The hydrogen shift has arrived, making hydrogen no longer an experimental practice. Now it’s a core pillar of the Gulf’s energy future. From massive green hydrogen plants in Saudi Arabia to export hubs in Oman and the UAE, the demand for skilled professionals is rising fast.
If you’re a new hydrogen engineer or considering a career as a green hydrogen consultant, this guide outlines the current job market and guides on building a lasting career.
The Rise of Hydrogen Projects in the Gulf
Hydrogen has become a fundamental component of the Gulf’s energy mix. This is thanks to the need to diversify their economies and meet global climate targets.
Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman are seeking to diversify their economies for the future by investing billions in green hydrogen infrastructure.
One of the most ambitious efforts is the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project in Saudi Arabia. This $8.4 billion joint venture between ACWA Power, Air Products, and the NEOM Company is set to produce up to 650 tons of green hydrogen per day by 2026, using electrolysis powered entirely by renewable energy.
It’s the largest project of its kind in the world.
The UAE has chosen to move with Masdar, in collaboration with ENGIE, to develop green hydrogen hubs focused on supplying fuels for the shipping and aviation industries.
Aiming to be a top 10 hydrogen producer by 2031, the UAE has plans to develop up to seven hydrogen production hubs.
Meanwhile, Oman, not to be outdone, is emerging as a quiet leader.
Projects like the Hyport Duqm and Green Energy Oman are projected to produce millions of tons of green hydrogen and derivatives (like ammonia) annually. These will primarily be exported to Europe and Asia.
What Does a Hydrogen Engineer Do?
Hydrogen projects need hydrogen engineers. A hydrogen engineer plays a critical role in designing, building, and maintaining the systems that enable hydrogen production, particularly green hydrogen produced through renewable-powered electrolysis.
At the core of the job is working with Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) or Alkaline Electrolyzers to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.
Hydrogen engineers also work on:
- Gas handling and compression systems
- Infrastructure for pipelines and transport
- Thermal integration with solar or wind plants
- Automation, control systems, and instrumentation
Depending on which project phase you work on, you might be involved in feasibility studies, site assessments, or hands-on commissioning of green hydrogen plants.
Although engineers come from a variety of sources, common backgrounds include chemical, mechanical, electrical, or process engineering.
There’s also a growing demand for specialists in hydrogen safety, fluid dynamics, and thermal systems in the Gulf.
Being a hydrogen engineer is a multidisciplinary role that demands both technical depth and field adaptability, especially as the region scales pilot projects into full operations.
Career Path: From Hydrogen Engineer to Green Hydrogen Consultant
Starting as a hydrogen engineer can open doors to high-impact roles in strategy, policy, and advisory. Then, as the industry matures, experienced professionals have been increasingly shifting into positions as green hydrogen consultants.
As a consultant, you work on projects from the early planning stages through to completion. This might include (but is not limited to) feasibility studies, carbon footprint analysis, and infrastructure planning.
Many consultants also come from a background in general engineering. Your years spent in system design, fieldwork, or R&D provide you with the technical credibility that clients look for.
Over time, you can also build additional skills in regulatory compliance, market forecasting, and cross-border project coordination.
You may transition directly within the company that hires you, moving from an engineering role to a project advisory role. Or, you may join specialized firms focused on sustainability or energy transformation.
The big advantage to this path? Consultants shape projects at a strategic level. Instead of focusing on just one system or plant, you can help guide long-term decisions across entire portfolios.
Are you an engineer looking to advance your career? Consider consulting.
Certifications and Skills That Matter
If you’re looking to stand out as a hydrogen engineer or transition into a green hydrogen consultant role, you’ll need more than just a degree. Certifications and skills matter as much as traditional education.
The Gulf’s top employers want specialized technical training, software proficiency, and a strong understanding of hydrogen safety and process design.
Technical Certifications
Obtaining specialized technical certifications shows expertise and commitment to the field. Many of them also stress the importance of safety.
- DNV Hydrogen Certification Programs: Offered globally, these courses cover the entire hydrogen value chain, including safety and risk assessments. DNV’s certifications are recognized by many project developers in the Gulf.
- Hydrogen Safety Training (via TÜV SÜD, Fraunhofer ISE, or HySafe platforms): Safety is crucial in handling hydrogen. This training addresses that. Employers are requiring proof of training in hydrogen-specific hazards, particularly for high-pressure and large-volume systems.
- GWO (Global Wind Organisation) Certifications: This certification is often required for hybrid hydrogen-wind installations, particularly offshore. You’ll learn about working at heights, first aid, and fire awareness.
Software & Technical Skills
- Aspen HYSYS / Aspen Plus – Process simulation for hydrogen production
- AutoCAD / Revit – System and layout design
- MATLAB / Simulink – Modeling and control systems
- CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL) – Useful for analyzing gas flow and thermal integration
Soft Skills for Consultants
It’s not only about your technical skills.
- Stakeholder Communication – Especially for policy advising and cross-national projects
- Report Writing & Feasibility Analysis – Required in consultancy roles
- Fluency in English and Arabic, where possible – Often a differentiator in client-facing work
Blend field experience, certification-backed knowledge, and cross-functional fluency will make you competitive and highly sought after.
Who’s Hiring For Hydrogen in the Region
Real employers are actively building project teams. Here’s where the opportunities are emerging.
- NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (Saudi Arabia): A joint venture between ACWA Power, Air Products, and NEOM Company, it’s hiring across engineering, safety, logistics, and plant operations.
- Masdar (UAE): You’ll work with ENGIE, BP, and others to develop green hydrogen hubs for aviation and shipping fuels. Roles range from project development to systems integration.
- ADNOC (UAE): Originally focused on blue hydrogen (from gas + CCS), ADNOC is now expanding into green hydrogen projects as part of its decarbonization push.
- Oman Hydrogen Centre (OHC) and OQ Alternative Energy: You’ll be part of Oman’s push into hydrogen exports through projects like Hyport Duqm.
Who They’re Hiring
- Nationals (through Saudization, Emiratization, Omanization) for engineering, policy, and operations roles.
- Expats with experience in hydrogen, EPC projects, or safety-critical systems.
- Consultants with a background in renewables, infrastructure finance, or energy planning
How to Break In and Stay Competitive During Hiring
The Gulf hydrogen industry is only just beginning, which means timing and positioning are as important as credentials. Here’s how to get your foot in the door and stay ahead.
1. Start With Pilot Projects and R&D Hubs
Early-career engineers can target internships or junior roles at research centers or demonstration plants, such as the Masdar Institute or the Oman Hydrogen Centre. They can help you transition into larger project pipelines.
2. Join Global Training Programs
International firms like ENGIE offer graduate programs or technical training that rotate through Gulf-based projects. These are excellent entry points for fresh graduates or career changers.
3. Attend Regional Energy Events
Events such as the World Future Energy Summit (Abu Dhabi), ADIPEC (UAE), and the Saudi Green Initiative offer you direct access to hiring managers, government partners, and EPC firms.
4. Track Funding Announcements
Set alerts on sites like IRENA, MEED, and national energy ministry announcements. When a new hydrogen project secures funding or breaks ground, hiring often begins within weeks.
5. Stay Certified and Current
Regularly update your knowledge on hydrogen safety standards, process modeling, and compliance protocols specific to the region.
Conclusion: This Is a Long Game Worth Playing
Hydrogen plays a crucial role in the Gulf’s shift to cleaner and more diverse energy systems. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman are developing projects and establishing new industries.
If you’re starting as a hydrogen engineer today, you’re not just working a job. You’re positioning yourself to become a green hydrogen consultant, a technical advisor, or a project leader in one of the world’s fastest-emerging energy sectors.
The infrastructure is going up. The talent pipeline is forming. The only question is: will you be part of it?
Explore the rest of our blog for up-to-date guidance on solar, hydrogen, and renewables job paths across the Gulf.