ADNOC standards or international codes (API, ISO) .
Oversee both greenfield and brownfield projects in offshore and onshore settings.
3. Experience & Qualifications.
- Typically 15+ years in oil & gas, with 5+ years’ project management experience on EPC/EPCM projects.
- Strong technical background in engineering: mechanical, civil, electrical, or petroleum disciplines.
- Certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 and proficiency with Primavera P6, MS Project, and MS Office suite.
- Experience working on ADNOC or similar high‑standard projects is a significant plus.
- Key Employers & Official Application Channels.
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
- ADNOC is the UAE’s flagship energy corporation with over 50 oil & gas project manager roles frequently advertised—especially in Abu Dhabi. Current listings on platforms like Indeed show 75+ ADNOC-related Project Manager roles.
- To apply directly, visit the official ADNOC Group Careers Portal:
✅ Apply here → jobs.adnoc.ae
Petrofac (Middle East & UAE)
Petrofac operates major EPC projects in onshore and offshore oil & gas, refining, and petrochemical sectors across the UAE.
They list senior project-level roles such as Senior Manager – Construction on their official recruitment portal.
Other top employers include Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Wood Group, Jacobs and Petrofac Emirates, each regularly offering high-level PM opportunities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
5. Current Hiring Trends & Salaries
- Demand is strong in EPC/EPCM sectors at firms supporting ADNOC and other national oil companies.
- Many roles require handling complex brownfield upgradations or new build megaprojects, with teams working under tight regulations and compliance standards.
- Annual compensation for senior project managers can reach AED 400,000–500,000 or higher, plus bonuses and allowances, depending on experience and project scale.
6. How to Make Your Application Stand Out
- Tailor your CV to highlight technical delivery, budget management, compliance, and leadership in EPC projects.
- Include certifications like PMP, IPMA, NEBOSH (if safety oversight involved).
- Prepare a concise LinkedIn profile—many energy firms monitor profiles directly.
- Network via industry events (e.g. Tawdheef Fair, ADNOC energy forums), and register with specialist recruiters like TASC, Petroplan, NES Fircroft, and Brunel.
7. Challenges & Opportunities
Challenges:
- Projects demand detailed knowledge of ADNOC standards, safety compliance, and can involve tight timelines and remote work rotations.
- Market volatility and rigid Emiratisation policies can impact hiring pace and candidate criteria.
Opportunities:
- UAE’s commitment to expansion and modernization—including digital oilfields and energy transition—means high-impact roles for PMs on flagship greenfield and brownfield developments $\dots$ from upstream platforms to refinery expansions and pipeline networks.
8. Conclusion
In 2025, project management roles in UAE’s oil & gas sector remain among the most prestigious and well-compensated careers. Senior PMs are in demand across ADNOC projects, EPC enterprises like Petrofac, and major service providers.
Success hinges on strong technical leadership, proven project delivery, and familiarity with the ADNOC ecosystem.
🔗 Official Links
- ADNOC Group Careers Portal – for latest “Project Manager – Oil & Gas” roles: 🚀 jobs.adnoc.ae