Job Discussion Forums

[vern0rs]

I was wondering what the expat community is like for those working in the Middle East in general. Are there areas where foreigners can gather and can commingle with other foreigners? Just curious-Any input from any country is appreciated!
Thanks:)

[veiledsentiments]

This is another of those questions that there is a different answer depending on the country you are referring to... North Africa is different from the Levant is different from the Gulf... Egypt is different than Morocco... Lebanon is different from Syria... Saudi is different from Oman...

Usually the most commingling with your fellow expats is at work.

VS

[santi84]

Varies widely In Cairo, I could easily meet a young Aussie man in a hotel and go atop to the bar for alcohol-infused parties with other westerners (Hey, I was 21/22, the world was my oyster!). Obviously, the same doesn't fly in the KSA or some other regions What kind of gathering/mingling do you seek?

[bedwiya]

In Kuwait it is easy to meet people from all over the world. In fact, that is one of the best things about living here - the chance to meet people you otherwise might not get to know back home. The lifestyle is what you make it. There are some people here who never socialize with anyone BUT their fellow expats from back home and don't get to learn anything about others who live here or about locals. It's up to you - it can be as diverse as you wish or as much like "home" as you want it.

[markcmc]

VS - Could you give some examples from your experience? What about Riyadh, Qatar and Oman for example?

Just to name a few locations I've been looking at - and in the case of Oman, applying for jobs in recently.

[veiledsentiments]

The thing is that even in Oman, the experience can be quite different. For instance, my first job was at SQU where we all lived in campus housing. I find that it can be a bit wearing living with the same people that you work with. Not that I disliked them, but it is rather like living in a very small town. But, there were many different nationalities there so you didn't really have to stick with your fellow Americans or whatever. There were parties around the campus or treks to the 5 star hotels. There were weekend trips to the beaches or to go wadi bashing or dune bashing. Oman is the place for people who love the outdoors.

My second contract in Oman many years later was with a private college in Muscat, so you lived in a more mixed neighborhood. There were still the same options available except everyone in your department couldn't monitor your activities. Many of the current Oman contracts are in smaller towns and cities spread about the country. In some of them there are few expats around, so it can be a quite different from Muscat.

I'd say that whichever country you are in... you make your own lifestyle. This is more of question that needs a very specific question... like I have an offer of a job in X... what are the specific options in that village/town/city?

VS

[markcmc]

Do you think that employers in Oman - or the rest of the Gulf - care about their teachers activities?

Thanks,

Mark.

[veiledsentiments]

Let me just say this... I found the culture to be very Victorian. In other words be careful what you do or say in public... keep anything that might upset or offend very private.

Generally speaking... no public displays of affection... no public drunkenness... NEVER drink and drive.

Does that answer your question? If not, perhaps you need to be more specific about your activities.

VS

[markcmc]

Thanks VS, that answers my question

[scot47]

Public displays of affection between men are quite acceptable. It is quite common to see men holding hands here and that does not mean what it might mean in California or Brighton !

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

That's right, Scot...but, neber eber on da lips!

NCTBA

[veiledsentiments]

Same sex hand-holding and kisses on the cheek are certainly acceptable. With a married couple, in many parts of the Middle East, you see them arm in arm on the street. But, it seems to more of a protective/helping gesture than affection.

VS

[007]

[Sheikh N Bake]

GW Bush is not "Uncle Sam" and never was. That term refers to the entire government. Obama is president now, anyway.

[jdl]

Just curious.....why would one move 'half way round the world' to hang with people who can be found in the local bar/mall/club/fitness centre at 'home'?