Job Discussion Forums

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Obviously this question isn't for those who are still there...or maybe it is.
I liked the lifestyle in the Gulf, the sports facilities, shopping, friends, holidays and the money. But I left because I was a single bloke and lonely(put the violins away)
So, why did you leave?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Had to return to the US to watch over elderly parents, so I retired because I could. Otherwise I would still be there.

VS

NadiaK · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 206

Left because we didn't really fit in, and the "sedate" lifestyle was not for us. Went to Lebanon, which was much more our cup of tea.

Had to leave when my family could no longer get visas to stay...and we're back in the Gulf Smile

. Different country, though, and much happier than first time around.

stoth1972 · Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:16 pm Post subject: Many Reasons

Well, for one, I was leaving at the end of the contract, and my boss had no intention of giving me a letter of no objection (required at that time). I hadn't finished my MEd so finding a good job had become impossible. My spouse is Egyptian, and the job he had in the UAE just broke him. Despite him having a Masters, it was not enough to find a good job that treated him well. Most companies he looked at in his field wanted bachelors, and we were making plans to marry.

We would like to return once my husband gets an MBA under his belt, though perhaps to Abu Dhabi, or even other places in the Gulf. We liked the lifestyle, but it wasn't working for us. Fingers crossed we get back that way.

LuxorHouse · Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 41 Location: USA

I left a university in the UAE a short time after 9/11 because of the uncertain global situation following those events. However, that was a major mistake that I have regretted ever since leaving, and I have been searching for an opportunity to return. I have great affection for the Middle East in general, and the UAE and Egypt in particular. I am not an ESL teacher, but I do teach English and public speaking at the college level, and also freelance in public relations and communications (the field I worked in when I was in the UAE).

guty · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 365 Location: on holiday

My wife got pregnant, one of the only things to do in Saudi, but neither of us wanted the birth to be there. Otherwise I doubt if I'd have left. I could have survived for a few more years on the salary, and having a very young family, most of the time it doesnt matter which country you are in, your attention is on them!

Wigwam · Joined: 27 Dec 2004 Posts: 93 Location: Abu Dhabi

Single, hated the teaching, couldn't stand the 'dating' scene, began to fall in love with anothers persons partner. Weather was too cold, had to wear long sleeves in winter.

Tarka_littleotter · Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 69 Location: Oman

I'm currently in Oman and do enjoy it here but not sure how long I could stay out here purely because I'm a single girl and the chances of finding anoyone out here are far too slim! (And yes, I DO want you to play the violins!)

I'm not planning on leaving any time soon, but he loneliness might kick me into gear!

Queen of Sheba · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 397

Well, did you imagine it woule be like Dubai or some place packed with nightlife for singles? Most countries in the Middle East region are not really geared for single foriegners to find a compatible mate in, certainly not out of a local anyway. Egypt maybe a place for singles to meet if you can handle the harrassment (for lack of a better word) that comes along with the attention they give foriegn women.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Tarka was warned... right Tarka? She's not really complaining... I don't think...

oops... we're hijacking a thread again...

VS

Tarka_littleotter · Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 69 Location: Oman

Oh no, I'm not complaining at all. If I'd thought Oman was like Dubai I wouldn't have applied! Duabi is far too fake for my liking!! And the ex-pat scene is not something that I care to indulge to be honest!
I came here with my eyes wide open and had no misconceptions about the place. I was fully aware of what it was like in terms of "dating" and the like before I came here, and am fine with it. I was just saying WHEN I decide to leave it'll probably be because I'll be nearing 30 (am 26 now so a few years left!) and the feeling of being "left on the shelf" might have become a little too much for me Very Happy

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

I'm planning my escape now because I want my kids to spend some time growing up where I grew up. Despite all the social problems, America is a beautiful place and I don't want them to miss out on that. The Gulf is interesting and is a great eye-opener, but it just can't compare in sheer beauty with North America.

Queen of Sheba · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 397

Tarka: I understand...sorry if I sounded insensitive, its just that there seem to be a few too many who come over "looking for love" and that doesnt happen as often as it does in the movies.

I dont think 30 is sitting on the shelf too, I do think getting hitched before meeting the right partner is a lifetime of early expiration dates however....thread 'jacked.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I left when I felt some alarm that the bearded ones murdered 25 people in the Oasis Compound in Khobar - 3 or 4 km from my place.

I came back. The triumph of hope over caution.

Tarka_littleotter · Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 69 Location: Oman

Before I came here I didn't think 30 was "being left on the shelf" either, but the more time I spend here with people who have 3 kids by the time they're 25, the more my opinion changes!!!!!!