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Deicide

from the money?

I would appreciate it if people would answer this honestly. If I were to work there then I would only go because of the cash.

Is there any other reason whatsoever for seeking work in the Middle East?

johnslat · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 2:14 pm Post subject:

How about experiencing a culture/cultures that is/are probably so very different from your own?
Maybe others don't see this as an attraction, but I found it a source of endless fascination during my twenty years in the Middle East.
And then, there are the travel opportunities - and they don't have to be terribly expensive. See Petra, if you go there, and there's Egypt as well.
Regards,
John

Deicide · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 2:20 pm Post subject:

007 · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 3:07 pm Post subject:

Deicide · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 4:58 pm Post subject:

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

adorabilly · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah

You realize that you are painting with an extremely BROAD brush here don't you?

Each country in the ME is very different in terms of language, culture, religious practices and culturally acceptable behavior.

Saudi is very different from Yemen, and the UAE is different from Iraq. There have been doctoral disserations written on how they are similar and different.

But I can think of about 5 to 10 reasons to come and work here besides for the money (but that is probably the biggest reason).

Deicide · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 5:37 pm Post subject:

Deicide · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 5:37 pm Post subject:

ETG · Joined: 28 Apr 2005 Posts: 67

Hey troll
what's your schtick really?
Many of us have a great life in the Gulf, no compounds, lovely people, nice students, no agro
Cultural life is great - depending on where you are ,of course
Does your avatar indicate your attitute towards life in general? If so don't disturb us!
E.

Deicide

adorabilly · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah

My suggestion would really depend on your qualifications, your experience and what you want to do.

Look over the ME country specific parts of this board and then make up your mind and try one.

There are literally tons of threads on the benefits and detriments of each country and many of the universities/colleges in each country.

johnslat · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 1:33 am Post subject:

Dear Deicide,

"Which is the most theocratic and least welcoming to foreigners/non-muslims?"

I'd say Saudi Arabia. But I spent nineteen years there and notice what I wrote in my previous posts.
Even if you live on a compound, you don't have to hide away on one (though, in my experience, some do.) You can travel around the city and the Kingdom. You won't get invited into too many Saudi homes, but almost all the Saudis I met were friendly and very pleasant. And while Saudi is a theocracy, I found that gave me a much better appreciation of separaton of church (or mosque or temple) and state.
Regards,
John

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

As stated before the Middle East life and culture varies from country to country.

Of course people come to the Middle East for the money, but while you are here why not engage in all that life has to offer as well.

Some people live on compounds while others live within the local community.

If this is your first time to the region I would recommend more moderate/ tolerant countries like the UAE, (Egypt), Bahrain, Qatar, Oman. Having said that, you should realize that the rules you live by at home are considerably different in the Middle East.

Save Saudi Arabia for when you have matured as you seem to be quite naive.

Saudi Arabia is no place for the naive.

kaw · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 10:39 am Post subject:

One of the best things about working in the M.E. is the ease of getting away for long weekends and for longer holidays, the world is pretty much your oyster. To give an example - I spent a long weekend in Yemen and another in Kathmandu - both places I might not have got to otherwise.
It's something I miss about where I am now where short break opportunities are really only Malta and Tunisia - not particularly exciting...

The money - it has to be said - is certainly a bonus as is the lack of tax (though that might change), a big plus for me was the weather but then I am a warm/hot weather person.

I've never lived on a compound and neither have I worked in Saudi, give the other places a try first.