Thinking about a career in Dubai as a truck driver? You’re not alone! Many people from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh move to Dubai for better job opportunities. Truck driving is a high-demand profession in Dubai because of the city’s growing logistics industry.
If you are considering this career, it’s important to know about salaries, job requirements, and how to apply. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about a career in Dubai truck drivers’ salary and how you can get a job in this field.
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Truck Driver Salary in UAE per Month
If you’re considering a career abroad as a truck driver, Dubai offers promising job opportunities. But before making a decision, it’s important to understand how much you can earn.
The salary of a truck driver in Dubai varies based on experience, the type of truck you drive, and your employer. On average, truck drivers in the UAE earn between AED 3,000 and AED 8,000 per month. Here’s a detailed salary breakdown:
| Experience Level | Salary Range (AED per month) | Salary in INR (approx.) |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | 3,000 – 4,500 | INR 68,000 – INR 1,00,000 |
| Mid-Level (3-5 years) | 4,500 – 6,000 | INR 1,00,000 – INR 1,35,000 |
| Experienced (5+ years) | 6,000 – 8,000 | INR 1,35,000 – INR 1,80,000 |
Factors Affecting Salary
Several factors determine how much you can earn as a truck driver in Dubai:
1. Experience
- Just like in any job, experience matters.
- If you’re a beginner with 0-2 years of experience, you may earn around AED 3,000 to AED 4,500 per month.
- If you have 3-5 years of experience, your salary can go up to AED 6,000 per month.
- Highly experienced truck drivers (5+ years) can earn up to AED 8,000 per month or even more.
Tip: The more years you work in Dubai, the better your chances of getting a salary raise!
2. Type of Truck You Drive
- Light truck drivers earn less (AED 3,000 – 5,000 per month).
- Heavy truck drivers earn more (AED 5,000 – 8,000 per month).
- Trailer and long-haul truck drivers earn the highest, sometimes crossing AED 10,000 per month.
Tip: If you get a heavy truck license (Category 4 UAE License), you can earn more!
3. Employer & Company Size
- If you work for a small company, your salary may be on the lower end.
- Big logistics companies and international firms usually pay better.
- Some well-known logistics companies in Dubai include DHL, Aramex, and Emirates Logistics.
4. Overtime & Extra Earnings
- Many companies pay extra for overtime and night shifts.
- Overtime can add AED 1,000 – 3,000 per month to your income.
- Long-haul truck drivers often earn more by taking cross-border deliveries.
Tip: If you are open to working extra hours, you can significantly increase your earnings!
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Dubai Heavy Truck Driver Salary Per Month
If you’re looking for a truck-driving job in Dubai that pays well, consider becoming a heavy truck driver. Heavy truck drivers transport goods over long distances and often drive large vehicles like trailers, tankers, and container trucks. Here is the breakdown of the Heavy Truck Driver Salary in Dubai (Per Month):
| Truck Type | Salary Range (AED per month) | Salary in INR (approx.) |
| Light Truck | 3,000 – 5,000 | INR 68,000 – INR 1,12,000 |
| Heavy Truck | 5,000 – 8,000 | INR 1,12,000 – INR 1,80,000 |
| Trailer / Long Haul | 6,500 – 10,000 | INR 1,45,000 – INR 2,25,000 |
Tip: If you have a UAE heavy truck driving license, your chances of getting a better-paying job increase!
Why Does Heavy Truck Driving Pay More?
Heavy truck drivers earn more than light truck drivers for several reasons:
1. Requires a Special Heavy Vehicle License
- To drive a heavy truck in Dubai, you need a Category 4 UAE Driving License.
- This license allows you to operate heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, trailers, and tankers.
- Getting this license requires proper training and passing a driving test.
Tip: If you already have a truck-driving license from India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, some companies may help you get a UAE heavy truck license!
2. Involves Longer Working Hours & Long-Distance Travel
- Heavy truck drivers transport goods across cities and borders (e.g., from Dubai to Saudi Arabia or Oman).
- Long-distance driving means longer working hours and sometimes night shifts.
- Many drivers work 10-12 hours a day and earn extra money for overtime.
3. Requires More Experience & Skill
- Driving a heavy truck is more challenging than driving a small vehicle.
- You need skills to handle big loads, drive in difficult weather, and manage long journeys.
- Companies prefer experienced drivers and pay them more.
Tip: If you have 5+ years of experience, you can negotiate a higher salary!
Bonus: Extra Allowances for Long-Haul Truckers!
Some companies offer extra benefits for long-haul truck drivers:
- Overtime pay – Extra earnings for working beyond standard hours.
- Accommodation & food – Free housing and meals help save money.
- Cross-border allowance – Higher pay for trips outside the UAE.
- Medical insurance – Covers healthcare expenses.
Tip: If you choose a company that provides these perks, you can save more money and send higher remittances home!
Truck Driver Jobs in Dubai: Requirements & Process
If you’re planning a career in Dubai as a truck driver, there are some important steps you need to follow. The job offers good salaries, but you need the right license, experience, and work permit to qualify. Here’s everything you need to know to get a truck driver job in Dubai.
1. UAE Truck Driver License: To work as a truck driver in Dubai, you must have a valid UAE heavy vehicle driving license. Without this, you cannot legally drive trucks in the UAE.
How to Get a UAE Truck Driving License?
- If you already have a truck-driving license from India, Pakistan, or Nepal, you may need to take a driving test in Dubai.
- If you don’t have a truck-driving license, you must enroll in a driving school in Dubai to get trained and pass the test.
- Driving schools in Dubai that provide training include:
- Emirates Driving Institute
- Galadari Motor Driving Centre
- Dubai Driving Center
2. Age & Work Permit: Before applying for a truck-driving job, make sure you meet the legal requirements. These requirements are given below.
- Minimum Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old.
- Work Permit & Visa: A valid work visa is required. Most employers arrange this for you.
- Medical Test: You must pass a basic medical test to prove that you are fit to drive.
Tip: Avoid job offers that ask you to pay for a work visa upfront. In most cases, the employer handles visa processing!
3. Experience & Skills: Employers in Dubai prefer experienced drivers who can handle heavy trucks safely. Some of the experience and skills that you require are mentioned below.
- Minimum 1-2 years of truck driving experience is preferred.
- Basic knowledge of Dubai’s road safety rules is required.
- Good driving record (no serious accidents or violations).
- Ability to drive long distances and manage deliveries.
Tip: If you have experience driving heavy trucks in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, mention it in your resume! It increases your chances of getting hired!
4. How to Apply for Truck Driver Jobs in Dubai?
Once you have your license, visa, and experience, the next step is finding a job. Here’s where you can apply:
- Online Job Portals: Many companies post job openings for truck drivers on online job portals. Some of the best websites are:
- Indeed (www.indeed.ae)
- Bayt (www.bayt.com)
- GulfTalent (www.gulftalent.com)
- Recruitment Agencies: Many recruitment agencies in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh hire truck drivers for Dubai. Some well-known agencies are:
- Jerry Varghese International
- Al Nasser Overseas
- Dynamic Staffing Services
Tip: Always verify the agency’s authenticity before paying any fees!
- Direct Company Websites: Big logistics companies in Dubai hire truck drivers directly. Some major companies include:
- DHL (www.dhl.com)
- Aramex (www.aramex.com)
- FedEx (www.fedex.com)
Warning: Avoid Fake Job Offers!
Many job seekers fall for fake job offers and scams. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Never pay money for a job offer or visa.
- Check if the company is real before applying.
- Verify recruiters through the UAE Ministry of Human Resources (www.mohre.gov.ae).
Tip: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it’s probably fake. Always research before making any payments!
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Benefits & Challenges of Working as a Truck Driver in Dubai
If you’re considering a career in Dubai as a truck driver, it’s important to understand both the benefits and challenges of the job. Dubai offers great earning potential, but there are also some difficulties you should be prepared for.
Benefits of Working as a Truck Driver in Dubai
1. Tax-Free Salary: One of the biggest advantages of working in Dubai is that your salary is tax-free. Unlike many other countries, the UAE does not deduct income tax, which means you get to keep 100% of your earnings.
2. High Demand for Truck Drivers: Dubai is a global trade and logistics hub, and truck drivers are always in demand. The UAE has a growing economy and industries like Construction, E-commerce, OIl & Gas and manufacturing, all of which require truck drivers for transporting goods.
3. Career Growth Opportunities: A truck-driving job in Dubai isn’t just a dead-end job. If you perform well, you can:
- Become a senior driver with higher pay.
- Get promoted to a supervisor or fleet manager.
- Move to specialised driving jobs (e.g., oil tankers, refrigerated trucks) with better salaries.
4. Company Benefits: Many companies in Dubai provide extra benefits to truck drivers, such as:
- Free accommodation – Helps you save on rent.
- Free food – Reduces your monthly expenses.
- Medical insurance – It covers healthcare costs.
- Overtime pay – Earn extra money by working additional hours.
Challenges of Working as a Truck Driver in Dubai
1. Long Working Hours: Most truck drivers in Dubai work 10-12 hours per day, including:
- Long-distance driving across different emirates.
- Loading and unloading goods at different locations.
- Traffic delays that increase working hours.
Tip: Some companies pay overtime, so check if your employer offers extra pay for additional hours!
2. Extreme Hot Climate: Dubai has a desert climate, and temperatures can reach 45-50°C (113-122°F) in summer. Driving in such heat can be exhausting, especially for long hours.
How to Stay Safe in the Heat?
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
- Use air conditioning while driving.
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothes.
- Take breaks in shaded areas when possible.
3. Language Barrier: Dubai is a multicultural city, and truck drivers work with people of different nationalities. However, English and Arabic are the most commonly used languages. Knowing basic English and Arabic helps you:
- Communicate with employers and other drivers.
- Understand road signs (which are in English and Arabic).
- Talk to customers when delivering goods.
Tip: If you’re not fluent in English or Arabic, learning basic words and phrases will make your job easier!
How to Increase Your Salary as a Truck Driver in Dubai?
If you’re planning to work as a truck driver in Dubai, you may wonder how to earn more. The good news is that there are ways to increase your salary and benefits over time. Here’s how you can maximise your earnings:
1. Get a Heavy Vehicle License: The type of vehicle you drive affects your salary. Heavy truck drivers earn more than light truck drivers because they transport larger loads over long distances.
- In Dubai, you need a UAE Heavy Vehicle Driving License (Category 4) to drive big trucks, trailers, and tankers.
- Training for this license may take a few months, but it can increase your salary by 30-50% compared to light truck driving.
- If you already have a truck-driving license from India, Pakistan, Nepal, or Bangladesh, you may need to pass a test to get a UAE license.
2. Gain More Experience: Experience matters in Dubai’s trucking industry. Companies prefer drivers who are skilled in handling heavy vehicles and know the local roads well.
- Entry-level drivers earn around AED 3,000 – 4,500 per month, while experienced drivers can make up to AED 8,000 or more.
- More experience also means better job opportunities with top logistics companies.
- Some companies offer salary hikes and promotions after 2-3 years of service.
Tip: If you’re a beginner, work with a company for at least 2-3 years to gain experience and negotiate a higher salary!
3. Work Overtime & Night Shifts: Dubai truck drivers often work 8-10 hours per day, but many companies pay extra for overtime and night shifts.
- Overtime pay can be 1.5 times your regular hourly rate, meaning you earn significantly more.
- Night shifts and long-haul routes also offer bonuses and higher wages.
- Some companies allow drivers to take extra delivery trips, which increases their earnings.
4. Apply to Big Logistics Companies: Not all companies in Dubai pay the same salary. International logistics companies and top UAE firms offer higher salaries, better benefits, and stable jobs. Some of the best logistics companies in Dubai include:
- DHL – One of the world’s biggest logistics companies.
- Aramex – A leading courier and freight company.
- FedEx UAE – Offers competitive salaries and good benefits.
- UPS – Known for good salary packages and employee perks.
- Emirates Logistics – A top logistics firm in the UAE.
Tip: Check job portals like Bayt, GulfTalent, and Indeed for openings in these top companies.
5. Learn Basic English & Arabic: Communication is key in Dubai, as you’ll deal with different clients, supervisors, and traffic authorities. Many companies pay more to drivers who can speak basic English or Arabic.
- English helps in understanding work instructions, delivery locations, and road signs.
- Arabic is useful for interacting with local customers, police, and transport officers.
- Some companies provide language training, which can help you get promotions.
Dubai is a great place for truck drivers, with high salaries and strong job demand. If you have driving experience and are ready to work hard, this can be a great career option. A career abroad in Dubai as a truck driver can be financially rewarding if you plan well!
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FAQs
The average truck driver salary in Dubai is around AED 3,000–6,000 per month. Experienced drivers or those working with large companies can earn up to AED 8,000.
Yes, many companies offer overtime pay. Truck drivers working extra hours can earn AED 10–30 per hour, increasing their total salary.
You need a UAE heavy vehicle driving license (Category 4 or 5), a clean driving record, and basic English skills. Some employers prefer drivers with experience.
You can apply through online job portals like Bayt, Naukrigulf, and Dubizzle or contact transport companies directly. Having a valid UAE driving license improves your chances.
Most truck drivers work 8–12 hours per day, depending on the employer and the type of goods transported. Some long-distance drivers work longer shifts.
Some companies provide free accommodation and food for their drivers, but others offer a housing allowance instead. Check job contracts before accepting offers.
Yes, Dubai’s logistics and transport industry is growing. Truck drivers are in high demand, especially for logistics, construction, and oil companies.
Yes, most companies provide health insurance as part of the employment package. It covers medical expenses in case of accidents or illnesses.
Yes, foreigners can work as truck drivers in Dubai. You need a valid employment visa and a UAE heavy vehicle driving license to get a job.
The cost of a heavy vehicle driving license in Dubai ranges from AED 5,000 to 10,000, depending on the driving school and the number of lessons needed.
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