Reply to: Working in the middle east

[hattra]

If you want to try the Middle East, I'd recommend that you stick to the Emirates - partucularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai - Saudi is dull as dishwater (though Jeddah seemed OK) and dry (as in - no alchohol). I've heard that Qatar is OK these days, if a bit dodgy politically, like Saudi. Iraq used to be the best by a long way but I wouldn't recommend it these days!

[Hiram King Of Tyre]

I had an agency call me this morning about a job in Iran

[Hiram King Of Tyre]

Don't worry guys, there's nothing in the pipeline. I was just inquisitive. I have seen jobs advertised in such places (as well as Egypt, Tunisia etc) so am just checking things out

[rootsnall]

I did a stint in Riyadh when there was stuff all work a few years back, a very strange and dysfunctional place and I'd avoid it personally unless you are a real money grabber. Life on the foreigner compounds is OK at face value with sun, swimming pools, lots of home brew etc etc but there is pretty much stuff all to do in the outside world and everyone is just there for the money and on the edge of cracking up. I was on decent money but they had just started recruiting Indian programmers when I was there and the feeling was the big bucks days had gone !? If you go make sure you get paid over there or offshore, you can get a sterling bank account.

[OwlHoot]

He must be. What about the two expats, one a Scot who were arrested, tortured until they confessed to a crime they knew nothing about, then sentenced to crucifixion and beheading.

The sentenced was reduced on appeal - to beheading only.

With diplomatic interevention they were eventually extracted alive from Saudi Arabia.

Even if you can avoid being crucified, beheaded, or blown up, etc, I've heard the rates are way down from what they were in the good old days of the 1980s, because for most purposes its cheaper to hire Indian contractors.

[Hiram King Of Tyre]

Only kidding...I live miles from Clacton!

[IR35 Avoider]

Saudi Arabia

Are you having a laugh?

He must be. What about the two expats, one a Scot who were arrested, tortured until they confessed to a crime they knew nothing about, then sentenced to crucifixion and beheading.

The sentenced was reduced on appeal - to beheading only.

With diplomatic interevention they were eventually extracted alive from Saudi Arabia.

[The Lone Gunman]

Clacton? are you mad!!!!

[Hiram King Of Tyre]

Crikey. Sorry guys, I've lead a sheltered life and people told me that parts of the middle east were OK.....Maybe I should get a job in Clacton!

[Lucifer Box]

I'm talking about Saudi etc not anywhere too dodgy

Are you having a laugh?

There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. We continue to believe that terrorists are planning further attacks, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners in Saudi Arabia.

If you choose to travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia you should take all necessary steps to protect your safety and should make sure you have confidence in your individual security arrangements. You should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places.

We have allowed non-essential staff and dependants at our missions in Saudi Arabia to leave if they wish.

You should remember that Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling (ed: which doesn't cover you for terrorism related incidents anyway. Or public beheading).

From the Foreign Office travel advice website.

http://www.fco.gov.uk

[Hiram King Of Tyre]

Is it that bad?

[SandyDown]

I'm talking about Saudi etc not anywhere too dodgy

[Hiram King Of Tyre]

I'm talking about Saudi etc not anywhere too dodgy

[WageSlave]

If it's so attractive, why isn't everybody doing it?

Beheadings

[SupremeSpod]

What's it like? How is it tax free? If it's so attractive, why isn't everybody doing it?

It's alright if you can keep your head.