News from The Gulf

Non-Oil Sector in Dubai Producing Many Jobs in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is well-known worldwide for its oil wealth, however, the non-oil sector in Dubai is also booming and producing many new jobs in the UAE. According to the IHS Markit Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), Dubai’s non-oil sector surged to a two-year high in August 2021. Consequently, employers were hiring in the UAE at the quickest pace since November 2019. An economist at IHS Markit said that this is an indicator of a strong economic recovery in the UAE following the global pandemic disruptions. Output growth in the construction industry was the strongest it has been in 13 months. In addition to many construction jobs in the UAE being created, the tourism and travel sector have also seen UAE employment gains. Purchasing has recently  been on the rise, particularly as Dubai prepares to host Expo 2020 which runs from October 1, 2021, until March 31, 2022. Expo 2020 is expected to attract around 25 million visitors to Dubai and forecast to produce thousands of new jobs in the UAE in many business sectors. To read more, click here!

UAE to Invest Billions and Hire Thousands to Boost Economy

On September 5, 2021, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its plan to invest billions of dollars and hire tens of thousands of workers in order to boost its prosperous economy. According to the new plan, $13.6 billion will be invested this year and a total of $150 billion by the year 2030 to accelerate economic growth in the UAE. Omar Al-Olama, who is the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, said that the government wants to attract 64,000-100,000 computer programmers during a 12-month period, in order to help the UAE become the “Silicon Valley” of The Gulf region. Various reforms are planned, as the United Arab Emirates celebrates its 50th birthday, including changes to UAE visa policies so it will be easier for expat workers to live and work in the UAE. For example, a new skilled worker “green visa” will give expats more flexibility to have their family members live in the UAE. To read more, click here!

Indian Expats Prefer to Work in UAE and Other Gulf States

The Minister of State for External Affairs in India recently said that immigration data shows that Indian expats prefer to work in the UAE more than any other country. According to the same Indian Government official, a review of immigration data from the past five years indicates that the top five preferred destinations for Indian expat workers are #1 UAE, #2 Saudi Arabia, #3 Qatar, #4 United States, and #5 Oman. He also stated that more than one million expats from India are working in the Gulf States. People from India are continuing to relocate to the Gulf States following temporary restrictions that were enacted to combat the global Covid-19 pandemic. It is anticipated that recent policy changes made by governments in the Gulf Region will boost relocation to the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. To read more, click here!

UAE and Qatar Among Top Five Safest Countries in 2021

Global Finance has released its ranking of the safest countries in the world for 2021 and listed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar among the top five safest places to live. The UAE was rated as the world’s second safest country in 2021 after #1 Iceland, while Qatar came in third place for safety this year. Other countries listed as the top 10 safest countries were #4 Singapore, #5 Finland, #6 Mongolia, #7 Norway, #8 Denmark, #9 Canada and #10 New Zealand. In this year’s Global Finance ranking of the safest countries in the world, Covid-19 had to be considered along with the other safety factors (e.g., personal security, war and peace, risk of natural disaster) when the evaluations were being made. To read more, click here!

10-Year Residency UAE Visa Available to Top Graduates

The United Arab Emirates recently announced that top graduates of secondary schools and universities who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for a 10-year Golden Residency Visa to the UAE. Graduates from outside or inside the United Arab Emirates who have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.75 or the equivalent in particular scientific disciplines are welcome to apply for this special UAE visa. Furthermore, the family members of these outstanding graduates can also apply for a visa to live in the UAE. In related news, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) is reported to now be granting UAE Work Permits to foreign nationals who possess a valid Golden Residency Visa. To read more, click here!

Thousands of Dubai Job Opportunities During “Expo 2020”

Employers are already hiring new workers for a variety of jobs in the UAE related to “Expo 2020” which takes place in Dubai October 1, 2021, until April 1, 2022. It is estimated that around 25 million people will travel to the UAE during the “world’s biggest show” and that thousands of Dubai jobs will be created. Increased hiring is expected for UAE jobs in customer service, engineering, exhibitions and events, finance, health and safety, hospitality, marketing, media, procurement, real estate, retail sales, security, software and technology, tourism. and transportation. Chefs, drivers, electricians, project managers, sales executives, storekeepers, tour guides and waiters are also among the high-demand jobs in Dubai related to Expo 2020. To read more, click here!

Family of Physicians Granted 10-Year Visas to the UAE

A physician from India who has been living in the United Arab Emirates and his four sons, who are also doctors, are some of the most recent recipients of the 10-year Golden Visa to the UAE. After moving to Dubai in 1982, the father initially worked at an American clinic where he earned a good salary. In 1984, he established the Dr. Ismail Polyclinic in Karama, where many of his patients have been expats from Bangladesh, Nepal, India and Pakistan who were working in the UAE. The physician father said that he is thankful to have the Golden Visa to the UAE which will be valid until May 2031. To read more, click here!

Experience the Beauty and Culture of Muscat, Oman

A freelance writer and photographer who has traveled the globe visited Oman’s capital city of Muscat in early 2021 and shared her experiences in this beautiful coastal city on the Arabian Gulf. She said that she enjoyed the culture and ancient heritage found throughout Muscat. Among the many points of interest in Muscat are the Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque (which both Muslims and non-Muslims may visit);  Bait Al Baranda; Bait Al Zubair; the old city of Muttrah and its souk (outdoor market); and The Royal Opera House. She also traveled 90 minutes outside of Muscat to the walled city of Nizwa which is home to a fortification recognized by UNESCO. Although she was a lone female traveler, she always felt safe in Muscat and said that the locals were polite. To read more, click here!

Pakistan to Prepare Workers for Jobs in Saudi Arabia

Pakistan’s government wants to provide training to Pakistani workers so the country can benefit from new jobs in Saudi Arabia that are being created as part of the Kingdom’s “Vision 2030” initiative. Saudi Arabia is investing $320 billion to diversify its economy away from oil and more toward manufacturing and other business sectors. It is anticipated that the Vision 2030 reforms will produce millions of new jobs in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s government would like many of those positions to be filled by Pakistani expat workers. There are approximately two million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia and they send home billions of dollars in remittances each year to help their families. To read more, click here!

Significance of Saudi Arabia’s High Happiness Ranking

People who live in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain are some of the happiest people on Earth, as well as the happiest people in the Arab world, according to the United Nations’ World Happiness Report 2021. Saudi Arabia was ranked #21 out of 149 countries that were evaluated for their happiness levels, while the UAE was rated #27 globally and Bahrain was ranked #35 worldwide. When it comes to happiness in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia came in 1st place, the UAE won 2nd place and Bahrain was awarded 3rd place. The 149 countries that were assessed for the annual survey were evaluated for a variety of “happiness” factors, such as: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. According to one expert, it is easy to be satisfied with life in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE where there is high wealth and good governance, since there is a greater capacity to take care of the people living there. She further notes that changes that have been taking place in Saudi Arabia have produced growing optimism among the Kingdom’s population, particularly with women who have benefitted greatly from the government’s reforms. To read more, click here!

Saudi Arabia’s Economy to Expand 12.7% During 2021

The economy of Saudi Arabia is forecast by economists to grow by an impressive 12.7% during 2021, according to a study released by the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC). The Saudi business, finance, real estate and insurance sectors are predicted to enjoy the strongest growth this year, expanding by a healthy 9 percent. A key focus of the report is how the Kingdom’s “Vision 2030” program will transform the Saudi economy this decade. Saudi Arabia’s service sector is forecast to expand each year by a robust 10% and will account for around 40% of Saudi gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. As the Kingdom’s economy undergoes diversification beyond the dominant petroleum industry this decade, people working in Saudi Arabia are predicted to benefit with higher incomes. To read more, click here!

More Women Are Working in Saudi Arabia

According to a report released by the Brookings Institute (a think-tank in the United States), there was a 64% increase in the number of women working in Saudi Arabia between the start of 2019 and the close of 2020. The study found that twice as many women were filling Saudi jobs in the private sector as in the Kingdom’s public sector. The research also reports that many women working in Saudi Arabia have been filling positions in construction, accommodation, food services, and manufacturing. The increased participation of women working in the Saudi labor force has been attributed in part to recent social reforms enacted in the Kingdom. To read more, click here!

UAE Jobs Jump 30% Above Previous Year 

The UAE jobs market is off to a good start in the first quarter of 2021, with 30% more people working in the UAE during the January-March time period compared with 12 months prior. This and earlier indicators suggest that business growth momentum in the UAE is accelerating at a faster pace than originally forecast. According to one market study, several business sectors have started filling jobs in the UAE and there is strong demand for professionals with experience in banking, consulting, financial services, insurance, retail, and information technology. Interest to work in the UAE has been growing among professionals from Europe, India and Southeast Asia. To read more, click here!

Major Investment Will Create 25,000 UAE Jobs 

On April 5, 2021, Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, announced that the Emirates Development Bank will invest $8.17 billion USD (30 billion Dh) to support around 13,500 businesses considered a priority for the economy and this could create approximately 25,000 jobs in the UAE. This is part of a 10-year plan to expand the industrial output of the UAE. In addition, the Emirates Development Bank will create a one billion Dh fund in 2022 to invest in small-to-medium enterprises and start-ups. To read more, click here!

Dubai to Boost Creative Professionals to 150,000

In April 2021, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, announced plans to increase the number of creative professionals working in the emirate from 70,000 to 150,000 by 2026, with the goal of making Dubai a key player in the international creative economy. The creative economy includes artistic sectors, audiovisual media, books, cultural industries, film, libraries, museums, music, video games, and writing. The Dubai Creative Economy Strategy seeks to boost the amount of creative businesses operating in the emirate from about 8,000 today to around 15,000 by 2026. To read more, click here!

Salary Ranges for Various Jobs in the UAE

How much money should you be earning working in Abu Dhabi or Dubai? Keeping in mind that your salary will depend on your occupation, education, work experience, location and other variables, here are the salary ranges for some jobs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A human resources assistant working in the UAE private sector may earn 12,000-18,000 Dh per month, while a human resources manager might receive a monthly salary of 25,000-45.000 Dh. An IT analyst working in the UAE private sector could make 21,000 to 28,000 Dh per month, however, a senior IT engineer may receive a monthly salary of 25,000 to 35,000 Dh. If you find employment in the UAE as a social media manager in the private sector, you might earn 18,000-28,000 Dh each month, but if you get hired as a digital marketing director, your monthly salary could soar to 50,000 to 70,000 Dh. Administrative assistants working in the UAE private sector get paid about 14,000-25,000 Dh per month, however, an office manager earns a monthly salary of around 20,000-35,000 Dh. UAE employment in the public sector tends to pay more in Abu Dhabi than in Dubai. To read more, click here!

Strong Economic Growth in The Gulf During 2021-2022

All six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are forecast to enjoy healthy economic growth during 2021 and 2022 as oil prices rebound and the global economy continues its recovery from the pandemic. A surge in stimulus spending by the US and other advanced countries is expected to contribute to further increases in oil prices which will boost the economies of the Gulf States. The travel, hospitality and tourism sector of the Gulf Region is predicted to experience a robust recovery in the second half of 2021, due in part to the expansion of vaccination programs, the accumulation of cash during lockdowns and a desire to take long-delayed vacations. Expo 2020, which was re-scheduled to occur in Dubai between October 2021 and March 2022, along with the FIFA World Cup, which Qatar will host during November-December 2022, are two big events anticipated to further stimulate economic growth in the Gulf Region. According to Bloomberg Surveys, Bahrain is forecast to have +3.1% growth in Real GDP during 2021, while Saudi Arabia’s Real GDP is predicted to increase 3.0% this year. To read more, click here!

Expats Say New Visas to the UAE Will Attract Talent

There is widespread enthusiasm among expats regarding the new categories of visas to the UAE that were recently launched by the government. Many expats say that the new Remote Work Visa to the UAE and the Multiple-Entry UAE Visa for Tourists will be attractive to professionals and investors worldwide. The UAE Remote Work Visa will allow expats to work in the UAE for employers located outside of the UAE for one year. This new UAE visa also lets expats bring their families to live in the UAE with them and it can be renewed for one-year increments. According to the CEO of a real estate agency in Dubai, more expat professionals will view the UAE as a place to call home, because of the flexibility of the UAE Remote Work Visa. A businessman from India described the new Remote Work Visa to the UAE as a “brilliant idea” that will help to make the United Arab Emirates a global talent hub. An entrepreneur from The Philippines said that she thinks the new UAE visas will stimulate economic growth. She also noted that there is religious freedom living in the UAE and it is a safe place for expats to live and work. To read more, click here!

Saudi Arabia Ranked #2 for Corporate Social Responsibility

A new survey of businesses in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region has rated Saudi Arabia as the #2 best country in the region for corporate social responsibility (CSR), after first place Egypt. The survey was conducted by YouGov and the Cicero & Bernay Public Relations firm and it involved 219 corporate leaders and executives in the MENA region from several business sectors. According to the survey, 58% of executives surveyed in Saudi Arabia consider corporate social responsibility crucial for their companies. In Saudi Arabia, 70% of business executives strongly agree or agree that corporate responsibility actions are important and 92% have a positive attitude toward its impact. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was also considered a leader in implementing corporate social responsibility. It makes a big difference for people looking for work in The Gulf if an employer is socially responsible. To read more, click here!

UN Says Gulf States Are Among World’s Happiest Countries 

According to the 2021 World Happiness Report, published by the United Nations in March 2021, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are the three happiest countries in the Arab world and also among the happiest countries worldwide. The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, which released the report, rated Saudi Arabia as the #1 happiest country in the Arab world and #21 internationally. The UAE came in second place for happiness among the Arab countries and was ranked #27 in the world. Bahrain was assessed to be the Arab world’s third happiest place to live and was rated #35 out of the 149 countries that were evaluated. Saudi Arabia received high ratings for its economy, freedom of its people to make decisions about their own lives, social support, confronting corruption, average life expectancy, and generosity. To read more, click here!

Qatar’s New Minimum Wage Law Now in Effect

What You Need to Know about Working in the UAE

If you would like to live and work in the UAE, there are certain UAE immigration and labor regulations that you will need to satisfy. In order for an expat to work in the UAE legally, he or she will be required to receive a UAE work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. There are also age and health criteria that must be met. Some jobs in the UAE have education and/or licensing requirements as well. To read more, click here!

Workers from India Are Relocating to the Gulf States

Expat workers from India are relocating to the Gulf States again, now that pandemic restrictions have been lifted. Millions of Indian citizens work in The Gulf and make a major contribution to the region’s prosperous economy. The Government of India has been facilitating the relocation to The Gulf of Indian expat workers and encouraged the governments in the Gulf States to consider Indian workers as they plan their recovery from the global pandemic. To read more, click here!

Do You Qualify for the 10-Year Golden Visa to the UAE?

On March 2, 2021, the United Arab Emirates announced its new 10-year “Golden” Visa to the UAE, established for global talent in creative industries, culture, design, fine arts, heritage, history, intellectual fields, literature, and performing arts. Applications for the 10-year Golden Visa to the UAE are being accepted from eligible artists, doctors who specialize in viral epidemiology, engineers, highly qualified individuals with a high 3.8+ university grade point average (GPA), inventors, investors, PhD holders who graduated from one of the world’s top 500 best universities, researchers and scientists. To read more, click here!

Dubai and Abu Dhabi Are Some of the Best Expat Cities

An international survey of 209,000 people living in 190 countries conducted by the Boston Consulting Group has rated Dubai the #3 most preferred city to work abroad, while Abu Dhabi was considered the 5th best city for expats to work. Both of these top expat destinations are located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which was also ranked the 13th top country for expats to live and work abroad. One of the reasons that working in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is so highly desired by expats is that these cities, and the UAE in general, are viewed as safe havens in the region. The UAE has received high marks for its response to the global pandemic and has the second highest percentage of vaccinated residents. To read more, click here!

Expats Working in Saudi Arabia Enthusiastic about Reforms

Expats working in Saudi Arabia are enthusiastic about new labor reforms that could benefit 10 million foreign workers in The Kingdom. Changes made by the government to the “kafala” system (“sponsorship system”) in March 2021 will allow expats working in Saudi Arabia to switch jobs and depart The Kingdom without requiring approval from their sponsoring employer. Foreign workers will also be permitted to apply to the Saudi government directly to request certain services. The Labor Reform Initiative (LRI) is part of the government’s effort to create a Saudi jobs market that is even more attractive to foreign workers. The LRI will also assist foreign workers in receiving residency in Saudi Arabia that is not connected to a single employer. One expat from India who has been working in Saudi Arabia for the past five years said these reforms will help many people and that he is happy to get better control over where he can work in Saudi Arabia. To read more, click here!

World Bank Says Saudi Reforms Benefit Women and Economy

In March 2021. the World Bank Regional Director for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Dr. Issam Abousleiman, said that recent reforms in Saudi Arabia have given women better education and employment opportunities, which have helped to boost economic growth in The Kingdom. These reforms have also stimulated innovation and growth by providing a safe environment for women to work in Saudi Arabia. He further stated that there was a 50% increase of women working in Saudi Arabia as entrepreneurs between 2018 and 2019. The new businesses that these women have started have produced many new jobs in Saudi Arabia and allowed more people to earn a good living. The World Bank official noted that the participation rate for women working in Saudi Arabia doubled from about 15% in 2017 to around 31% at the end of 2020. To read more, click here! 

Women Working in UAE Say There Is Gender Equality

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a good place for women to live, work and advance their careers, according to successful women working in the UAE. Some of these women are citizens of the UAE and others are expats, but all have reached senior positions at their places of employment. The women praise the gender equality and opportunities women have for employment in the UAE. According to the Senior Director of Human Resources at a major multinational corporation in the country, women working in the UAE can find work and advance in their careers based on their own achievements and merit. Other women said that there is great diversity in the UAE work force and that they appreciate the inclusiveness. To read more click here! 

Saudi Arabia to Assess Skilled Foreign Workers

On March 7, 2021, the Saudi government announced that its new Professional Verification program will start in July 2021 in order to assess the qualifications of skilled foreign workers. According to the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), the goal of the new skills assessment will be to make sure that expats currently working in Saudi Arabia, as well as foreigners who want to relocate to Saudi Arabia for skilled employment, posses the skills necessary for the jobs in Saudi Arabia for which they were recruited. Skilled foreign workers will be assessed in their home countries at approved testing centers prior to their relocation to Saudi Arabia. To read more, click here!

Oman’s Capital Named #1 Arab City for Expats

The InterNations Organization based in Germany has named Oman’s capital city of Muscat as the best Arab city for expats to live in. Qatar’s capital city of Doha came in second place in the international survey of 15,000 respondents from 181 countries. The global survey evaluated cities around the world based on stability, housing, finance, quality of life and other factors. To read more, click here!

UAE to Offer Citizenship to Certain Foreigners

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently announced that certain foreigners will have the opportunity to become citizens of the UAE. According to the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, “We adopted law amendments that allow granting the UAE citizenship to investors, specialized talents and professionals including scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, authors and their families.”  Foreigners who become citizens of the UAE will be allowed to retain their current citizenship. As the UAE continues to diversify its economy, it is believed that attracting the best and brightest from around the world to live and work in the UAE and giving them a stake in the country through citizenship will contribute to innovation, development and growth in the country. To read more, click here!

Option of UAE Citizenship May Attract Talent from India

Business leaders and policy experts in India say the new UAE citizenship option for certain expat workers is likely to attract more talented professionals and investment from India. The Government of the United Arab Emirates approved modifications of its nationality law which permits certain foreign professionals, other expats with special talents, investors and their family members to be granted citizenship in the UAE if they qualify. There has been a positive response to the new UAE citizenship law, with some saying that it is another progressive move by the Gulf State that will attract foreign talent and investors, even if they don’t take advantage of the citizenship opportunity. To read more, click here!

Increased Hiring for Jobs in the UAE This Year

In February 2021, the Purchasing Managers’ Index reported the largest increase of hiring for UAE jobs in a year. One economist noted that business conditions in 2021 are more favorable than during 2020. A professional networking website reported that there is rising demand to fill UAE jobs in business development, digital marketing, e-commerce, finance, healthcare (particularly general practitioners and nurses) information technology, and sales. To read more, click here!

Pakistan Hopes More of Its Citizens Can Work in Kuwait

The Pakistani government has expressed its hope that more of its citizens will have the opportunity to work in Kuwait in the near future. It is estimated that around 130,000 to 180,000 Pakistanis are working in Kuwait. Recent reports say that Pakistan’s government is seeking to provide more experienced manpower for skilled jobs in Kuwait and that both countries want to establish a more efficient method for recruiting qualified Pakistani workers. To read more, click here!

Jobs in The Gulf and Salaries Forecast to Rise in 2021

For workers looking for employment in the Gulf States, 2021 is forecast to be a good year. According to a recent survey of companies in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, 64% indicated that they expect to hire new workers during the coming 12 months. This is a significant increase over the 49% of employers who filled new jobs in The Gulf during 2020 or at least maintained their current employment levels. Furthermore, 82% of the employers surveyed in The Gulf  indicated that their companies have recovered to “business as usual” following the disruptions caused by the global pandemic. The survey also found that 47% of the people working in the Gulf States anticipate earning higher salaries in 2021. It is forecast that some of the top business sectors for jobs in The Gulf during 2021 will include banking and financial services, e-commerce, healthcare, information technology, and pharmaceuticals, among others. To read more, click here!

High-Demand Jobs in the UAE for 2021 and Their Salaries

According to a recent study, the most high-demand jobs in the UAE for 2021 include business development manager, chief financial officer, chief risk officer, chief technology officer, cyber security specialist, data scientist, executive assistant, financial analyst, finance manager, human resources officer, and software engineer. Annual salary ranges for some high-demand UAE jobs include: chief financial officer ($196,100-$425,650); executive assistant ($65,400-$98,000); financial analyst ($82,200-$147,300); human resources manager ($81,745-$147,100); IT Security Analyst ($55,600-$114,400); and IT Manager ($105,000-$163,500). To read more, click here!

Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi Will Produce 11,000 UAE Jobs

A new creative hub is planned for Abu Dhabi that will triple the media sector by 2031 and produce 11,000 new jobs in the UAE. The United Arab Emirates, like other Gulf States, is diversifying its economy away from a strictly petroleum-based economy to an economy that is knowledge-based. The new Yas Creative Hub will be funded by the government and is forecast to contribute an additional $952.9 million to the country’s GDP by 2023. The worldwide video game sector is bigger than the movie and music industries combined. Deals have already been signed with several gaming companies and around 450 new UAE jobs are expected to be created over the next three years. To read more, click here!

More British Expats May Relocate to the UAE for Jobs

As the unemployment rate in the United Kingdom continues to rise (4.8 percent in November 2020), more British citizens may decide to seek relocation jobs in the UAE. Working in the UAE may be especially attractive to younger British professionals because of the high salaries and benefits, as well as the additional responsibilities given to workers who demonstrate their potential. Having UAE employment experience and taking on higher levels of job responsibilities earlier than usual can enhance an expat professional’s future career opportunities. To read more, click here!

Foreign Workers Relocate to Qatar for Employment

Although the flow of expat workers moving to Qatar was disrupted for about six months, due to the global pandemic and travel restrictions, foreign workers are now once again relocating to Qatar for employment. Since September 2020, Qatar has resumed issuing work visas to expats from certain countries, such as Kenya. To read more, click here! 

New Visa Lets Expats Work in Dubai for Overseas Employers

In October 2020, Dubai started a new relocation program that allows expats to work in Dubai for an employer located in another country and to bring their family with them to also live in Dubai. This special relocation visa to Dubai is issued for one year at a time and can be renewed each year. In order to apply for this new Dubai relocation visa for remote workers, an expat must hold a passport that will be valid for at least six months; provide proof of employment with a one-year contract from their employer; possess health insurance that is valid in the UAE; pay the processing fee for each person; and meet any other criteria. Application for this new Dubai visa can be made online. While the expat is remote working in Dubai, he or she can enjoy various benefits, such as no personal income tax paid to the UAE, options for their children to attend school in Dubai, etc. To read more, click here!

Qatar, UAE and Kuwait Among Top 10 Richest Countries

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Qatar is the world’s #1 richest country in 2020 based on GDP (Purchasing Power Parity or PPP), while the UAE came in 8th place and Kuwait placed 9th globally for wealth. The tiny Gulf State of Qatar, which is rich in oil and natural gas resources, has been listed among the wealthiest countries in the world for two decades. Qatar’s prosperity is most easily seen in its modern skyscrapers and high-end shopping malls. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is also an oil-rich Gulf State, but it has been diversifying its economy by expanding its construction, finance, tourism and trade industries. Expats arrive from around the globe to work in the UAE and enjoy its tax-free income. Kuwait is one of the most democratic and advanced countries in the Middle East and like the UAE, this oil-rich nation has been diversifying its economy. For example, Kuwait now allows 100% foreign ownership in certain business sectors and encourages direct foreign investment. To read more, click here! 

Indian Expat Living in Qatar Wins $14 Million Raffle  

An expat from India who is living in Qatar is the lucky winner of the $14 million USD Big Ticket raffle held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The woman, who lives in Doha, purchased the winning lottery ticket online and said she couldn’t believe she won. This new expat millionaire is the mother of a one-year old baby, 15-year old daughter and 21 year-old son. Six other expats from India were also big winners in the Big Ticket raffle. To read more, click here!

Expat Workers Feel Safe Living in Saudi Arabia

During the COVID-19 global pandemic, many foreign expat workers have said that they feel safer living in Saudi Arabia than returning to their home countries. When the pandemic started, Saudi government officials acted quickly to take measures to protect its residents. An events and delegations specialist from the United States said that she felt confident in how the situation was being taken care of and that she has everything she needs living in Saudi Arabia. Another expat working in Saudi Arabia stated that she has a wonderful work environment and her company made it possible for employees to modify their work-life balance to adjust to the new health regulations. A hotel general manager from Germany who is working in Saudi Arabia said that he was impressed with the swift measures taken by the Saudi government to keep everyone safe and that he feels extremely connected to his company and to the country. To read more, click here!

Oman Ranked #1 Safest Country for Expats

The Expat Insider Report for 2019 has ranked Oman as the safest country in the world for expats to live abroad. This global survey of expats found that 96% of foreigners living in Oman felt safe, while 93% of expats living in Qatar and 93% of foreigners living in the UAE indicated that they felt safe in those Gulf States. Oman was also rated highly for friendliness, making friends, feeling at home, and language. To read more, click here!

Filipino Expats Prefer Working in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

The Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) reports that 24.3% of Filipinos employed overseas prefer to work in Saudi Arabia (the top destination), followed by the 15.7% working in the UAE, 6.3% employed in Hong Kong, 5.7% having jobs in Kuwait, 5.5% employed in Taiwan, and 5.2% working in Qatar. To read more, click here!

Dubai Ranked #1 for Quality of Life in the Middle East

The 2019 Mercer Quality of Living Survey has ranked Dubai (United Arab Emirates) as the #1 city in the Middle East for best quality of life for the seventh consecutive year. Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE, was not far behind, coming in 2nd place for quality of life in the Middle East region. The UAE received especially high ratings for its business environment, social and political environments, and long-term stability. According to Mercer’s Rob Thissen, “The UAE government has progressively worked towards enhancing the country’s infrastructure, safety and stability among other factors to provide a comfortable environment for all residents.” To read more, click here! 

Bahrain Is One of the Top Countries for Expat Workers

The small island nation of Bahrain is considered one the best countries in the world for expat workers. A recent global survey of 22,000 professionals conducted by HSBC ranked Bahrain the #5 best country for expats to live and work abroad. The HSBC Expat Explorer Survey also rated Bahrain highly for career progression, work culture, personal fulfillment, work-life balance and job security. Expat workers account for around 50% of Bahrain’s population of 1.5 million residents. Many foreign workers choose to relocate to Bahrain because of its tax-free salaries as well as the housing and travel benefits. Over two-thirds of the HSBC Expat Survey participants said they had good salary potential working in Bahrain. To read more, click here!

Thousands of Irish Are Working in the Gulf States

The six Gulf States have become a popular destination for thousands of expat workers from Ireland during the past several years. For example, approximately 11,000 Irish are working in the UAE, 2,700 are living in Saudi Arabia, another 2,000 have jobs in Qatar, plus more than 1,000 Irish are working in Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. Many of the Irish living  in the Gulf States are working in construction, education, finance and healthcare. Some of the incentives for the Irish to work in the Gulf States include tax-free wages and housing, healthcare insurance and travel perks that are provided by employers there. The Irish Times has published a guide for expat workers who are interested in relocation to the Gulf States. The guide discusses the various Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, culture and lifestyle, finding a job in The Gulf, locating places to live in the Gulf States, education, healthcare, the cost of living in The Gulf, and visas to work in The Gulf.  To read more, click here!

Top Salaries for Jobs in Saudi Arabia

The Gulf Business Salary Survey has ranked the top salaries for jobs in Saudi Arabia. Among the jobs in Saudi Arabia with the highest average monthly salaries are hotel general manager ($10,404), construction project manager ($8,757), human resources manager (8,816), IT manager ($8,500), sales & marketing manager ($6,112), bank branch manager ($4725), digital marketing specialist ($4,414), sales executive ($4,420) , and senior accountant ($3,766). To read more, click here!

High Average Salaries Earned Working in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has the second highest average monthly salaries in the Gulf States, after #1 Saudi Arabia, according to the Gulf Business Salary Survey. The average monthly salary earned in the UAE is $8,315 per month, noting that some occupations pay more or less than the average. For example, the average monthly salary for a hotel general manager working in the UAE is $9,741 per month, while a construction project manager working in the UAE earns a monthly salary of $8,913; a human resources managers makes $8,421; an IT manager gets $8,000; a bank branch manager receives $6,123; a sales & marketing manager earns $5,812; and a sales executive makes $4,103 per month. To read more, click here!

Skilled Filipinos Prefer Working in The Gulf States

Skilled workers from The Philippines prefer employment in the Gulf States, with approximately 2.5 million Filipino expats working in the region. According to The Philippines government, the top source countries in the Gulf States for remittances (i.e., sending money home from abroad) from Filipino expat workers are Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Many skilled workers from The Philippines seek jobs in the Gulf States since there are not enough positions available in The Philippines and jobs in The Gulf pay better than in The Philippines. Many professions are needed in The Gulf region, including engineers, IT workers, and nurses. To read more click here!

Foreign Workers in the UAE Among Best Paid Globally

Expats working in the UAE are among the highest-paid foreign workers worldwide, according to the 2018 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey of 22,318 expats in 163 countries. The average salary earned by the 1,000 expats working in the UAE was $155,039 per year, which is the sixth highest for expats globally. The survey also discovered that after relocating to the UAE, foreign workers said they had more take-home pay, with 20% indicating that their incomes had more than doubled. The UAE, and especially Dubai, is one of the most popular destinations for expat workers because of the high quality of life,  top salaries and there is no personal income tax. The To read more, click here!

UAE Job Seekers Have Good Prospects

Job seekers have good prospects for finding employment in the UAE, according to a new GulfTalent survey. Contributing to the optimistic UAE jobs outlook is the expansion of the non-oil sector in Dubai, spending on infrastructure for the upcoming Expo 2020, and increasing oil prices. The oil and gas industry has seen 39% of its firms hiring to increase their workforce to prepare for new business activities. The opportunities to find work in the UAE are especially promising for professionals in aviation, banking, e-commerce, finance, healthcare, human resources, marketing, pharmaceuticals, and telecom occupations. A different survey found that 91% of people looking for jobs in the UAE anticipate that their career opportunities will be better or at least remain the same during the coming six months. The job market in the GCC countries is forecast to grow an average of 9% during 2018. To read more, click here!

Expats Explain Why They Enjoy Living in Bahrain

Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, has been named the #1 best city for expats to relocate to. Foreigners who relocate to Bahrain say Manama is an easy city to get settled in, they felt welcomed by the locals, and it was simple to make friends without knowing Arabic. Expats working in Bahrain earn higher salaries than the global average and everything can be accessed quite easily, since it is a small country. One expat from Ireland said that she got settled faster than expected after moving to Bahrain. Another expat from Ireland declared that the standard of living in Bahrain is good , the salaries are high and expats receive a lot of benefits. He also said that expats living in Bahrain are appreciated and that Manama is a beautiful, futuristic city where business is booming. To read more, click here!

UAE, Bahrain and Oman Among Top 20 Expat Destinations

The 2017 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey of 30,000 expat workers around the globe has ranked the United Arab Emirates as the #1 most popular expat destination in the Middle East and #10 worldwide. Two other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) were also included in the top 20 best destinations for expats. Bahrain came in 13th place in the world, while Oman was ranked 15th globally. The HSBC Expat Explorer Survey rated countries based on salaries, job security, potential for career growth, savings, healthcare, safety, making friends, raising children, and overall quality of life. The UAE received high ratings for wage growth, disposable income and career progression. Bahrain received high marks for being a good place to raise children and Oman was rated well for the high disposable income expats can earn there. To read more, click here