Make Sure You Do Your Due Diligence When Considering a Career Move to the Middle East

When expats talk about moving to the Middle East for work, they’ll usually talk about UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait or Saudi Arabia (these countries are referred to as the GCC). According to most people, the three most important things to people when moving to the GCC are education, healthcare and infrastructure. My second stint as an expat in the GCC in 2018 changed me beyond what I expected. I was left gob-smacked. Perhaps it was because I was an expat at different stages of my life, in my 20s and then late in my 30s. I learnt new things about myself the second time around and am more the wiser for it. So, if you are thinking about or are considering a move to the GCC, it is vitally important you do as much research as possible and find out in detail about your potential new country that you would be living and working in. You must ask searching questions before you up sticks and sign your life away. Below are some questions that might help your thought process.

How far will my workplace be from my residence?

Distance is significant because if your commute currently puts you off, you aren’t gaining anything if it’s going to be a long commute in your new place abroad.