John Tinsley : Gulf Recruitment

For those looking to relocate temporarily to the Middle East differences in tax laws and salary conditions can result in individuals making significant increases to their yearly wages. With jobs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE continuing to be available for expatriates, and with salaries much the same as those found in Western countries, tax law variations can play an important part in attracting workers.

Dubai in particular remains highly attractive for prospective workers as, like many other emirate countries, the nation has no personal taxation laws. For this reason, though the majority of salaries may fall in line with those paid in Western nations, net income can often be far greater. In addition, whilst many companies used to offer remuneration packages which divided income into specific portions for items such as education, travel costs, housing provisions etc, recent changes now mean that on the whole an individual will simply receive a salary which covers everything. Allowing for workers to spend their income how they like, the change is an added attraction to an already beneficial package.

Like job positions in the West bonuses and commission practices are also incorporated into work though unlike other places jobs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia also often provide an “indemnity” package. Provided to individuals when a contract ends, the package is normally calculated on a worker’s salary throughout the term of employment, discounting bonuses. Usually providing between 15 and 20 days basic pay for the initial three years of a contract and a month’s salary for each contracted year after, indemnity packages can result in a significant sum, providing workers with a huge ‘thank you’ package for working in the nation.

With English being an important language in Dubai there are a range of opportunities for teachers who wish to share their native language. Whilst considerable cultural differences often result in very few native English speakers being found in the state education system, the need to school expatriate children and local adults working in a range of hospitality and construction sectors means that individuals can often find jobs teaching English in Dubai.

As advertised in newspaper supplements and a range of professional teaching publications, those looking at teaching English in UAE nations such as Dubai have a number of options open to them. Private schools, mostly educating the children of expatriates, are commonplace with English normally being the main language used. French schools may also offer English teachers the opportunity to find highly paid work.

Meanwhile, with a rise in tourism and nationals wanting to learn the English language, teaching English at language schools is also an option. However, with other foreign expatriates also attending classes the job hours can be difficult due to individuals only being able to attend after work; therefore teachers may have to work late into the evening. Private tuition is also very popular, especially in Dubai, providing a lucrative means of employment though it is often seasonal, falling in line with examination schedules, and therefore is normally conducted by those already working in a teaching position elsewhere.

Lastly there is also some work available as an interpreter or translator for contractual, technical and legal paperwork. In addition some management courses and lecturers require individuals with translation skills, though such work is often only offered on a short term and part time contract.

Every country and part of the world has its own recruitment agents, and the Gulf is no different.  If you have specific skills and abilities to offer to employers in the Gulf, you may benefit from contacting various recruitment agencies to try and find jobs in the Gulf that are suitable for you.

Firstly, go online and search for agencies in the Gulf.  Some of them will be general agencies that provide all kinds of workers that the Gulf needs.  In other instances they will be more specific.  For example there is an agency called Heston which primarily recruits people for the oil and gas industry.  Elsewhere Arab Recruitment is a large company that has interests all over the Gulf and has openings for jobs in many different sectors.

As you can see there are clear benefits in signing up for a recruitment agency for jobs the Gulf.  With that said though, you do need to sign up for the best agency for your needs.  If you have no firm idea of which industry you want to work in, go for a more general purpose recruitment agency.  Otherwise search for one that specialises in the kind of jobs you want to do.

There is no doubt that there are plenty of jobs the Gulf available.  The trick is to find them and ensure you can match yourself up to the right one.  Agencies can help you through this procedure and give plenty of advice as well.

If you have only recently graduated from university, a job in the Middle East might be a viable option for you, particularly if your degree was in one of the following disciplines: engineering (chemical, construction, electronic, civil and industrial), business administration, economics, the sciences or architecture. For example, chemical engineering graduates, particularly those from a top university with a good class of degree, are well-placed to find jobs in oil-rich Qatar – there are always jobs (mostly contract) at all levels in Qatar in the oil and gas sector.

University graduates with a background in trade and tourism, hospitality and catering, PR, law, IT and telecommunications are also likely to find plenty of tempting, suitable and lucrative positions with excellent prospects in the UAE. They may also find many opportunities for jobs in Saudi Arabia.

Dubai in particular has become increasingly attractive to new graduates looking to embark on their brand new career, due to the diverse opportunities offered by its wealthy and expanding business centre. However, in recent years the UAE government has forged an initiative (‘Emiratisation’, or the replacement of expatriates with national workers) to address the problem of unemployment among native Emirates. (91.5% of workers across the UAE are expatriates.) This process of Emiratisation is becoming especially apparent in certain sectors including banking, government organisations and public relations, where local businesses are more inclined to recruit nationals over similarly-qualified and skilled foreign applicants.
 
Since the UAE government has been implementing a policy of economic diversification to reduce the region’s reliance on oil, the tourist industry and business sector have had a new lease on life, which has in turn sparked a construction boom.

The Middle East continues to be a hotspot for business and economic growth, enticing numerous firms and career seekers to this region.  There are certain areas in the Middle East that are attracting more attention than others, including; Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.  For the most part, the most actively growing business and career sectors are the banking and finance, construction, healthcare, IT and telecommunication industries.  However, many secondary sectors such as media and management are also witnessing significant growth.

If you are searching online for the right job in the Middle East, you do have to exercise some caution, as there are scammers out there that could cost you a lot of money.  Stick with applying to the more established, larger firms when filing your applications online.  These companies typically provide more long-term, secure employment opportunities and usually pay higher salaries.  Just be aware of the fact that the job market in the Middle East, especially in those areas mentioned above, has become extremely competitive in certain career sectors.

The firms in the Middle East which are consistently offering career opportunities will be looking for higher quality professionals to fill the positions available.  So it is important that your CV or resume be as accurate and professional looking as possible.  After all, that CV or resume is what gives the prospective employer their first impression of you.  Additionally, you should also compose a professional covering letter that emphasises your qualifying skills and your relative work experience.

An expatriate is an individual from a foreign country living and working in a country other than their own. When looking at jobs in Middle Eastern countries it becomes important to understand which kind of expatriate communities are available in different countries, as this allows you to keep ties to your roots, which can be vital to overcoming cultural differences and blending in with the local culture at a natural pace. Without expatriate communities people working jobs in Middle Eastern countries run the risk of experiencing culture shock, which can not only ruin performance on the job, but make your life a living hell for the duration of your contract.

People looking at getting jobs in Dubai have a unique situation, considering that this is one of the most rapidly developing urban areas in the world, and the number of expats is such that the ratio is 5 to 1 when it comes to comparing them against the locals. And while most individuals working jobs come from southern Asian countries, English-speaking individuals from the UK, Australia, the United States and beyond are becoming more common, influencing the overall dynamic of Dubai’s teeming expat community.

There are a wide variety of jobs in Dubai available for expats, ranging from IT jobs to banking jobs, and much, much more. Becoming a part of the expat community can help you understand what it really means to be an expatriate in a foreign country, and can help you avoid any newbie mistakes that could otherwise plague your adventure.

Working in a foreign country is a big experience.  Not only are you starting a new job, you also have to get used to working in a new location and living in a different country as well.

Jobs Saudi Arabia means you have to accept a whole new set of circumstances to get used to and live in.  If you want to devote yourself to your work and save plenty of money for the future, Saudi Arabia can help you do that.  Since nightclubs and many other similar venues do not exist in Saudi Arabia you will not have many places to spend your excess cash.

Working in Saudi Arabia is certainly good for job experience.  But you may not be suited to staying out there for any length of time.  A good way to start with jobs Saudi Arabia is by focusing on temporary work that lasts for a few months.  This gives you the experience you need while leaving open the possibility of returning home afterwards if you no longer want to stay there.

Working abroad can be exciting in many ways; a job in Saudi Arabia offers a learning curve that is for the most part exciting to follow.  But be realistic about how you will fit into the life that Saudi’s live.  You must abide by their rules and ensure that you are happy with the contract you sign before you take any job there.  A little care taken in advance will smooth the way for you.

The State of Qatar juts out from the coast of Saudi Arabia into the Persian Gulf with Doha the capital city housing about 80% of the population. Being on a flat sandy plain, Qatar has few topographical features.  A few hills, west and central, and some stunning sand dunes in the southeast are of interest.  No perennial rivers or lakes exist in Qatar.

The climate of course is quite like other desert countries: very hot summers but somewhat more temperate winter months.  

The discovery of oil around 1939 changed this country into an immensely rich nation.  From depending upon fishing and pearls Qatar was catapulted into being a nation that has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

This fabulous piece of fortune brought great success to its current ruling elite, the Al Thani family, and indeed all the citizens of Qatar. Jobs are guaranteed, college education is free, citizens pay no income tax, health and government services are free; Qatar could be described as a complete welfare state.

This good fortune extends also to expatriates seeking jobs in Qatar. Qatar oil jobs, Qatar gas jobs and Qatar IT jobs are listed by corporations and recruiters offering jobs in Qatar. Look also at Gulf jobs and jobs in the Middle East for employment opportunities.

If attracted to employment as an expatriate in Qatar oil jobs and Qatar gas jobs you will find a community of other foreign workers already in jobs in Qatar. Doha offers many amenities; the Grand Mosque, Entertainment City and the national aquarium and museum draw many visitors.

One of the main reasons many people choose to work in Dubai is because of the tax-free income. One does not have to look very far to see that Dubai is a city of wealth and abundance, with opulence dripping from nearly every street corner in the form of towering skyscrapers, magnificent hotels, luxury resorts, and some of the most renowned shopping malls on the entire planet. The United Arab Emirates operates using a free market economy and is absolutely dedicated to the principles of free trade, which makes jobs in Dubai fairly popular with individuals from Western countries. Considering there is no such thing as corporate or personal income tax, anyone working a job in Dubai is allowed to work income tax free. As a result, there are a great number of expat workers who have come to Dubai from New York or London who work for the same wages they were working for back home, but take home far greater pay cheques because their costs are significantly reduced by the fact that there is no income tax.

Working a job in Dubai means that you do not have to pay any taxes whatsoever, even above and beyond the income tax free wages you are already earning. One hundred per cent of what a worker earns goes directly into their bank account. And considering foreigners are not allowed to own businesses in the UAE, you can be assured that no matter where you work your income is yours to do with as you please.

Above and beyond the importance of a professional CV when it comes to landing a job in a Middle Eastern country, it is impossible to overestimate the importance of business acumen. Whether you are applying for Qatar oil jobs or Saudi IT jobs, employers are going to look for individuals with a sound understanding of how businesses work, and more specifically how your particular industry runs. Companies hiring for jobs in Dubai are not looking for middle-of-the-road candidates; rather, they are looking for people who are keyed into efficiency, productivity, and have an understanding of the bottom line and how to achieve it.

If you are applying for a position in the oil industry in Dubai, for example, you are going to need to demonstrate a strong understanding the global oil industry. This includes pricing structure, an understanding of basic engineering, and all the relevant problem-solving skills that can help you identify and define problems with clarity and precision, making you the perfect addition to the team. Companies hiring in the Middle East are looking for workers who can implement the perfect business solution; this is why they are hiring individuals from outside the country rather than sticking to local candidates. They are looking at a global pool of candidates for jobs in Dubai, jobs in the United Arab Emirates, and jobs throughout the Middle East. Regardless of the position that you apply for, you need to be able to convey an absolute understanding of your chosen business. If you can do that, you can land jobs in Middle Eastern countries regardless of where they are located.