In 2008, the power supply demand in Saudi Arabia alone grew some 70%, compared to the 20% growth factor that was experienced in 2007.  Statistics are not yet complete for this past year (2009), but there are indications that this may have dropped off slightly.  But this dramatic increase in the demand for power has resulted in a spike in the career and job opportunities in several fields.

Although the most significant growth of Saudi Arabia jobs has been in fast-track construction positions and fields relative to the oil and gas industry, other job sectors are still experiencing steady growth in the opportunities for employment that are currently available.  Other employment opportunities exist in the banking and finance, IT and telecommunications, and media industries for the individual who is qualified and skilled in these types of careers.  Finally, keep in mind that due to the population growth in these Gulf areas that the real estate and tourism industries have seen some significant growth as well.

Work visas are usually arranged by the employer upon a firm offer of employment.  The employer will act as sponsor for the employee and is responsible for their worker during their time in UAE.  The fees are paid by the employer and the work visa is usually valid for either one or two years.  Once the work visa has been issued it doubles as the residence visa. 

The worker must have a passport which has at least six months left to run, birth certificates and medical certificate.  Medical examinations before and after you enter the country are essential to show you are in good health and free from AIDS/HIV and other communicable diseases. 

Once you are resident in the country, identification documents such as the national identity card and relevant visas must be carried at all times.  Employers will usually retain passports as they are subject to spot checks by the immigration service to control the number of illegal workers in the country. 

Those who have any visible connection with Israel will be denied entry to the country. 

Being a team player goes beyond simply being capable of communicating with others on a regular basis. Whether you are working a Dubai telecom job and setting up telecommunications between companies and residential areas or working a Dubai banking job and performing as part of a finance team looking at global finance and marketing for local firms, team skills are essential. In some ways they are more important when looking at jobs in Middle Eastern countries than anywhere else because you are coming in as a foreigner, and your ability to adapt to a team of culturally and religiously diverse people can make or break your career. Effective relationship management is essential to the success of your career on a long term basis, and regardless of which jobs you are working it is vital to your viability as an employee.

It is the gas and oil industries which are the main part of Bahrain’s economy and the government is supporting the growth and expansion of the industries.  Vacancies range from entry level positions to senior executives with preference being given to candidates with relevant qualifications. 

Bahrain IT jobs are becoming increasingly popular as the industry grows.  A number of recruitment agencies advertise regularly for software designers, computer programmers and senior management vacancies within the industry.
 
Bahrain banking jobs have a potential for massive growth.  The country has constructed a massive financial quarter to encourage banks and investment organisations to base themselves in the region and the possibilities are endless for those with relevant experience and qualifications. 

There are a number of websites which advertise Bahrain jobs in a number of industries and reputable recruitment agencies are regularly placing workers with the larger corporations.

Foreign workers will need to have a firm offer of employment before they are able to apply for a work permit and this will need to be arranged by the employer.  The employer acts as a sponsor and is responsible for the worker while they are in the country.

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.

Many of these jobs will expect the applicant to have several years of experience in the financial sector and if that is the requirement, those who have less need not apply.  Competition is fierce and to stand a good chance of winning the post you will need to meet all the criteria in the job specification. 

There are some entry level positions available and these make a good starting point for university graduates to begin their financial careers.  Established financial organisations will provide all the necessary training for successful applicants. 

Foreign workers who go to the Gulf have to be sponsored by their employer, who pays for visas and arranges accommodation.  This ensures that they look after their worker as they are then officially responsible for them.

Dubai banking jobs will range from senior positions such as chief financial officer to account managers, collections managers and trading positions.  Applying via recruitment agencies is a good way to get a foot in the door though applicants should ensure that the agency they are using is a reputable one which is recognised by regulatory bodies. 

Another option is to begin working here for a financial institution and move to the Gulf via an internal transfer.  This provides a new opportunity in a new environment while remaining with the same company. 

Whether you are looking at Dubai banking jobs or Qatar oil jobs, or even just working as an engineer on one of the many projects going up in Abu Dhabi, there is a wide array of opportunities available to you when it comes to jobs in Middle Eastern countries. Considering how many employers are looking for fresh-faced college graduates just like yourself, it narrows down the prospects considerably, but you still need to be aware of which industries can offer you the opportunities you are interested in. You should find a focus of interest and a job that looks like it might suit your desires, and go from there. Send your CV out to a recruiting agency today and get prepared for the time of your life.

One of the first steps to avoiding unemployment is to structure your search beyond simply your local environment. Understand that internet research can mean the difference between dipping into your life savings and continuing on your career path. You have to be willing to look beyond your own front door, and considering the number of jobs available in Middle Eastern countries, now is the perfect time to tackle something new.

Networking is considered a mandatory skill in today’s working environment, and there is no better way to network than by looking at jobs in Dubai, jobs in Kuwait, jobs in Saudi Arabia, or jobs in other Middle East countries. This part of the world is growing at a rapid pace, and whether it is IT jobs, banking, financing, media, engineering, or construction, don’t limit yourself to local opportunities or you could be out of work for months. Go global and become one of the new wave of opportunity takers.

Many good opportunities for lucrative jobs in Dubai exist with the real estate and tourism sectors being the most prolific in the career segment of the economy.  Additionally, there are no quota or trade barriers.  So it should come as no surprise that a job in Dubai could be a dream come true for the right person.  Currently, there are more than 80 airlines and over 170 shipping lines that service the city.  All of these impact the Dubai job market very positively.

In order to find a job in Dubai your first step should be to search the Internet at one of several job posting sites.  You can fine tune your search with the words ‘Dubai jobs’ or ‘jobs in Dubai‘ in order to find what is currently being offered.  See if there is a contact e-mail for HR departments within the companies you focus on and find out if there are suitable jobs available that you are qualified for.  Make sure that you have a cover letter prepared as well as your CV or resume.

One of the things which must be foremost in your thought process is, “how am I better than the local candidates that they could hire for a much cheaper rate.” The reason for this is simple: jobs in Middle East countries require a high level of skill, but at the same time a company cannot afford to hire an individual who is going to poorly manage their time, miss deadlines, show up to meetings late, and otherwise perform inefficiently. Many of the jobs in Middle East countries relate to management, and you must be able to demonstrate a firm grasp of the importance of time management to set yourself apart from local candidates who could be hired at a fraction of what you are being paid. Make procrastination nothing more than a word in the dictionary and you will find success regardless of which job in the Middle East you pursue.