Uttarakhand man went to Dubai to operate cranes, now earning over Rs 1 lakh a month

A crane operator from Uttarakhand has shared details of his Dubai job, saying he earns around Rs 1-1.7 lakh a month. Here is what he says about the crane operator's salary, licence and work.Balwinder Singh from Uttarakhand has worked as a crane operator since 2005. He says he now earns up to Rs 1.7 lakh a month in Dubai. (Image: Instagram/@jaggy.abroad)Dubai's skyline is filled with cranes, but behind those towering machines are workers who spend years learning how to operate them safely. One such worker is Balwinder Singh from Uttarakhand, who has been operating cranes since 2005.In a recent Instagram video shared by content creator Jagdish Chawla, Singh spoke about his work, earnings and experience in Dubai.According to the details shared in the video, Singh earns more than Rs 1 lakh a month. He also said that the Dubai crane operator salary can range from around 4,000 to 4,500 AED a month, depending on the circumstances.HOW MUCH DOES A CRANE OPERATOR EARN IN DUBAI?According to Singh's account, a crane operator in Dubai can earn around 4,000-4,500 AED per month, which was described as approximately Rs 1-1.7 lakh. However, this should not be treated as a fixed salary for every crane operator in Dubai. Pay can vary depending on experience, employer, type of crane, working hours and other employment conditions. Singh's more than two decades of experience may also be a factor in his earnings.For comparison, Indeed's Dubai salary data listed an average base salary of about 3,044 AED per month for crane operators as of August 13, 2026. DO YOU NEED A SPECIAL COURSE TO BECOME A CRANE OPERATOR?Singh said that becoming a crane operator in Dubai does not necessarily require a special course, but workers need a valid crane operator's licence.According to the details shared by Chawla, the licence can cost around 6,000-7,000 AED, with the individual usually paying for it. Singh also said he arranged his own visa and obtained his licence independently.SINGH HAS BEEN OPERATING CRANES SINCE 2005For Singh, the Dubai job is the result of years spent in the profession. He started operating cranes in 2005 and has now spent more than 20 years working with machinery.Speaking about opportunities in Dubai, Singh said, “Dubai has opportunities for those who are willing to work hard, so don’t hesitate to come and build your career here.”The video has since attracted attention online, with users discussing the profession, salary and experience of the Uttarakhand worker.(Disclaimer: This story is based on a social media post. The details, including figures, background, and outcomes, have not been independently verified by India Today. The article is intended for informational purposes only, and readers are advised to exercise their own discretion before drawing conclusions or making decisions based on the content.)- EndsPublished By: vaishnavi parasharPublished On: Aug 29, 2026 12:35 IST