Living and Working in the Gulf States - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia
97Opportunities in the Gulf
I enjoy working in the Middle East, having serviced contracts and projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Most of the work here is in Energy and Construction but there are jobs and contracts in other fields too, as the Gulf States mature and diversify. (My own field is Broadcast Engineering).
Living and working abroad is not for everyone, but if you have a touch of the pioneering spirit and a skill to offer, you could do worse than spend a few months or years in the Middle East, a part of the World that is riding out the Global recession better than most.
Map of the Gulf
Where are the Gulf States?
The Gulf States are the eight countries and territories that surround the Persian (or Arabian) Gulf - Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman. Except for Iran and Iraq, all are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC, a political and economic union.
The United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is one country made up of seven small hereditary emirates or kingdoms: Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm al Quwain. Because of the different characters and foreign allegiances of the ruling families, the individual emirates are quite distinct societies. Sharjah, for example, is a strictly traditional Islamic state quite unlike its Westernised neighbour, Dubai. There are no land border controls within the Emirates, so visitors (and nationals) can move freely between them.
Europeans or Americans would have to have a very good reason to choose Iran or Iraq at present, but all of the other Gulf States are well worth considering if you have a sense of adventure and fancy a change of scene.
Update, February 2012:
The Arab Spring popular revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt triggered a wave of protest movements throughout the region. In Bahrain, heavy handed policing of protests caused a number of deaths and injuries and the situation is still not resolved, though an uneasy calm has been restored. There are Sunni/Shia tensions in this tiny kingdom but inequality and corruption were at least as much to blame. For the ex-pat communities, it is more or less business as usual, but check latest information before travelling here.
The UAE, Qatar and Kuwait generally look after their nationals fairly well, so it is unlikely that the unrest will spread to these territories. However, Iran and Saudi are powerful and unpredictable, so things can change quickly. Again, always check before travelling.
And the differences?
Mostly the differences are in degree. Though all are Islamic, Dubai & Abu Dhabi (both in the United Arab Emirates), Bahrain and Oman are relatively open and tolerant societies, (but don't expect them to be like Sweden, OK?) while Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are much stricter in their adherence to Sharia law and therefore generally less comfortable for the expatriate communities. Having said that, in Saudi it's normal for Western ex-pats to live in compounds within which there are certain freedoms. Personally I don't like compounds, but each to their own.
What do the Gulf States have in common?
They are all Arab countries*, with Arabic as the national language, though a lot of business is conducted in English. They are all Islamic (Muslim) countries. They have more than their fair share of desert, with searing heat in summer and very little rainfall. Mostly they are rich, from oil and gas reserves, though this wealth is not evenly distributed. And all are engaged in a huge expansion programme with burgeoning construction of roads, airports, resorts, residental and hotel properties, banking, commercial and retail centres and all the 'must haves' of consumerist modernity.
*(except Iran, which is Persian, not Arab)
What's good about working in the Gulf?
There are many opportunities to work on big projects, and not just in oil, gas and construction. Most disciplines are in demand here, and are often very well paid. Earnings can be tax free, though this may depend on your home country's policy on overseas income and whether you are paid locally or into a bank back home.
The experience of working closely with people from all over the world is of inestimable personal value if you approach it with an open mind. You will not like everything you see, but you can learn a great deal about your place in the world. In particular, you learn that your own country doesn't have all the answers.
On a more basic level, the streets are generally safer than most Western cities, with low personal crime rates. Hospitality, friendliness and politeness are valued and widely practised, both as a religious duty and as a way of life.
Though the prevailing culture is Arab and Islamic (which are not one and the same, by the way) there is also great diversity owing to the various immigrant communities and this is reflected in the enormous range of small shops and restaurants waiting for you if you just venture outside the glitzy malls and hotels and explore the streets.
Understanding the 'package'
In the Gulf region, a job comes with a 'package', not a simple wage deal. The package comprises remuneration and any or all of: accommodation, transport, health insurance, marriage allowance, children's education, leave entitlement, home visits and more. The package on offer also depends on the applicant's home country. Employers offer what they have to to fill the vacancies. A Filipino or Sri Lankan will be offered less than a European for the same work, even if identically qualified. It may not be fair, but with no workers' representation it's not about to change. Always check the full package before signing up.
What are the risks?
If you take a contract with a major European or American company, (there are plenty in the Gulf), you can't come to much harm, provided you stay on the right side of the law. More about that later. If you choose to work directly to a local employer, the rewards can be higher, but you should be aware of a few things and take appropriate care:
- Your employer is also your sponsor. You cannot work for anyone else if he does not release you.
- You cannot leave the country without an exit visa issued by your employer/sponsor. (This varies from country to country).
- There is a culture of late or withheld payment, even among respected companies.
You do not have 'normal' employee's rights. Always research carefully before taking any contract in this part of the world. Abuse of 3rd World immigrant labour forces is all too common. Specialists and professionals are generally treated better, but with notable exceptions.
Driving - the biggest risk
The standard of driving across the region is very low. Serious accidents and fatalities are an every day occurrence. It is rare to drive for even half an hour without seeing several dangerously irresponsible road safety violations, often committed by young guys in grossly overpowered 4x4's. Upturned Land Cruisers and flattened Corollas are just part of the landscape. Take care!
Staying out of trouble
Throughout the Middle East, the police tend to lock you up first and worry about it later, which could mean when somebody outside realises you're missing and makes enquiries. The best advice is to stay out of their notice. In particular:
- Don't get into fights. Being in the right is no defence.
- Don't get into debt. Imprisonment for debt is common.
- Drinking in hotel bars is legal, but appearing drunk on the street is an offence.
- There is zero tolerance of drink driving. One drink is over the limit.
- Any accident is by definition your fault if you've had any alcohol at all.
- Drug offenses are taken extremely seriously.
- Homosexual activity is a criminal offence and severely dealt with.
- Unmarried cohabitation is illegal, though sometimes tolerated.
- Avoid indiscreet behaviour in public with a member of the opposite sex.
The interpretation of this last one varies enormously from country to country and could (and very likely will) be the subject of a hub of its own. Do also bear in mind that even more care should be taken during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Thank you for reading.
Comments are welcome, but...
Please note that this article is about what it is like to live and work in the Gulf States. I can talk about that from ten years experience here. What I can't do is give specific details on how to obtain visas and other immigration technicalities. Every case is different. Besides which, it doesn't matter what I say, if the authorities say something different. By definition, they are right!
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Hi Para , I am faraz, an Engg having 4+yr of exp & working in KSA from last 1.5 yrs, actually my salary is very less 3500SAR + Bachelor benefits. I want to change my job , but would like to work in KSA again , as I have seen KSA is good place to save money. Can you Please tell me what are the essentials I keep in mind while switching to some other company in KSA like paper processing viz Exit, NOC etc. My Job contract will complete in Jan 2013, hence I want to start searching it before 2-3 Months , so to avoid any delay in getting next job.... Would it be ok... Please advice about my next Salary & one more important thing I will be marry very soon in 2013 , but is it possible to ask for Family benefit before marriage...
Thank you very much once again for taking time in replying me. Will monstergulf workout?? i have been trying from bayt.com since months but no response. And that is the reason for asking you for any other procedure to make my trials more effective. Just expecting for a response each day without getting discouraged. Thats it.
Thank you very much for your immediate response sir. I am very desperately looking for an opportunity in UAE but i am unable to find out who to approach in what way and how to proceed my job search so that i would get placed at the earliest. Could you please guide or let me know how can i proceed to fulfill my dream of working in UAE.
I am seeking an entry level HR job in UAE, Qatar or Oman as a recent grad. Is it easier for me to get an employer sponsored job in any of these three countries?? Please do let me know. I am very desperate to relocate. And my qualification is B.Tech(Computer Science and Engineering), MBA(HR & Marketing).
dear sir why abu dahbi gorment cancled pakstni visa without in reason
Dear sir
as i have 18 years experience in account, can dubai give me sponsor job visa.pl guide me.
thanks
hetal
Hi,i was completed mba in hr 2011 passed out.currently i am fresher.i wanted to work in gulf(kuwait,bahrain)countries.i dont know how to get job in this countries.pls anybody suggest me.this is my mail id arun30prakash@gmail.com pls mail it.
Thank u
With tense political situations, middle countries are not being that popular like few years back. It is obvious that, if someone can arrange to make a job in any of these middle east countries, the respective person will earn substantial amount of money in each month.
Thanks for your informative hub. Keep up the good work :)
dear para,
you doing well for all people....
i am from india.presently got offer from company in saudi.
my questions are
1) my frineds told that saudi has many restrictions compare to other GCC...is it true? what are the restrictions?
2)if i got selected ,who will arrange for work visa whether company or myself?
3)how many days will take to get work visa?overall, how many days will take ti come in saudi,if i got selected for job in saudi company?
sir
i wna know it that whts the value of qualification in gulf.becouse as i realease the more important thing is experience here. bt im agree experience is important bt selection is nt on just basic of experience. if some one have 30 year of experience so he is 30 year older thn me.il also hv 30 year experience after 30 year. bt the matter is it tht i think just experience does nt matter. matter is achievement n honout if some one hv awarded so many times so their experience is useful othrwise its show tht the person is aggressive towards his work so if u r hiring just only on experience so its nt right. if someone hv experience n he dnt know much n dnt do anything attractive so whts experience he have thn
I applied for Abu Dhabi and also had sighed my offer letter and sent back to company after that the person told me who is working in that company that i am black list form Abu Dhabi, even i haven't traveled to Abu Dhabi in my life i was applying at first time. how i could be black list, I just want to know that i was really black list or it was a sign to dismiss me. I am not trying again because he has given me the black list option and i think if it is reality than it would be wastage of time to try again.
hi
cn u tell me pls. tht its gud for indian to go n work in gulf. bcz the salary they offer to indian n pakistani r same n indian economy is much high than pakistan. so its require difference in salary. bcz in india a common person cn easely earn 12 to 15 thousand wage monthly. n its equal ti 30000 in pakistani rs tht hard for pakistani to earn in their country. tht the different thing tht expenses r same in both country. bcz expenses is in every country. they can not higher an amirican on the same salary of indian on the same post. so why they higher pakistani on the same salary as an indian getting. pls clarify it to me
I am working in qatar.My company gave me the release paper.How many months the release paper validity in qatar.
By
Saneeb Abdu
thanks a lot Para for your valuable opinion.
I am working in qatar.My company gave me the release paper.How many months the release paper validity in qatar.After i got the release paper that one of the labour of that company gave case in court for salary problem and company in black list.I got a job in government section i gave my passport and id to change my visa to my new company.There is any problem come to emigration to change my visa because my previous company in black list..Plz give me your advice
Hi Para,
Actually I was trying to get a job visa for Qatar,but came to know that there are too many restrictions in getting Job Visas. Now am planning to go on a free visa and to find myself a job. what do you suggest, is this idea fine..How easy to get a job if i come there and start finding one myself.I am from Sales & Marketing background..and got 4 years experience.
regards
Anoop
If i am you, keep away from KSA, it is a suffocating place. Get a job either in UAE, Qatar, Kuwait or Oman.
FYI ... i have been living in the gulf for 12 years.
Compared to Westernized nations (e.g., U.S., Canada, Europe), but do NOT include imdustrialized Asian, African or Latin American nations ... How are women treated in the workplace or when on a careerwoman path? Are there jobs for women and will people hire qualified females? Do women get paid less than men??
i m having 4 years of experience as medical representative,
is there any chance for me to work as a same at gulf
hi para,
my friend has applied for an opening posted by Kuwait national Guard. But is 2 months now no response from the firm.Are these process that slow. how is the firm. it was for the post of Software engineer.hw is the job opportunities for sw engneers in Kuwait.
Hi I graduated in IT from Australia. I have got some experience as a junior business analyst. I am thinking of applying jobs in Dubai..Can you advised me where and which agency I can apply to
you said it right Para.. let me see whthr can hang on to get some good incentives. will definitely update you on the status..
thanks.
Hi Para, im planning to come dubai nxt month.i hv masters in commerce degree with 5 years of experience in reputable media (TV).how much chances that i would get a job in how much time in what sectors.Tnx
Plz suggest
hi,
hope i am pretty good at negotiations. i have experience of working for Coke and Loreal in the field of Sales& marketing
anyways thanks a ton for your feedback
hi Para
Qatar National Import and export company is a private firm..
How is the pay for a marketing/sales job in qatar
thanks
thanks para
Hi Para..
Hope you doing good...am a regular follower of your hub.
i have got an opportunity in Qatar National Import and Export Company in the field of Marketing.Would like to know your feed back on this firm as well as a general feedback on a marketing/sales job in Qatar.
awaiting your reply.
thank you
Thanks so much for your advise/Opinion. I will trouble you lot in betweens.
Paraglider, by meat I meant Poultry ( Chicken, Egg) as Thai food are normally based on chicken, egg,seafood and pork buy here we minus pork. Beef rarely used. We plan for a street side resturant but may be will work out the cost for Mall also. What are the visa process if we need to visit for 4 days next month end?
Paraglider, That was very fast response. Thanks so much. Would you like to suggest some places/location which according to might be a best bet without being afraid of that Demolishing. We might be visited next month to survey the location as well as the local market for availability of fresh meant/seafood and vegitables.
Hi Paraflider, Greetings from Thailand. I am Indian living and working here in Thailand for past many years. I and my friend plan to open a Thai Restaurant in Qatar with the help of my friends brother who live and works there. Recently he visited to Thailand and offered us to help us setting up a small Thai restaurant ( 40 seats).How do you think the potential of opening a Thai Restaurant there? Your advice/Opinion will be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance..
Thank you very much para for your kind help i really appreciate your help to the people :)
Hi para thnx for the reply, However we are not sponsoring each other we got the job in the same company and the company will be sponsoring us right, so can v accomodate each other now...
Hi para iam sameer me and my girl friend got the job in the same company and we both belongs to different religions can v live together with out marriage in UAE...and how is the environment for girls to work in UAE Plzzzzz reply me
Allah hafiz..to all
Hi,
First of all, I appreciate your helping nature. You are helping lots of people with very useful information.
I am from India and got a couple of years of experience in Web developement (mainly microsoft .net). Could you please let me know whether there are any job oppurtunities in gulf countries. Thanks a lot.
Please i am a Nigerian and milled steel welder by profession, how can i live and work in gulf state with a sponsorship.thanks
I have gotten a responce online from a Kenneth Green about work in Qatar.He said that a company he represents is looking for a construction supervisor.They would pay me $20,000 US. per month pluas a car and serviced 3 bedroom apartment. And also the project starts in two weeks.Does this sound ligit. I am Canadian.
Hey there I'm a recent IT graduate from NZ. How hard is it to get an entry level IT job for example junior business analyst or help desk/service desk positions?
Thanks heaps!
Febs
i like it
Respected sir,
I want to work in gulf country,I am from india.my querie is about accomodation.can i get the accomodation free from the hospitality industry or restaurent.pls reply me my mail id is vijay.jena61@gmail.com
i need a small contract in dubi.i am a Pakistani government contractor
hi!
Para, am imran from india am looking for a job in any of the gulf continent,my qualification is B.E(E&CE),MS(VLSI-CAD) currently am working in MSR school of advance studies ,will i get a job,and please let me know how to apply for jobs.Infact if i start applying now how long will it take for me to reach there.Am very desperate to get a job as am getting married this April , and my wife also had done B.E(E&CE) will she also be able to get a job if she can apply so.The main purpose for me to get job in gulf is that the amount of salary i get here is very very less, am may not be able to support my family with the amount i get here. so please can you suggest me for a good option ,if possible can u help me out. Am ready to work in any domain.
Regards
Imran
Thanks for your valuable information..It will be helpful to my future..Keep it up..
Hi all, i would like to know if you sign a contract for 2 years, if you want to visit your home country after one year on your own expenses ,will they allow? Contract says exit will be after 2 years.
hi all, some very useful info on here. but what im looking to find out is, is it possible to go contracting when you've suffered from depression in the past, i know medical records are checked so this worries me as i had a bout about 2yrs ago. thanks
hiii paraglider..
I am Automobile engineer, i hav a query..i got thru an interview from qatar fr an automobile company b4 3weeks n the offer is quite good n they confirm i m selected and they forwarded ma papers to HR b4 10days. But till now no offer letter i received. Wat does tat mean? they dropped d offer or wt..
please guide...
Hi paraglider,
I am an engineer fresher. I got an offer from Rs Al Khaimah for monthly salay of 2750 UAD. How is the offer. how much i can save?
hi Para,
am an Indian, how about the job security in Qatar.
thanks
Sorry Paraglider, you answered the question before I posted it by mistake a second time. Thanks for the reply.
Thanks for the quick reply....so an unmarried couple couldn't stay in a hotel or serviced apartment then? How do tourists cope and how would an unmarried partner be able to enter the country and stay without a job?
hi Para,
thanks for the reply.. how about job opportunities for MBA marketing grads in Qatar, is it easy to get job.. are they paid well
Hi Paraglider, the information you provide is really useful, thanks. I am looking to work in possibly Dubai and am going through a divorce. Will a new unmarried partner be able to come and live with me in Dubai?
After how many months does an employee gets promoted in saudi arabia? Million tx in advance
Thanks a million ..
Para
Thanks for your quick reply,
Honestly it accumulated into 60'000 aed after 3years.
They managed to get a charge and a case going in my home country and I am awaiting
A court date to show up. I am residing in Europe for a while.
If I do go to Qatar I will be using my new EU passport but I'm not changing my name
But based on that I will not be applying for a visa I should obtain it at the airport.
Do you think if problems come up will I be held there or simply refused entry and free to come back here.
I'm considering contacting there embassy or Qatar immigration to check.
Your thoughts
Pattan









faraz 116 minutes ago
thanks para for your valuable help. My contract gets complete in Jan 2013. It means before completion of Contract , I cannot work in KSA without NOC. Also I am sure My employer will not give me Exit before Completion. Would it be any kind advice on this , as I am stuck with all complicated rules. .