Advice - possible relocation to middle east

I investigated similar opportunities in the ME a few years ago. They look good on paper, but after engaging with a ME veteran contractor, I changed my mind. Basically you are worse than a second rate citizen there. You live in a compound with all the other infidels. You will also not get any credit for any of your accomplishments, nor any work that you do for them. The salary only looks good until you do some digging as to what the actual cost of living there actually is. Then your child: It would be better if you put your kid in boarding school in London, if he/she is old enough.

I visited the ME a few times subsequent to that, and every time I could not wait to get back on the plane to SA. So if you are serious about this, speak to others with real-life experience, and I strongly recommend that you visit the place with your wife first.
 
RonSwanson said:
I investigated similar opportunities in the ME a few years ago. They look good on paper, but after engaging with a ME veteran contractor, I changed my mind. Basically you are worse than a second rate citizen there. You live in a compound with all the other infidels. You will also not get any credit for any of your accomplishments, nor any work that you do for them. The salary only looks good until you do some digging as to what the actual cost of living there actually is. Then your child: It would be better if you put your kid in boarding school in London, if he/she is old enough.

I visited the ME a few times subsequent to that, and every time I could not wait to get back on the plane to SA. So if you are serious about this, speak to others with real-life experience, and I strongly recommend that you visit the place with your wife first.
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Thank you.
 
Friends of mine worked in the ME for 4 years.

Cultural fit wasn't a problem - they are 'mainstream' Muslims, both professionals (doctor and a pharmacist) - first two years were fine, then being treated worse than 2nd class citizen's started grating. When their contracts ended they came back home so fast they still had desert sand under their sandals.

So yes, do your homework thoroughly.
 
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NightKing said:
Your visits to the ME must have been a very long time ago. 1980? 1990?
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I was in Dubai in 2013, 2015 and 2017. Emirates are ok-ish, but the other MEs in Dubai (specifically Saudi Arabians and Kuwaitians) are presumptuous and arrogant arseholes of note, with very little knowledge and even less skills. No honour, they will take the good work that you produce and pass it off as their own. Maybe if you are a moslem they may treat you better, but I am not, and I will not go there again if I can avoid it. I strongly doubt it though, because they treat their camels better than they treat foreigners (even better than the Pakis who share their religion). It's a kak place, weather and temperature is far too hot, most uncomfortable, it's a fscking burning hell-hole filled with nasty people. Plus if you get lost on their highways it takes a detour of 25-45 kms to get back to where you made your mistake.

I have lost nothing in the ME. The only place that I will consider going to is Israel, they are genarally decent, honourable and warm people, even though I am not Jewish, at least we serve the same God, and it's a shame that I have never been there before, but I plan to do at least 3 trips before I dieded.
 
RonSwanson said:
I was in Dubai in 2013, 2015 and 2017. Emirates are ok-ish, but the other MEs in Dubai (specifically Saudi Arabians and Kuwaitians) are presumptuous and arrogant arseholes of note, with very little knowledge and even less skills. No honour, they will take the good work that you produce and pass it off as their own. Maybe if you are a moslem they may treat you better, but I am not, and I will not go there again if I can avoid it. I strongly doubt it though, because they treat their camels better than they treat foreigners (even better than the Pakis who share their religion). It's a kak place, weather and temperature is far too hot, most uncomfortable, it's a fscking burning hell-hole filled with nasty people. Plus if you get lost on their highways it takes a detour of 25-45 kms to get back to where you made your mistake.
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So I guess you finally realized you aren't being oppressed in South Africa.
 
I'd say go for it. It will be a life experience and contrary to the beliefs of some, they won't really be interested in imposing their religion or culture on you. Obviously you can't act like an idiot by going and insulting the religion in public etc. Most of the Western tourists that get in trouble in the ME do this and won't exactly tell you.

People with eternal victim mentality who believe that they are always entitled to have others change their habits to fit in with them may have a bad time so be prepared to get out of your comfort zone.
 
RonSwanson said:
I was in Dubai in 2013, 2015 and 2017. Emirates are ok-ish, but the other MEs in Dubai (specifically Saudi Arabians and Kuwaitians) are presumptuous and arrogant arseholes of note, with very little knowledge and even less skills. No honour, they will take the good work that you produce and pass it off as their own. Maybe if you are a moslem they may treat you better, but I am not, and I will not go there again if I can avoid it. I strongly doubt it though, because they treat their camels better than they treat foreigners (even better than the Pakis who share their religion). It's a kak place, weather and temperature is far too hot, most uncomfortable, it's a fscking burning hell-hole filled with nasty people. Plus if you get lost on their highways it takes a detour of 25-45 kms to get back to where you made your mistake.

I have lost nothing in the ME. The only place that I will consider going to is Israel, they are genarally decent, honourable and warm people, even though I am not Jewish, at least we serve the same God, and it's a shame that I have never been there before, but I plan to do at least 3 trips before I dieded.
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Isn't this something similar all of you guys go through in SA though? :unsure: Reading mybb posts, one gets the impression that ANC is killing you guys like flies so at least you are safe in ME.
 
JuliusSeizure said:
So I guess you finally realized you aren't being oppressed in South Africa.
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surface said:
Isn't this something similar all of you guys go through in SA though? :unsure: Reading mybb posts, one gets the impression that ANC is killing you guys like flies so at least you are safe in ME.
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AfricanTech said:
Friends of mine worked in the ME for 4 years.

Cultural fit wasn't a problem - they are 'mainstream' Muslims, both professionals (doctor and a pharmacist) - first two years were fine, then being treated worse than 2nd class citizen's started grating. When their contracts ended they came back home so fast they still had desert sand under their sandals.

So yes, do your homework thoroughly.
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We have some Burka wearing Muslim friends who did some time in Saudi and I think they came back a bit less Muslim than they were before.
I think its harder if you are not Muslim but its always going to be a massive culture shock.
 
JuliusSeizure said:
I'd say go for it. It will be a life experience and contrary to the beliefs of some, they won't really be interested in imposing their religion or culture on you. Obviously you can't act like an idiot by going and insulting the religion in public etc. Most of the Western tourists that get in trouble in the ME do this and won't exactly tell you.

People with eternal victim mentality who believe that they are always entitled to have others change their habits to fit in with them may have a bad time so be prepared to get out of your comfort zone.
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How much time did you spend there failed journo?
 
Have a friend living in Qatar for 5 years. He likes it, lives in a complex with other westerners.

Avoid wearing shorts, ladies sleeveless dresses in public

The said the state of driving is far worse than in SA. The first week someone rear-ended him as he did not put foot when the lights turned green
 
My last visit to Muscat was in April 2021.

It is a very very relaxed city and locals seemed fine to me.

Perhaps because I am (and to quote @RonSwanson aka Hubble ambassador) an arrogant arsehole as well, i just blended in ?

It will be a wise move to relocate that side, the quality of life is amazing and Dubai next door for weekend trips with your kid ? Can it get any better than that ?
 
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