Job Discussion Forums

eslteacher2014 · Joined: 08 May 2014 Posts: 66

Hi

I have been working in saudi for the past couple of years. i feel very blessed i make a good salary and the job is not that demanding ( for the most part).

but saudi still hasn't grown on me. i find life to be very boring and depressing here and i am debating whether to look for work in uae or qatar.

Out of curiosity , has anyone worked both saudi and qatar/ emirates? is life better in those countries, or not really?

Thanks

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

If "a good salary and the job is not that demanding ( for the most part).",
then I would stay where you are. If you're younger, you'll have time to make a change.

I worked both in KSA and UAE and enjoyed both experiences.

In KSA you have to be creative and make an effort to find enjoyment. Never a problem in Jeddah.

Right now, there doesn't seem to be many good employers in the UAE any more.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Be aware that HCT, Zayed, and UAE University, major employers in the UAE, are slated to have their English foundation programs phased out in about three years. See "Foundation year to be or not to be." Hiring has already slowed down, although HCT seems to have openings for obvious reasons. Anyway, competition is high for positions at the country's other universities.

University positions in Qatar require a relevant MA or PhD. So mark Q off your list if your qualifying degree included any online coursework. Like KSA, the Qatari government won't accept it.

Gulezar · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 483

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Terms and conditions for teachers in the UAE have deteriorated. The same could be said for KSA and I would suggest that the days of working in EFL in the GCC States are coming to an end.

dragonpiwo · Joined: 04 Mar 2013 Posts: 1650 Location: Berlin

It's been a while since I was in Qatar, Saudi and Kuwait but my UAE take is up-to-date.

Saudi and Kuwait
Very boring, not much to do, not particularly challenging and you can bank most of what you earn. I found Kuwait to be very similar. Free-time was spent in the gym/pool, the odd poker night, sid and some kind of coffee/sheesha bar. Wouldn't want to be female in either place. Had great colleagues in Saudi but in Kuwait, I'd say half of them, (mostly North Americans), were vile.

Qatar

Had a great laugh over several years. Had a pool, restaurant and bar life. The women seemed to love it. Clubs to join and stuff going on. Expensive though. Half the expat teachers were tosspots.

UAE

On a good salary here, you will have plenty to do. The key is finding affordable, decent accommodation if you are in Abu Dhabi. Dubai is all over the news, so you should know there is loads to do there. Sharjah, Fujairak and RAK are much cheaper re the rent situation. Salaries here are lump sum or lower salary plus housing. I find Abu Dhabi to be similar to Doha in some ways.

I think if you are a woman, you will be most comfortable in the UAE but you might not save as much. It is definitely very safe here, there are some good beaches and not everything has to be expensive. Booze from the shop is cheap as are the non-5* restaurants. Start going to trendy bars and hotels often and you will save nowt even on an oil field salary.