Advice Sought - Potential Move to Middle East
Discussion
I know quite a few members live or have lived in the Middle East (namely Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Qatar), and I would be very keen to get some early info as this is something my wife and I are considering next year.
She is a well regarded teacher and has been approached by a couple of International schools about jobs out there, which is what initially piqued our interest a few months ago.
My questions are mainly around how easy/smooth actually moving is (before and during) and how abundant opportunities may be for me (degree qualified, 5+ years in B2B sales & national account management).
Clearly there is a mass of information out there that I have started to read, but it's always good to get direct replies from first hand experience, plus some other less-well-known advice.
Thanks.
She is a well regarded teacher and has been approached by a couple of International schools about jobs out there, which is what initially piqued our interest a few months ago.
My questions are mainly around how easy/smooth actually moving is (before and during) and how abundant opportunities may be for me (degree qualified, 5+ years in B2B sales & national account management).
Clearly there is a mass of information out there that I have started to read, but it's always good to get direct replies from first hand experience, plus some other less-well-known advice.
Thanks.
Petop makes some interesting points.
Have you spent much time in the Middle East?
If not, then time spent on a recce will seldom be wasted.
Have a few short holidays to start with in the places that initially interest you. Meet up with some employment agencies or their reps out there and see what you think.
Your motivation for the move is also key to understand as this will shape your outlook and tolerance. Are you going for a short (12-18 months) just to say you've done it? Are you going for 2-5 years to save up some money? Or do you see it as a potential long term thing (5-10 years)?
Good luck!
Good luck!
Have you spent much time in the Middle East?
If not, then time spent on a recce will seldom be wasted.
Have a few short holidays to start with in the places that initially interest you. Meet up with some employment agencies or their reps out there and see what you think.
Your motivation for the move is also key to understand as this will shape your outlook and tolerance. Are you going for a short (12-18 months) just to say you've done it? Are you going for 2-5 years to save up some money? Or do you see it as a potential long term thing (5-10 years)?
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thanks - useful advice.
I have visited Doha a couple of times and also Abu Dhabi. Neither is my dream location, but the aim is to stay 3-4 years and save up as much as possible. I reckon we could double our income vs the UK with fewer outgoings.
I am planning another trip this December, with the aim to move next August if it goes ahead. I have no loyalties to my current job and no children. I would rent our house out and I am thinking there probably won't be a better time.
I don't have to love living there, but I can't hate it either. This is something that will be confirmed before committing.
I have visited Doha a couple of times and also Abu Dhabi. Neither is my dream location, but the aim is to stay 3-4 years and save up as much as possible. I reckon we could double our income vs the UK with fewer outgoings.
I am planning another trip this December, with the aim to move next August if it goes ahead. I have no loyalties to my current job and no children. I would rent our house out and I am thinking there probably won't be a better time.
I don't have to love living there, but I can't hate it either. This is something that will be confirmed before committing.
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