Supply Chain Manager Salary in UAE: Complete Compensation Guide 2026

Supply Chain Manager Compensation in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has established itself as the logistics capital of the Middle East and one of the most important supply chain hubs globally. Home to Jebel Ali Port—the largest port in the region and among the top ten container ports worldwide—along with world-class free zones like JAFZA, KIZAD, and Dubai South, the UAE offers Supply Chain Managers a unique combination of competitive tax-free salaries, comprehensive benefits, and career opportunities across every conceivable industry. Major logistics operators including DP World, Aramex, Agility Logistics, Maersk, DHL Supply Chain, Kuehne+Nagel, Al Futtaim Logistics, and Tristar Transport have built significant operations in the UAE, creating a deep and diverse talent market for supply chain professionals.

The UAE’s strategic position at the intersection of Asia, Europe, and Africa means that supply chain operations here are inherently global in scope. Whether you are managing procurement for ADNOC’s refining operations at Ruwais, overseeing warehouse operations at a JAFZA distribution center handling 50,000 SKUs, coordinating cold chain logistics for Al Ain Farms, or directing last-mile delivery operations for Noon’s e-commerce fulfillment network, the complexity and scale of UAE supply chain roles justify the premium compensation packages the market offers.

Salary Overview by Experience Level

Supply Chain Manager salaries in the UAE vary significantly based on experience, specialization, employer type, and the emirate where you work. The following ranges represent monthly base salaries in AED and reflect current 2026 market conditions across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates.

Entry-Level (0–2 years): AED 9,000–14,000 per month. Supply chain coordinators and junior analysts entering the market typically start in this range. Candidates with CSCP or CIPS certification and relevant internships at logistics companies or manufacturers can command the higher end. Graduates from supply chain or industrial engineering programs at recognized universities start at AED 10,000–14,000, while those transitioning from adjacent fields may begin at AED 9,000–11,000.

Mid-Level (3–6 years): AED 15,000–28,000 per month. At this stage, Supply Chain Managers are expected to independently manage procurement categories, oversee warehouse operations, lead demand planning cycles, and coordinate with cross-functional teams. The range reflects significant variation between smaller trading companies (AED 15,000–18,000) and multinational logistics firms, oil and gas companies, or well-funded e-commerce operations (AED 22,000–28,000). Specialization in high-demand areas like oil and gas procurement, cold chain logistics, or supply chain digitalization pushes compensation toward the upper bound.

Senior Level (7–12 years): AED 28,000–42,000 per month. Senior Supply Chain Managers oversee entire supply chain functions, manage multi-million dollar procurement budgets, lead teams of 20 or more professionals, and are accountable for KPIs including OTIF (On Time In Full), inventory turnover, and total cost of ownership. At companies like DP World, ADNOC, and Al Futtaim Group, senior supply chain leaders regularly earn AED 35,000–42,000 in base salary.

Executive Level (12+ years): AED 42,000–55,000+ per month. VP of Supply Chain, Chief Supply Chain Officer, and Director of Logistics roles at major UAE employers command the highest compensation. These positions require a proven track record of transforming supply chain operations at scale, managing P&L responsibility, and driving strategic initiatives with board-level visibility. At this level, bonuses and profit-sharing can add 25–40% to base compensation.

Salary Variation by Emirate and Zone

Dubai dominates UAE supply chain employment, with Jebel Ali Free Zone alone hosting thousands of supply chain positions across trading, distribution, manufacturing, and logistics companies. Abu Dhabi is increasingly competitive, particularly for oil and gas supply chain roles at ADNOC, Mubadala, and their extensive contractor networks. KIZAD-based employers often match Dubai salaries and sometimes exceed them for roles requiring industrial supply chain expertise. Sharjah, which has its own port (Sharjah Container Terminal) and free zones (SAIF Zone, Hamriyah Free Zone), typically offers salaries 10–20% below Dubai levels. Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone hosts manufacturing operations that employ supply chain professionals at competitive but slightly lower ranges.

Key Factors Affecting Salary

Industry Sector: Oil and gas supply chain roles at ADNOC and its contractors pay 20–35% above market averages due to the specialized nature of hydrocarbon procurement and logistics. FMCG and retail supply chain roles at companies like Al Futtaim, Majid Al Futtaim, and Lulu Group offer mid-range salaries with strong benefits. E-commerce fulfillment roles at Noon and Amazon.ae are competitive with opportunities for rapid advancement. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers like DP World Logistics, Agility, and Kuehne+Nagel offer structured career paths with global mobility options.

ERP and Technology Skills: SAP S/4HANA expertise commands a premium, as the majority of large UAE employers run SAP-based supply chain operations. Oracle SCM Cloud experience is valued at government-linked entities and certain multinational operations. Proficiency with specialized tools like Blue Yonder (demand planning), Manhattan Associates (WMS), or Kinaxis (concurrent planning) can justify 10–15% higher offers for roles that specifically require these platforms.

Certifications: CSCP (ASCM), CIPS, CPIM, and Six Sigma certifications consistently support higher compensation. In a competitive market, certifications serve as differentiators during salary negotiation. Many UAE employers provide certification sponsorship as a retention tool, with completion bonuses of AED 5,000–15,000.

Free Zones: The Heart of UAE Supply Chain Operations

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is the epicenter of supply chain employment in the UAE and the broader Middle East. With over 8,000 companies ranging from global multinationals to regional trading houses, JAFZA offers the highest concentration of supply chain roles anywhere in the GCC. Benefits of JAFZA employment include 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax within the free zone, and streamlined visa processing. Supply Chain Managers at JAFZA-based companies manage complex distribution networks serving the entire Gulf region, East Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia.

KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi) has emerged as a major industrial and logistics hub, attracting food manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and heavy industry that require sophisticated supply chain management. Compensation at KIZAD-based employers is competitive with JAFZA, and the zone’s proximity to Abu Dhabi city offers access to a lower cost of living than Dubai.

Dubai South, adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport and the Expo 2020 site, is positioning itself as an e-commerce logistics hub. Amazon, Noon, and several logistics startups have established fulfillment operations here, creating demand for supply chain professionals with e-commerce and last-mile delivery expertise.

Benefits That Boost Total Compensation

UAE employment law mandates several benefits that significantly increase total compensation well beyond the base salary.

Housing Allowance: Typically 30–40% of base salary, ranging from AED 5,000–15,000 per month depending on seniority. For a mid-level Supply Chain Manager earning AED 22,000, housing allowance adds AED 6,600–8,800 monthly. Many JAFZA-based companies provide accommodation in staff compounds in Discovery Gardens, International City, or JLT as an alternative to cash allowance.

Transport Allowance: AED 1,500–3,500 per month, reflecting the commute requirements for supply chain roles that often involve visiting warehouses, ports, and supplier facilities. Senior roles may include a company vehicle with fuel card. Some logistics companies provide shuttle services between residential areas and free zone facilities.

Medical Insurance: Mandatory employer-provided coverage under UAE law. Quality ranges from basic network plans (AED 5,000–10,000 annual employer cost) to comprehensive international coverage (AED 15,000–25,000) at multinational logistics firms. Family coverage for dependents is standard at mid-size and large employers.

Education Allowance: For supply chain professionals with school-age children, education allowance ranges from AED 20,000–60,000 per child per year at senior levels. International schools in Dubai charge AED 20,000–80,000 annually depending on curriculum and reputation. This benefit alone can add AED 3,000–6,500 per month to effective compensation per child.

Annual Flights: Return flights to home country for employee and dependents, valued at AED 3,000–12,000 per year. Some companies offer a cash travel allowance that can be used flexibly.

End-of-Service Gratuity: UAE law entitles employees to 21 days of basic salary for each of the first five years and 30 days for each subsequent year. A Supply Chain Manager earning AED 25,000 base salary after five years receives approximately AED 87,500 as a lump sum. This gratuity serves as a forced savings mechanism in the absence of a government pension for expatriates.

Top Employers for Supply Chain Managers in the UAE

• DP World: The UAE’s flagship port and logistics operator, managing Jebel Ali Port and logistics operations across 60+ countries. Supply chain roles span port operations, container logistics, free zone management, and the CARGOES digital platform. Known for competitive salaries, global career mobility, and strong training programs.
• Aramex: One of the region’s leading logistics and transportation companies, headquartered in Dubai. Supply chain roles include freight forwarding, express delivery, e-commerce logistics, and contract logistics. Aramex offers dynamic work environments with exposure to the fast-growing e-commerce sector.
• ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company): One of the world’s largest energy companies with an annual procurement budget in the billions. Supply chain roles at ADNOC involve managing complex procurement for refining, petrochemical, drilling, and offshore operations. Compensation packages are among the highest in the UAE.
• Al Futtaim Logistics: Part of the Al Futtaim Group, one of the UAE’s largest conglomerates. Manages supply chain operations across automotive, retail, real estate, and consumer goods sectors. Offers structured career development and cross-functional exposure.
• Kuehne+Nagel / DHL / Maersk: Global logistics leaders with significant UAE operations. These employers offer structured career paths, global mobility programs, and compensation benchmarked against international standards. Supply chain professionals can gain experience across sea freight, air freight, contract logistics, and supply chain solutions.

Career Progression and Growth

Supply chain career progression in the UAE typically follows a path from coordinator or analyst to manager over four to six years, advancing to senior manager, director, or VP roles thereafter. The UAE’s position as a regional hub means that Supply Chain Managers who build strong track records can access opportunities across the broader Middle East and Africa region. Many global logistics companies use their UAE offices as regional headquarters, providing pathways to regional leadership roles.

The most effective way to accelerate career growth in UAE supply chain is to combine operational excellence with digital fluency. Supply chain professionals who can demonstrate expertise in SAP S/4HANA, data analytics (Power BI, Tableau), and emerging technologies (IoT, AI-driven planning) advance faster and command premium compensation. The UAE market increasingly rewards supply chain leaders who can drive digital transformation alongside operational efficiency.

Salary Negotiation Strategies

• Negotiate the full package, not just base salary. Housing allowance, education allowance, and transport benefits are often more negotiable than base pay. A company that cannot increase base salary by AED 2,000 may agree to an additional AED 3,000 in housing allowance.
• Quantify your supply chain impact. GCC employers value measurable results: procurement savings in AED or USD, inventory reduction percentages, OTIF improvements, and warehouse productivity gains. Prepare specific examples with dollar figures for every negotiation.
• Leverage certifications. CSCP, CIPS, and Six Sigma certifications differentiate you in a competitive market. If you hold these credentials, mention them early in salary discussions as they justify premium positioning.
• Reference free zone experience. If you have JAFZA, KIZAD, or other free zone experience, emphasize it. Understanding free zone regulations, customs processes, and operational requirements is valued by employers and justifies higher compensation.
• Time your move strategically. The UAE supply chain hiring market peaks in September through November and January through March. Avoid Ramadan and summer months when hiring slows significantly.

Cost of Living and Savings Potential

The UAE, particularly Dubai, has a moderate to high cost of living that must be factored into salary evaluation. Rent near logistics hubs (Discovery Gardens, JLT, International City for JAFZA; Khalifa City, Al Reef for KIZAD) ranges from AED 3,500–7,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Groceries and dining are moderately priced, though imported goods carry premiums. Utilities including DEWA charges and district cooling run AED 500–1,500 monthly. Abu Dhabi offers 10–15% lower living costs than Dubai.

A mid-level Supply Chain Manager earning a total package of AED 32,000 per month (base plus housing) in Dubai can reasonably expect to save 30–45% of income, assuming moderate lifestyle choices. This savings rate, combined with zero income tax, makes the UAE one of the most financially rewarding destinations for supply chain professionals globally. The concentration of logistics employers means that job mobility is high—Supply Chain Managers who switch employers every two to three years typically see 15–25% increases per move, while those staying at the same company see 5–10% annual increments.

Detailed Company-by-Company Salary Breakdown

See exact salary ranges at 20+ top UAE supply chain employers, including base salary, bonuses, housing allowance, and benefits packages. Updated quarterly from verified employee data and recruiter submissions.

Personalized Negotiation Scripts

Get tailored scripts for salary negotiation based on your specialization (procurement, warehousing, demand planning, oil & gas) and target company type. Includes counter-offer strategies specific to the UAE supply chain market.