Contracts in Middle East - any tips or gotchas please?

[MPwannadecentincome]

There are possible contracts as PM for me, one is short term less than 3 months in Kuwait, another longer term more than 12 months in Abu Dhabi.

I know renting is expensive in Abu Dhabi - the client here provides accommodation plus a daily allowance on top of the normal rate to cover flights home and car rental.

Currently I'm working under Umbrella, I need to check with brolly to see if they cover work in these countries.

Anyone who has worked in the Middle East on contracts - tips or gotchas would be appreciated please.

[BolshieBastard]

There are possible contracts as PM for me, one is short term less than 3 months in Kuwait, another longer term more than 12 months in Abu Dhabi.

I know renting is expensive in Abu Dhabi - the client here provides accommodation plus a daily allowance on top of the normal rate to cover flights home and car rental.

Currently I'm working under Umbrella, I need to check with brolly to see if they cover work in these countries.

Anyone who has worked in the Middle East on contracts - tips or gotchas would be appreciated please.

Drive to work in an Abrahms tank, work in the abrahms tank, eat and sleep in the Abrahms tank.

[Fred Bloggs]

As I understand it, contracts in the middle east are awarded to you personally and paid to you free of local tax, so I don't understand the need for a brolly company. There's actually very good guidance on HMRC's website about qualifying for not paying tax in the UK when working overseas.

[contractreviews.co.uk]

If you work in the middle east you will require a work permit. Therefore, unless a client employ you, you will need to find an umbrella who can sort out your work permit.

I reviewed contracts for various people which were going to the UAE and they all gave me the same feedback. They had a blast. So, enjoy.

Besides that, I hope you enjoy the Sun and the tax free, Social Security free and VAT free lifestyle.

Mardi

[MPwannadecentincome]

As I understand it, contracts in the middle east are awarded to you personally and paid to you free of local tax, so I don't understand the need for a brolly company. There's actually very good guidance on HMRC's website about qualifying for not paying tax in the UK when working overseas.

Yes this would be fine for the longer contract, not for the 2 month jobbie

[TinTrump]

You're coming out to the Middle East (I'm in Bahrain) at a good time; the heat's easing back to 30-35 deg. daytime.

No tax in this country so, with the client getting the work visa sorted, things are straightforward.

Make sure you you have hobbies for the evenings; there's not much in the way of quality music events (I've been to 1 classical and 1 tango concert since Feb). The Brit Club here is good; squash courts, live football and beer at a reasonable price. Restaurants tend to be good as eating out is a popular Arab social event.

I leave at the end of December for study and holiday in the Far East until the Brit winter is over.

[MPwannadecentincome]

You're coming out to the Middle East (I'm in Bahrain) at a good time; the heat's easing back to 30-35 deg. daytime.

mmmmmmmmmm that would be nice 30 to 35 degrees - if the contract comes through - haven't got the interview yet though