What is the real attraction of work in the Middle East?

Question

I know of many UK citizens who decide to move out to middle eastern countries to work such as Saudi Arabia. I understand the money motive in that there are often higher wages there and no income tax and a cheaper cost of living, however to what extent are all these over and above the UK? IS there really a massive gap in salary earned? One person I know is on £80,000 p/a with not even GCSEs. Does a degree speak volumes in the middle east and are the prospects for a very affluent lifestyle really tangible and achievable?

Answer 1

to work for better money, they don't want to raise a family there.

better that than the sponges that arrive in the opposite direction.

Answer 2

There is a shortage of people for management & Oil Related industry positions. The salaries are the best compared to the rest of the world, and on top of that there is no tax! I am a US Citizen who is originally from the Middle East. My dad was an expatriate bank manager in Qatar. He earned in the mid-80's (US $) back in the 80's and was provided free housing, car, gardener, chauffer, and other benefits. He worked about 6 hours a day (albeit 5.5 days a week - Thursday is a Half day with friday the day off).

Since the 90's first priority is given to those educated in Western Universities. For non-blue collar careers that don't require a college degree first preference is given to Europeans and North Americans.

Life in most of the persian gulf Arab states (UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait) is pretty similar to that in US/UK/Europe with an added benefit of fewer people and traffic. You will get used to the culture, the people and the religion (which should be the case with any oeople that are not native to the place they live), BUT one thing you will perhaps never get used to is how much the papers and tv focus on the ruling class (and how much the Sheikhs and rich Natives can get away in everyday life). (I guess it is kinda like the coverage the royal family gets in UK -thank God, there is no BS like that in US).

If you have experience in a field where there is a shortage of labor in these countries, then you have a decent chance of making a good living (2-3 times what one can make in UK).

I do have to say that being a European or American, I would think twice about the risks involved. Most of the Persian gulf states are moderate in political views, but there are always fanatics everywhere (including non-muslim ones in UK and US). Most of the moslems though hold a gripe against Israel and Zionism (note, not Jews neccesarily), as well as the Islamists are against the ruling class (specially Saudi Arabia).

Answer 3

Interesting question. I have been working in the middle east for over 7 years now at director level.

First of all, Salaries are not as big as u might think. The fact that you do not pay taxes makes a huge difference. It is also worth noting that it costs a lot to live a good life in Britain, everything is very expensive!

Companies in the M.E do offer competitive salaries, I would say in the range of 15-20% more than in the U.K for example and with the tax exemption, overall income increase translates into around 40% more.

Life in M.E is also more interesting than you would initially think. Very developed nations, with huge investments behind most sectors. The professional experience you gain there is a lot more intense than in Europe.

So it is really a combination of better living standards, better professional exposure + experience and an interesting life.

Answer 4

I have worked in the Far East and apart from the money and low taxes you also get a good standard of living and respect in that you are bringing in much needed skills into the country.

Remember though that moving costs money and you always have to come back to the UK so rent out your UK house.

Answer 5

I know someone who spent 5 years living/working out there. The wife couldn't work, so spent "quality time" rasing a young family. The lifestyle is different, but not exactly painful - there's a pretty big ex-pat community to mix with.

When they came back, they had enough money to buy a four-bedroom house in Oxford and two out-of-the-box brand new Range-Rovers - cash.

Reason enough?

Answer 6

It's all about the money. You can earn more than in the UK and no tax...