The Middle East: Which Country is Best for Work?

The Middle East offers many opportunities for employment. Which country is best for you? This is our quick guide.

The southwestern region on the Asian continent is home to Arabia, which is the Arabian Peninsula. The Gulf is home to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Oman and Kuwait are also major commercial centers.

United Arab Emirates

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the seven Emirates that make up the UAE. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is the largest and most wealthy of all the Emirates. It houses the majority of energy and project work in the region. It is also home to the Louver museum, located on Saadiyat Island, and the F1 track at Yas Island. Abu Dhabi is home to approximately 1,000,000 people. It has 10% of the world’s oil reserves, so it is well-positioned for growth.

Dubai has a lower natural resource base than other Emirates. It has a more entrepreneurial business culture. It is well-known for its reputation as a tourist and commercial hub. Dubai is the most Westernized Middle East hub. The three million residents are from all walks of life and come from all countries.

Dubai is the most Westernized Middle East hub. The three million residents are from all walks of life and come from all countries.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has the largest Arab economy with 32 million people. Saudi Arabians make up more than half of all Middle East residents. This market is a key growth market for many Fortune 500 businesses and the main emerging market for the region. There are 6 million ex-pats, and 30,000 are British. They are attracted to the country’s excellent living conditions and modern Western/British education. Saudi Arabia is well-known for its American-style shopping malls, entertainment complexes, and other amenities. Life in Saudi Arabia can be extremely rewarding financially.

Qatar

Qatar is the most wealthy country in the world and is currently undergoing significant infrastructure development. Qatar borders the UAE, and has a population of approximately 10,000 expatriates from the UK. This country enjoys a fairly liberal lifestyle. Qatar is the fastest-growing economy due to recent increases in oil and gas prices. Many of the major global project financings are being arranged there. Qatar will play an even greater role in the GCC in the next ten years, with the hosting of the 2022 Soccer World Cup in Qatar.

Bahrain

Bahrain, with 33 islands, is the largest archipelago. Although its economy is primarily oil- and gas-based, it is also a well-established financial center, especially Islamic finance. Bahrain has been viewed as a relaxed, cosmopolitan country that allows religious freedoms and academic freedoms. It also permits the right to consume alcohol. The country’s recent political turmoil has made it a news story for the wrong reasons. Although the UAE is not as well-known as Westerners, they are welcomed warmly and have a strong sense of community.

Oman

Oman also has a significant expatriate population, accounting for about one-quarter the country’s population. Muscat, the capital of Oman, is known for its excellent architecture and rich culture. Nearly every location within the city is accessible by sea or beach. Oman is a popular tourist destination and the people are friendly and tolerant. Oman’s unique landscape of mountains, deserts, and beaches gives it a special feel.