Let’s find your next opportunity​

{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}

{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}

saved
viewed

What does it take to be a construction manager in the Middle East?

A construction manager is responsible for almost everything that happens on a construction site. They are one of the most senior people on a project, overseeing and directing specific operations to ensure successful delivery on time and on budget.


We're always looking to the future, and we're growing our teams to provide a sustainable future for the next generation. If you're looking to take the next step in your engineering career, why not consider a role as a construction manager?

What does a construction manager do?

No two days are the same for a construction manager. The key responsibilities of a construction manager include providing planning, leadership, direction, and technical expertise on a fast-paced and complex construction site. They effectively manage the timely procurement of materials, equipment, plant and labour resources, delivery to site and construction of the subcontract work packages.

Construction managers may be tasked with anything from monitoring progress on finances or planning schedules to dealing with clients, subcontractors, or the general public, and even hiring new staff to enrich their teams, including architects, surveyors and engineers. Whilst the role of a construction manager can be challenging and multifaceted, ultimately it is rewarding.

How to become a construction manager?

To be a construction manager, typically you will need to be qualified and have extensive experience in a construction-related discipline, primarily engineering. 

You will need a demonstrable track record in the delivery of mixed-use, multi-functional projects and be effective in building good working relationships.

Once you have this under your belt, you'll need to be able to demonstrate excellent communication and leadership skills to be able to interact with numerous stakeholders. 

We all know that construction projects can sometimes face challenges, so as one of the most senior people on a project, being able to motivate your team is essential. 

Additionally, by embracing innovation and utilising digital technologies as a construction manager, projects, and your career will have greater success.

Working in the Middle East

Typically, due to the traditional heritage and culture of the Middle East, countries have generally been slower to adapt to key changes that are significant for the prosperity of both people and the environment. 

However, there is a shift towards establishing a more sustainable future with an objective to diversify the economy from just crude oil and towards more sustainable initiatives. 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) in particular, has become a more attractive place to work for both local people and expatriates over the last few years as governments make commitments towards becoming more inclusive, sustainable, and modern, investing in these areas to provide for a better.

A series of national priorities have been established as part of Vision 21 in the UAE, including 'Sustainable environment and infrastructure'. This strategy focuses on improving air quality, increasing clean energy within the built environment, and implementing green growth plans.

Why the UAE?

Under Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030, pioneering construction managers will be in increasing demand in the UAE to help shift the core of its economy from unsustainable resources to knowledge, innovation, cutting-edge technologies, and new economic alternatives such as smart cities. 

Smart cities are emerging in the UAE and all over the world, as they will address economic and social challenges, whilst also unlocking potential long-term benefits. 

Smart cities, like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are paving the way for an improved quality of life and ensuring our environment is protected for future generations to come by using data and digital technology to work to make better decisions.

Build your career as a construction manager in the Middle East

At AtkinsRéalis, we are one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world, and we have a strong presence in the Middle East region built up over fifty years. 

We're looking for more experienced construction managers to join our teams in the Middle East. Working as a construction manager in this city is both motivating and fulfilling and no two projects are the same, so you'll always be developing and learning new skills. 

If you're looking for your next challenge, browse our available construction manager jobs in the Middle East today. 

If you can't quite find something that suits you, sign up for job alerts so you'll never miss an opportunity.

 

Related blogs

Man in a navy blazer and white shirt posing for a professional portrait.

Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager

From aeronautics to a leading role on Québec’s REM project: How Réjean Perreault found purpose as a civil engineer and project manager at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager
Headshot image of Josée

Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall

Discover Josée’s career journey from Scenic services manager to Director of Operations at the Maison symphonique de Montréal, where she ensures everything runs in perfect harmony.

Card link for Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall
Accessibility that empowers: Giridhar’s story at AtkinsRéalis

Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering

Irene Seo, P.Eng shares her woman in engineering career journey from an early role in civil engineering to a director role with global influence.

Card link for Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering
Accessibility that empowers: Giridhar’s story at AtkinsRéalis

Building roads and a career: My Journey as a Woman in Civil Engineering

From supervising to leading highway operations: Catherine’s career journey speaks of teamwork, growth, and the value of women in civil engineering.

Card link for Building roads and a career: My Journey as a Woman in Civil Engineering
a man standing on a beach.

Mechanical engineering jobs in nuclear: What it's like starting out.

Here's how I turned two summer placements into a full‑time career in mechanical engineering in nuclear.

Card link for Mechanical engineering jobs in nuclear: What it's like starting out.
Picture of Chinmay sitting on a chair

My early career in the heart of the nuclear renaissance: Chinmay’s journey at AtkinsRéalis

From campus to clean energy innovation — Chinmay’s story captures what it means to start your career at AtkinsRéalis. As a young engineer, he’s helping shape the future of nuclear technology through curiosity, collaboration, and purpose-driven work.

Card link for My early career in the heart of the nuclear renaissance: Chinmay’s journey at AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis carbon training is shaping careers in sustainable engineering

How global carbon training boosts my sustainable leadership at AtkinsRéalis

I joined carbon training for the skills – and left with a whole new perspective on leading across borders.

Card link for How global carbon training boosts my sustainable leadership at AtkinsRéalis
Padraic

Bringing my carbon tool to life with expert global colleagues

Discover how carbon training at AtkinsRéalis helped me grow my expertise and helped create a carbon quantification tool now used across transportation projects.

Card link for Bringing my carbon tool to life with expert global colleagues
Tony

Why Ireland Is the Place to Build Your Engineering Career

Are you ready? How leaders can break past the ceiling, take on bigger roles, and deliver Ireland's most ambitious programmes.

Card link for Why Ireland Is the Place to Build Your Engineering Career
Tackling the carbon challenge: My part in sustainabillity at AtkinsRéalis

Tackling the carbon challenge: My part in sustainabillity at AtkinsRéalis

Imagine leading change, building carbon solutions with our global AtkinsRéalis team.

Card link for Tackling the carbon challenge: My part in sustainabillity at AtkinsRéalis
Careers in Defence: Project Management, Cybersecurity and More

Building a brilliant career in defence

Breaking barriers and building a rewarding career in defence – here's how I did it.

Card link for Building a brilliant career in defence
Kevin

Engineering jobs in Ireland: Build your legacy on major projects

Join AtkinsRéalis Ireland to work on Metrolink, Dublin Airport, Water Supply Project and more. Explore engineering jobs, leadership opportunities, and career growth.

Card link for Engineering jobs in Ireland: Build your legacy on major projects

Related jobs

Resident Engineer Iconic/Interchange Stations
Construction Full time
Resident Engineer Iconic/Interchange Stations

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Resident Engineer - Civil - Cables/OHTL.
Cities & development Construction Full time
Resident Engineer - Civil - Cables/OHTL.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Iconic/Interchange Stations Civil/Structure Engineer
Construction Full time
Iconic/Interchange Stations Civil/Structure Engineer

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Civil/Structural Engineer - Overground Stations
Transportation Construction Full time
Civil/Structural Engineer - Overground Stations

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Assistant Resident Engineer Iconic/Interchange Stations
Construction Full time
Assistant Resident Engineer Iconic/Interchange Stations

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Civil Lead
Water Construction Full time
Civil Lead

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Instrumentation, Controls and Automation Lead
Water Construction Full time
Instrumentation, Controls and Automation Lead

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

group of people talking to each other

Everyone belongs

We empower each individual to shine and contribute to our collective impact. We believe in the power of unique perspectives. It’s how we’re engineering a better future every single day.