Are you an experienced chef who wants a big career move in 2026? A top firm in the Middle East is now hiring for a Chief Cook Job on offshore vessels and rigs. This is your chance to work in a high energy environment across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. You will get to lead a kitchen team and feed a hardworking crew at sea. This role offers a great way to save money while seeing the world.
Leading Edge is a top professional service firm that helps experts find great roles in the maritime sector. They focus on finding the best talent for offshore projects in the Gulf region.
Job Summary
| Job Title | Chief Cook (Crew) |
| Company | Leading Edge |
| Sector | Maritime and Offshore Services |
| Website | https://leadingedgeme.ae/ |
| Hiring Status | Urgent Hiring |
| Location | Offshore (UAE, KSA, Qatar) |
| Work Type | Onsite (Vessels, Barges, Rigs) |
| Contract | Full-Time (6-month rotations) |
| Experience | 3 to 5 years |
| Qualification | Culinary Certificate or Diploma |
| ATS Keywords | HACCP, Menu Planning, Inventory, Food Safety, Arabic Cuisine |
| Expected Salary | AED 5,000 to AED 8,500 (Estimated) |
| Visa | Visa Sponsorship provided |
| Apply Link | Click Here to Apply |
Company Overview
Leading Edge is a well known name in the Middle East professional services industry. They are based in Dubai, UAE. They have a strong reputation for matching skilled workers with big offshore projects. The company has grown steadily over the last few years. They now help manage talent for some of the biggest oil and gas rigs in the region. Many people want to work with them because they offer stable jobs and great support.
The maritime industry in the UAE is very large. Reports show that the maritime sector contributes about 7 percent to Dubai’s GDP. This means there are many jobs for people who want to work at sea. Expats love working here because of the high safety standards and the chance to work with a global team. Leading Edge makes sure every worker feels valued and safe during their long shifts at sea.
✅ Good News: This role includes full Visa Sponsorship and Accommodation included for all successful candidates.
Why This Chief Cook Job is Perfect for You
This is not just a normal kitchen job. It is a leadership role on a large ship or rig. You will be the boss of the galley. You will report directly to the Barge Master or the Ship Captain. This means your work is very important for the morale of the whole crew. If the food is good, the crew is happy. Growth opportunities are huge in this sector. You can move up to become a catering manager or an offshore camp boss.
The work environment is fast and exciting. You will meet people from all over the world. You will learn how to cook in large amounts while keeping the highest safety levels. This role is a great fit for someone who likes to lead and stay busy. The best part is the Tax-Free Salary which helps you save a lot of money for your future.
Key Responsibilities
- Menu Design: Create and cook delicious menus including Arabic, Indian, and Continental dishes.
- Inventory Management: Track all food stock and order new supplies before they run out.
- Safety Standards: Follow all HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) rules to keep food safe.
- Team Leadership: Supervise and train kitchen helpers and stewards to work as a team.
- Cost Control: Manage the kitchen budget and find ways to reduce food waste every day.
- Record Keeping: Use computers to track daily meals and write reports for the management.
- Maintenance: Check all kitchen tools and ovens to make sure they work well and safely.
Requirements & Qualifications
Mandatory Requirements
- Experience: At least 3 to 5 years of work as a Chief Cook in a maritime or offshore setting.
- Cooking Skills: You must know how to cook Arabic, Indian, and Western meals perfectly.
- Age Limit: Candidates must be below 50 years old for this physical role.
- Rotation: You must be willing to work on a 6-month rotation schedule away from home.
- Language: Good English skills are needed to talk with the diverse crew members.
- Computer Skills: Basic knowledge of MS Office like Excel and Word is required.
Nice to Have
- Certifications: A valid STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) certificate is a big plus.
- Advanced Training: ISO 22000 or HACCP certifications will make your CV stand out.
- Language Skills: Arabic is a plus but it is not required for this role.
💡 Pro Tip: When you apply, make sure to list the specific types of dishes you can cook. Mentioning you can cook for 100 people at once will help you get the job!
Salary & Benefits
Working offshore in the Middle East comes with great financial rewards. Since this is Urgent Hiring, the company is looking for people who can start soon. The salary packages are very competitive compared to land-based hotels.
| Benefit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | Tax-Free monthly pay based on your experience. |
| Accommodation | Free housing provided on the vessel or rig. |
| Food | All meals are provided for free while you are on duty. |
| Travel | Annual flight tickets to your home country are included. |
| Insurance | Full medical insurance for the employee. |
In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, you do not pay income tax. This means if your salary is AED 7,000, you take home the full AED 7,000. This is a Tax-Free Salary environment. You also get an end of service benefit. This is a lump sum of money given to you when you finish your contract. It is calculated based on your basic pay and how many years you worked.
Who Should Apply
This job is for a strong and organized chef who loves the sea. You should apply if:
- You are a leader: You enjoy managing a small team and taking charge of a kitchen.
- You are flexible: You don’t mind living on a ship for a few months at a time.
- You are healthy: This job requires standing for long hours and working in a moving vessel.
- You are skilled: You can cook a variety of cuisines to a very high standard.
About Location
You will work in offshore areas of Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The weather can be very hot in the summer, but the living quarters are fully air-conditioned. Life on a rig is disciplined. You usually work 12-hour shifts. There are gyms and recreation rooms on board for your free time. There is no public transport at sea, but the company provides all transport from the airport to the ship.
Cost of Living: Since Accommodation included is part of the deal, your costs will be very low. You can save up to 80 percent of your salary every month. This is the best way for expats to build wealth quickly.
Day in the Life of a Chief Cook Offshore
“My day starts at 5 AM. I check the breakfast prep and plan the lunch menu for 80 crew members. By noon, the galley is busy with hungry engineers and sailors. I spend the afternoon checking the food stores and ordering more rice and vegetables. In the evening, I cook a special Arabic dinner. It is hard work, but seeing a happy crew makes it worth it. When my shift ends, I relax in the crew lounge and call my family.”
How to Apply
The application process for this Chief Cook Job is simple. Follow these steps to start your journey:
- Update your CV to show your offshore experience clearly.
- Prepare copies of your culinary certificates and passport.
- Send your application through the official portal or email.
- Wait for a screening call from the HR team.
- Attend a technical interview where you might talk about recipes and food safety.
- Complete a medical check to ensure you are fit for sea duty.
The result usually takes about 3 to 6 weeks. Be patient but stay ready for the call.
⚠️ Important: Always double check your contact details on your CV. If the phone number is wrong, the recruiter cannot reach you for this Urgent Hiring.
Visa & Legal Corner
Most offshore jobs in the Middle East require a specific work visa. The company will handle the Visa Sponsorship process for you. You will need to provide valid documents for this.
- Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
- Attested Certificates: Your culinary degrees might need to be stamped by the embassy.
- Police Clearance: You may need a document showing you have no criminal record.
- Medical Fit Certificate: A special medical test for offshore workers is usually required.
In Saudi Arabia, some roles follow Saudization rules. However, skilled culinary roles often allow for international hiring under company sponsorship. Always read your contract carefully before you sign it. It will list your notice period and your rotation dates.
FAQ
1. Is there an age limit for this job?
Yes, the company is looking for candidates below 50 years old because the work is physically demanding.
2. Is accommodation provided?
Yes, Accommodation included is part of the package. You will stay in a cabin on the ship or rig.
3. Do I need to pay for my visa?
No, the employer provides Visa Sponsorship and covers the costs of the work permit.
4. Can I go home during the 6-month contract?
Usually, you stay on board for the full rotation. You then get a long break to visit home.
5. What kind of food do I need to cook?
You must be an expert in Arabic, Indian, and Continental (Western) food for the diverse crew.
Disclaimer
- We are a job information site and not a recruitment agency.
- We never ask for money for job applications.
- If a recruiter asks for a fee, it is a scam. Please report it.
- We summarize public info to help you find work faster.
- Always check the official company website for the latest updates.