While the picture of the Middle East painted from television news channels involves insecurity, holy wars, and a life that you would not generally wish on anyone, with the possible exception of the certain members of your spouse’s family, travel magazines globally are only too happy to publish articles on dream holidays to the region where you can live in the lap of luxury while sipping champagne on white sandy beaches. So which is it? The breeding ground of terrorism or the new playground for the world’s super rich?

 The reality is that to stereotype the entire region into either of these categories is incorrect.

To suggest that the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have common practices would be the equivalent of stating that apples and pineapples are the same thing; yes they are both fruit and one may even derive its name from the other, but here ends the commonality.

Within the scope of my knowledge, and because this is meant to be an article and not an encyclopedia, I shall limit my commentary to three key issues that a relocating expatriate may find interesting. Housing, immigration and education you might think; no let’s talk alcohol, religion and romance.

I will use 5 cities, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait and Riyadh as reference points because these generally speaking provide a broad view from the liberal to the traditional and are the largest relocation centers in the region.

So let’s start with the more sociable aspects of life in the Gulf, and talk about where to get a drink.

Well first stop should definitely be Dubai. With a plethora of bars, restaurants and nightclubs spilling out of its constant stream of new hotels, this city seems to party on steroids. Well that is until you get behind the wheel having had an after work pint and find yourself on the wrong side of the law. Zero tolerance on drinking and driving is strictly observed and the penalties are severe. Alcohol can be imported and the generous allowance is 4 liters per arriving passenger which may be purchased from the port of embarkation or at the arrivals shop at Dubai Duty Free. Once a resident of the city you will need to apply for a liquor license and this will allow you to purchase alcohol locally and keep this at home. This can only be done as a non Muslim. All sounds easy, well it is. The only real drawback to drinking in Dubai is the large markups and duties which can lead to a serious dent in your wallet. Abu Dhabi has similar laws in reference to the importation of alcohol, and while there are not quite as many bars in the Capital of the UAE as there are in Dubai, you will not go thirsty in this town. An interesting statistic is that more champagne gets consumed at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix than any other event globally. I guess drinking and driving is acceptable in some circumstances.

Doha offers availability of alcohol in 4 & 5 star hotels and through specialist alcohol stores. As an arriving passenger, it is strictly forbidden to import alcohol, but you are free to purchase on your way out. Qatar has been quite closely linked to sport and will be the official hosts of the 2022 Football World cup. They have followed a very strict policy with regard to serving of alcohol during events to date, but this is rumored to change as the country reinvents itself in anticipation of this major event.

Kuwait holds some challenges, unless you are a member of the diplomatic corps. Alcohol is only officially available within the embassy bars to which you have to be invited. Importation is illegal, and while a parallel market may exist the cost of a ticket to Dubai may well be cheaper than a night in with a quiet drink.

Riyadh and Saudi Arabia in general, has a very simple policy to alcohol. It is forbidden. Having said that we all know that during Prohibition there were some excellent home brews created. If you have the right friend in the right embassy (the diplomatic quarter of Riyadh has a few bars) there is always the chance of a loophole in the law. I know that I have woken up with some real hangovers in the Kingdom which were not caused by the desert air alone.

As we can see this is a land of extremes, so let’s move across the spectrum to religion. In case anyone out there has not figured it out, the region is highly prone toward Islam and as such if you are of the Muslim faith you will definitely fit right in, but what if you are not?

 Well in Dubai & Abu Dhabi you will have no challenges what so ever and will find that acceptance to religions other then Islam is high. Hindu temples and Christian churches are numerous and if you look hard enough you will even find a synagogue.

Kuwait sits one rung down, where there is a tolerance toward other religions, and places of worship legally exist, but these will be in limited numbers.

Doha until 5 years ago did not recognize religions other then Islam, but the need to attract global labor and a strong underground movement where meetings would take place in secret, led to a general acceptance. While still relatively limited, today places of worship are public and festivals are openly celebrated. A small caveat however is to remember that things change quickly in this country and what is the norm one day could be quite different the next.

Riyadh sits at the extreme again, and while there are estimates that over 1 million Christians live in the Kingdom (primarily Third Country Nationals) there is no recognition of any religion other then Islam (the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina are both in the Kingdom) and prayer meetings must take place in secret, generally in homes. Items and articles belonging to religions other than Islam are prohibited. These include Bibles, crucifixes, statues, carvings and items with religious symbols.

The Saudi Arabian Mutaween or Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (i.e. the religious police) prohibits the practice of any religion other than Islam. Public worship of non-Islamic religions is forbidden and people of all denominations have been subjected to persecution for public preaching.

The reality however is that regardless of which end of the spectrum these countries sit on in terms of their tolerance levels, they are all far from secular in their views. This is most noticeable during the holy month of Ramadan, when you are expected to adhere to the practiced code of not eating in public during daylight hours regardless of religion. While the enforcement of this expectation may vary from country to country, it still stands to reason that when in Rome………….

Finally let’s look at the practicalities of finding romance in the region. While many will arrive family in tow and thus be looking to settle into a society where the proverbial values of strong home life are all important, there will be a fair number who arrive single and as nature intended, be out and about looking for love.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha all have strong expatriate communities where there is open interaction between women and men. Though cultural barriers usually restrict expatriates to not mix with the indigenous populations, this is not unheard of. However it should be noted that despite what may seem like a relatively liberal attitude towards western values, you are in a traditionally Islamic society and as such respect towards the culture should be shown. As a general rule, public displays of affection should be avoided. That having been said, the social side of these cities tends to be as sophisticated as anything in the west, and activities varying from speed dating to singles nights at the nightclubs and bars are well publicized.

Kuwait tends to veer more toward the traditional side, and while social interaction is quite open at most levels, it should be remembered that it is a conservative society where religious values take precedence. You are more likely to meet other singletons as introductions through friends and in groups then at singles night in a local coffee house.

In Riyadh there are two degrees of life. What happens inside the compound you live in and what happens outside. The social life within compounds generally reflects life in the West where women are not veiled or covered and interactions are open. Outside of compounds and private residences a highly conservative approach should be exercised in public. One thing to bear in mind though, with women not being able to sit in cars with men who are not family members, picking up your date might be a bit of a challenge.

To any of you thinking that the above is a rule book on how things work in the Middle East, it is not. Its intention is to give you some guidance into how the cities conduct themselves and what to expect.

That having been said, I have definitely had a drink and woken up with a hangover in each of these cities, had to ask God for blessings in all of these places, and since I arrived in the Middle East single, met and married my wife there, I can attest to the fact that it’s all possible in this part of the world.

Drink, Pray, Love: Relocating to the “Middle East” is a post from: International Relocation Services Dubai Relocation Abu Dhabi Relocation

Three years ago, Dubai was dubbed “The Millionaires Playground”. If you could stand the heat, were looking for a chance to earn a tax free income and have fun whilst doing so, then Dubai was the ‘must-go’ destination for many. One of seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai was at the height of its development boom. Home to some of the world’s most iconic development projects such as “The Burj” and “Palm Jumeirah

Then came economic melt-down and Dubai was hit hard. Property prices fell by up to sixty percent and expatriates left in their thousands as jobs were cut, and the massive development industry almost came to a standstill.

I wondered how Dubai is shaping up for a new expatriate following the crisis and to find out I spoke to Florence Chabert d’Hieres who heads Intouch Relocations cross cultural education..

Florence arrived in Dubai in September 2010, accompanying her husband who had taken a posting working for an international organisation.

Prior to living in Dubai, Florence had lived in New York, Switzerland and Australia.

How easy was it to relocate as an expatriate partner to Dubai?

Florence found that relocating to Dubaiwas quite a straight-forward process from a bureaucratic and administrative perspective. Relevant official centres are open regularly and the documentation is made easy by efficient systems and staff that are extremely willing to help. An example of the level of efficiency is that you can buy a car in twenty minutes. Of course there were many pitfalls because processes are different everywhere, but with appropriate guidance it was not too much of a challenge.

For Florence it was important to find work soon after arriving, and she was surprised that as an expatriate partner this was relatively straightforward..

In Dubai, provided that the spouse has a visa and a management position, then he/she is able to sponsor his/her partner’s visa himself.

So is Dubai an expatriate ghost town?

Florence immediately assured me that Dubai is by no means a ghost town. Jobs for expatriates are being advertised and there is a good influx of twenty to forty year old international employees. The expatriate community is very entrepreneurial and there are many multinationals with regional bases in Dubai Much of the development work has also begun again.

From a lifestyle perspective Florence describes Dubai as “New York in the sun”, cosmopolitan in many ways, you are able to live your own life and no-one judges you. People are pretty easy-going and she finds that life in Dubai has an almost Latino feel (perhaps a consequence of the near constant sun!). There is a relaxed attitude to time, if people do not arrive for the coffee at the pre-arranged time, well, no-one really worries.

What about the Islamic traditions?

Florence explained that as a western foreigner you are aware that Dubai is an Islamic country in the sense that you there mosques and you hear the regular call to prayers. Some women may also dress in Arabic clothes. However there is no sense of judgement and everyone lives their own lives together in harmony.

”As an expatriate it is in important to be respectful of the Islamic religion.” ForFlorencethis means that she dresses appropriately, ensuring that her back and shoulders are covered if she is walking in public places. It is also important not to show affection to one another in public, she explains, and so she does not walk along hand in hand with her husband for example.

Ironically Florence feels at times as though she is the inferior one for not being veiled as the local women are. It can be quite disconcerting, she explains, as she is unable to see their full faces, their expressions and reactions, whereas they are able to see her. Far from being a male dominated society she finds that men are very polite and women are treated with a great deal of respect.

What is the expatriate community like?

The expatriate community in Dubai is really a two tier community. There are the professional expatriates and business owners.. These people enjoy a high standard of living, often  in luxury compounds and apartment buildings. In contrast there are the labour class, are primarily third country nationals, who are paid lower salaries and have poorer life conditions.

“I imagined that there must be a lot of happy expatriates, however building a new life abroad can have its highs and lows wherever you are in the world and Dubai is no exception. Isolation is one aspect of life inDubaithat some expatriates, particularly the accompanying partners experience. The expatriate lifestyle can be bitter sweet. It provides a sense of belonging, a village within the city, but it can mean that people focus all their energies and attention on one particular community and never get to experience the real Dubai.”

Florenceencourages people to get creative and become involved in local associations, charity or take some courses, arrange to go for a walk with friends, venture into the old town ofDubai, anything to get them out of their lonely “perfect” cocoon. For the non-English speakers such as her French counterparts, take the time to learn English as this is widely spoken and would help them to overcome their isolation.

What about the local culture?

The local culture is very family and community centred, originating in the historical tribal society.Florenceexplains that there are two faces ofDubai, the newDubaiwhere most of the foreigners live and spend their time, and the Old Dubai – the realDubai. Head into the old town and you get to feel and experience a different Dubai and local culture.

Florence’s tips for successful living in Dubai:

• Be open minded and ready to mix across nationalities and cultures.
• Respect the local culture when you are out and about, dress appropriately and behave within acceptable norms.
• Learn about the realDubai, visit the old town and get involved in local activities.
• Look for international social events and organisations e.g. InterNations or the different business councils
• If you want to work, there are lots of possibilities you just need to look for them.
• Don’t stay in your comfort zone, break out and look for opportunities to do exciting and interesting things.
• Look for a cross cultural training programme and an expatriate/cross cultural coach if you feel that you need help in developing coping strategies.

Florenceis a cross-cultural coach and is currently working for Intouch Relocations as the Head of Cross-Cultural education. If you would like to speak to her about her experiences inDubaiand in theMiddle Eastthen you can contact by mail at florence.chabert@intouchrelocations.com

Dubai After The Crash- A New Resident’s Perspective is a post from: International Relocation Services Dubai Relocation Abu Dhabi Relocation

October brings with it a definite change in pace each year in the city. Although technically autumn, it feels like the spring of Doha. As the temperature drops the city comes alive as residents slowly leave their air conditioned hibernation. Families have returned from their summer vacations and the schools and universities reopen again.  Public areas are planted with an explosion of colours that you can’t help but admire as you navigate your way around and it is definitely the season for festivals and events.

Katara Cultural Village is host this year to a stream of events celebrating the arts and culture from across the globe.  The start of October welcomes the new concertmaster to the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra as he performs his debut performance in the Opera House with pieces from Abdel-Rahmin, Brahms and Bartok. As Katara is now the official home of the Orchestra we can be sure to expect a host of performances throughout the year, both indoor and outdoor. For further details visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.com

The 6-15^th October sees the First Latin American Cultural Festival taking place. This festival promises a rich variety of music, dance, circus, movies, flavours and so much more.  Tickets for the event are available through ticket master and offer something for all ages and interests. Many performances will be open air and the carnival atmosphere will be one not to miss.

Hot on the heels of the Latin American Festival is the Doha Tribes Film Festival. Taking place from the 25^th – 29^th October, this will be its second year in Kotare and based on the success of last year you will want to get your tickets as soon as possible. This is a breathtaking festival celebrating the rich and very old tradition of storytelling. Although these days on film, the tradition remains firmly ingrained in local culture, this year sees the Premier of ‘Black Gold’, Doha Film Institutes’ first co- produced movie, shot in the stunning dunes of Mesaieed and Shamal depicts an epic adventure adaptation of Hans Reusch’s classic novel The Great Thirst. Last year’s festival saw over 50 000 visitors, with the lineup of films this year it is sure to be more. Many films are screened in the open air and some on the beach…what better way to spend an evening.

Qatar continues to invest in a strong cultural identity and events like these are certain to become staples on the calendar growing in strength, popularity and number year on year.

It is not only in the fields of Art and Culture that developments are taking place in Qatar. As 2022 draws slowly nearer, the list of projects awarded and tenders welcomed grows longer.  The transformation of Doha is at an all time high.

Qatar Railways, the operator of Qatar’s planned QR130bn rail network, will award the first construction contract in July of next year. The scope of the work includes design and construction work on the rail project, as well as major underground and elevated civil works, and enabling works include road s and utilities diversions.  The tendors will be issued at the beginning of next year, and the first phase of works needs to be completed in time for the Football World Cup 2022. The integrated rail project includes the Doha Metro as well as national freight and long distance passenger lines.

Although a source of focus as a target deadline, not all projects are centred around the 2022 World Cup. Qatar is investing heavily in infrastructure projects and manufacturing for long term sustainability of country that seems poised to make its mark on the world beyond the provision of oil and gas.

Doha Goes For The Prize Aa The Culture Center Of The Middle East is a post from: International Relocation Services Dubai Relocation Abu Dhabi Relocation

While you may have already decided that the business hub and world-class city of Dubai is the best place to move your business forward, you also need to be sure that your workforce will agree that moving to Dubai is the best future for themselves and their families. Without contented and motivated employees fully backing your relocation, the move will be a lot harder.

Here are a few key reasons why your personnel can make a smooth and happy transition to living in Dubai:

1. The first thoughts that may enter the minds of your employees considering relocating to Dubai may well be to do with housing: ‘What kind of place will we Iive in? Can we feel at home in Dubai? Will we have as much space or the same standards of accommodation?’ This is an area where it will definitely be easy to reassure your personnel. Dubai is a surprisingly diverse city and has a fantastic range of accommodation that can suit everyone, from ultra-modern studio apartments with astounding city views in the heart of the city, to luxury villas with gardens in peaceful suburbs. Intouch Relocations ‘Home Finder Questionnaire’ is designed to find the best possible home within a budget, to meet the needs of our clients.
2. You can probably provide many reasons why working in Dubai with your company will be beneficial, if you’re coming from a Western country, your employees’ thoughts may then turn to their spare time and how this might differ in a Middle-Eastern country. Luckily you can reassure them that by living in Dubai, they will enjoy the best of both worlds. They’ll be able to experience the local culture through easy trips into the desert, outings to the local gold or spice markets and a huge variety of local restaurants. However, they’ll also benefit from living in a city where approximately 80% of the population is expat. This mix of people from all over the world means that every taste in food, film, music, sport (both as a spectator or participant) or leisure activity is catered for, from rugby, golf and indoor-skiing to crafts, book clubs and art galleries.
3. A large proportion of your employees may well need to bring their families with them when relocating to Dubai. In fact, the happiness and opportunities for their families will be a key factor in their decision whether or not to join you in working in Dubai. You can reassure them that not only will your family have a fantastic home to live in and a multitude of leisure activities to choose from; they will also have access to world-class education for their children. Although it is important to remember that expatriate children do not have access to free education and that some of the most popular schools can have long waiting lists and high fees, there are a many outstanding schools for a variety of budgets. They teach curriculums from all over the world often to a very high standard with brilliant results, and in many cases absolutely incredible facilities. Intouch Relocations ‘Education Requirements Questionnaire’ will help match the needs of your employees with a suitable school for their children.

Of course, there are most likely many other questions that may arise when your employees start to consider relocating to Dubai. However, with these assurances that they and their families can work, play, live and learn happily in this fantastic city, they’re probably already right behind you.

Moving to Dubai: How to convince your workforce to join you. is a post from: International Relocation Services Dubai Relocation Abu Dhabi Relocation

Now you have made the decision to move or expand your company abroad, you’re going to need some help with organising this momentous shift of your offices and workforce. There are many international relocation services which can help, but how do you choose the best one? Here are the essential criteria to assist you in picking the best relocation company for your needs:

Experience

Without a doubt, experience is absolutely crucial when it comes to assisting you and your employees in their move. Look for a relocation company that has a track record of not only moving people into the country of your choice, but also of relocating people from your home country into it. That way, you’ll know that they have a superb and in-depth understanding of the specific needs of your employees whilst making the transition between the two countries.  For example, do they experience in finding schools for your employees’ children that teach your home country’s curriculum, or are they familiar with placing families from your home country in suitable neighbourhoods for their needs and interests? Corporate Relocation Services such as Intouch Relocations have over 12 years of experience of moving families into the Middle-East from all over the world, and have an understanding of the specific and differing needs of those individuals. You may find it very helpful, if possible, to get in touch with companies who have already made the same kind of move to find the most experienced relocation company for your needs.

Knowledge

The whole point of international relocation services is that they should have the knowledge of your new destination that you don’t. Not only do they know how to get the visas necessary to get your employees into the country, but they know how to settle them in once they’re there, helping them find suitable homes, schools and  transport as well as providing them without a crucial understanding of the local culture. Look for a relocation company that provides a broad range of services in terms of housing, visas, immigration and orientation, but that is also open to answering the seemingly smallest of questions that your employees may have that are crucial to their success in settling in. Will there be someone friendly from your chosen corporate relocation service to answer questions such as, ‘Where can I find a soccer club for my eleven year old son?’, ‘Where’s the best restaurant that serves our cuisine for when we miss home?’ and ‘Where are the best stocked supermarkets for the groceries we like to buy?’ Without this kind of detailed services, even with visas and accommodation organised, your workforce may find themselves lost and a homesick.

Flexibility

Look for a destination relocation service that allows you to pick the specific services that you need for a seamless move. But also look for corporate relocation services that ask detailed questions and want a lot of information from yourselves. This show that they will be flexible and adaptable to your specific needs and time invested in giving them they information they require will pay off. No two companies are the same, and no two individuals within your workforce are the same, so look for companies that ask for detailed questionnaires to be completed that will match housing and other services fully to their needs.

Good luck with finding the best international relocation services for your company!

International Relocation Services: What to look for when moving your company abroad is a post from: International Relocation Services Dubai Relocation Abu Dhabi Relocation

Here are some 5 important things to consider now, and bear in mind when you arrive in Dubai.  Relocation needn’t be a headache with these tips!

1. Before you start packing, put something careful thought into what would be better bought once you arrive. Nearly everything you could need for your home is readily available, and usually reasonably priced in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Relocation services will help point you in the right direction when you arrive, but also bear in mind that there are some real bargains to be had in other Emirates such as Sharjah, which are a short drive away. For even more of a bargain, you might want to consider buying second-hand. When expats leave, they are often keen to sell their top quality and little-used purchases.
2. Get connected straight away. A fast pace keeps life in Dubai moving quickly, and to make the most of it you’ll need to be on-line as quick as possible. The internet will be your best source of information once you arrive, not only about Dubai, but also the UAE. Relocation specialists can help you organise an internet connection quickly. With immediate access to information on the internet, you’ll learn about Dubai and all it has to offer a lot quicker. Bear in mind that satellite TV is also an essential in Dubai, as most local channels are only broadcast in Arabic. With satellite television, however, you’ll have a wide range of English language programming from all over the world to entertain you.
3. Bring your driving licence and seriously consider buying a car once you’re here. Public transport is limited in Dubai; moving around on it is particularly unappealing in the hottest months. Taxis are reasonably priced. However, most expats choose to purchase a car because of their convenience, reasonable prices and the low cost of fuel. When you arrive you may be put off by some of the driving you see, but remember that although there are many accidents, fatalities are relatively low. Again, consider buying second hand from a expat leaving Dubai. Relocation services will help with any formalities you may need to organise for driving in the UAE.
4. As soon as possible, organise your bank account in the UAE. Dubai Relocation companies will help once you arrive, but there are some things you can do from home. Firstly, warn your banks and credit card company that you will shortly be arriving in Dubai so that fraud protection policies don’t mean that your activities are viewed as suspicious. Take some cash with you. The limit for cash when entering the UAE is currently AED 40 000.
5. Finally, try to spend some time researching local customs in Dubai. Relocation services can and should provide with a good orientation that includes information on local laws and traditions, but try to get an idea before you arrive.  Remember that, although a huge proportion of the population is expat, there is much behaviour that is common in Western cultures that is strictly prohibited in Dubai. For example, getting into debt can bring severe punishment, as can promiscuous behaviour. If in any doubt, check play safe and check with your relocation specialist. Dubai is a really fun place to be, as long as you stick to the rules!

Dubai Relocation Companies Essential Advice is a post from: International Relocation Services Dubai Relocation Abu Dhabi Relocation

Are you preparing for life in Abu Dhabi? Relocation can go smoothly if  you bear in mind the following tips:

1. Finding housing in a new country can be daunting, so make use of specialist relocation companies. Abu Dhabi can provide a range of options for accommodation, such as apartments with great views on the island, choices closer to cultural attractions on the mainland, and you may even consider nearby Al Ain with its relative greenness compared to Abu Dhabi. Moving into suitable accommodation needn’t be difficult and the city has many great options for expat housing.  Abu Dhabi rents have become better value in recent times, and you may find some really great property for your budget.
2. Give careful thought to what you might want to bring with you and what might be better staying at home. Abu Dhabi has a good, reasonably priced supply of most of your household necessities. The shopping hub that is Dubai is also very close by, and cheaper options maybe found by travelling to other emirates such as Sharjah, or by buying second hand from other expats who are moving on from Abu Dhabi. Relocation needn’t weigh you down!
3. Think about how you will get around in Abu Dhabi. It does have a network of air-conditioned buses and thousands of taxis, yet most expats choose to drive. Bring your driving licence to Abu Dhabi and seriously consider buying a car once you’re here. Your own vehicle will almost certainly be the most pleasant and comfortable way of getting around the city, to Dubai and into the other Emirates. Cars are a practical and reasonably priced option due to the low cost of fuel in Abu Dhabi. Moving around the city is usually straightforward.
4. In terms of finances, do as much as you can before you arrive. It is relatively simple to organise a bank account in the UAE, especially if you use relocation companies. Abu Dhabi has a range of banks that can be used by expats. Before you leave home, warn your banks and credit card company that you will shortly be relocating to the UAE so that fraud protection policies don’t mean that your transactions on your home accounts and cards are viewed as suspicious. You may wish to take some cash for your first few days; the current customs limit is AED 40 000.
5. A final essential before arriving is to make time to find out about local customs in the UAE and Abu Dhabi. Information on local laws and traditions can and should be provided by relocation companies. Abu Dhabi is home to many expats, but remember that there is much behaviour that is common in Western cultures that is strictly prohibited in the UAE. For example, getting into debt can bring severe punishment, as can promiscuous behaviour in Abu Dhabi.  Abu Dhabi Relocation will be very interesting and a lot of fun, but you must stick to the rules!

Abu Dhabi: Relocation Essentials is a post from: International Relocation Services Dubai Relocation Abu Dhabi Relocation

Are you considering moving to a warmer climate that has many new business opportunities for development, construction, and oil firms? If you are, you might consider relocating to the Middle East. The Middle East might seem like an unlikely place for westerners to relocate but it is quite a popular place for enterprising people who see potential in the region. To make the process even easier there are relocation companies in Qatar that specializing in helping westerners make a safe and smooth transition to their new lives and careers in the middle east. The construction of new business centers, hotels, restaurants and new homes is on the rise which means there is a great need for skilled labor in the fields of architecture, contracting, property management and engineering. These projects range from small to large and firms are actively hiring new talent everyday. If you want to look into the process of transitioning to life in the middle east, relocation companies in Qatar not only help organize travel and accommodations but they can also provide information on cultural differences.

Relocation Companies In Qatar Help Educate You On Cultural Differences

In the middle east, Islamic law is firmly established. This means that the legal system is heavily influenced by the Muslim religion. Women relocating to the middle east typically have to under go a great deal of change in their life style. Women in the middle east are often required to wear a head covering in order to go out in public. This is not seen by them as a diminutive action, but rather as a custom that shows respect for their culture and customs. Some middle eastern countries allow women a relative amount of freedom compared to other countries which allows westerners to be a bit more comfortable. It is also important to take note that most immigrant communities in the middle east are compounds that are closed off from the greater population. This is simply to keep the community safe from intruders should any political struggles break out. Typically, it is ok for foreigners to go out during the day, but is best if they stay in at night just as is customary in any developing country.

Today with the amount of economic development occurring in the middle east, there is a degree of change in social structure that allows relocation companies in Qatar easily set up shop. The relocation companies have had a much easier time in recent years issuing visas for westerners on their way to do important work in the region. The immigration authorities have required that visitors have proof of work or at least proof of a job interview. The visa process has become much easier in recent years thanks to relocation companies.

If you are interested in relocating to the middle east, don’t worry about the details. Simply contact an experienced relocation company and your transition will be a smooth sail over the Mediterranean sea.

Relocation Companies In Qatar Help You Make A Smooth Transition To The Middle East is a post from: International Relocation Services Dubai Relocation Abu Dhabi Relocation

A Relocation company Dubai can be located by doing a search online or looking in your local yellow pages for international movers. When selecting your relocation company, it helps to choose the one that is best suited to your needs. Understanding what to look for in a relocation company can greatly assist you in selecting a company that will guarantee you a smooth and efficient moving process.

Moving from one location to another is a very big process. Depending on the amount of items you have to move, it can take weeks and even months to get everything together. When trusting your move to a specialist, it is best to use a company that is experienced in all aspects of the relocation process. You will want to select one that is knowledgeable about the new area in which you will be living to make sure you have access to the best locations for schooling, housing and local neighborhood services.

A skilled relocation company will be able to provide the following benefits:

•  - A stress free move with all the details of your relocation handled by a professional
• Temporary accommodations for you and your family
• Educational counseling for a smooth transition
• Tenancy management to ensure your satisfaction in your rental property
• Immigration assistance if needed, for residence in a new country
• Walks you through the relocation process with years of previous experience
• Understands all the steps involved in the process for added efficiency
• Concierge services for assistance with all personal needs

These are just a few of the many benefits involved in hiring a professional relocation specialist to help with your moving needs. Having someone who has been through the process many times before allows you to rest assured that your move is being handled in the best way possible. In addition if you are completely new to the area, having someone to walk you through the relocation process will make your transition much easier. A relocation company can provide you with assistance in literally every aspect of your move and can serve as a one stop shop for anything you may need.

Your professional relocation specialist provides you with all the information you may need to make your move as comfortable as possible. The concierge services can answer any inquiries you may have from ‘where to find dog sitting services’ to ‘the best dry cleaners in your area.’ More specialized assistance is available in the areas of immigration assistance. Your specialist can help you find out how to get a visa for family residence as well as other necessities such as an identification card.

Of course, there may be reasons why you may choose not to use a relocation company. If you will be moving locally, you may not need the special expertise that a major moving company can provide. In addition, if you are working with a limited budget, you may find a moving company to be quite costly. However if you do decide to use a relocation company Dubai, you will find all your moving needs are met with efficiency and professionalism.

Relocation Company Dubai 8 Benefits Of Using A Relocation Service is a post from: International Relocation Services Dubai Relocation Abu Dhabi Relocation

Working in Riyadh

In the last few years the amount of foreign workers moving to Riyadh to work has made it one of the top foreign worker destinations in the world. It is one of the contributing factors that has made the capital city of Saudi Arabia one of the most richest cities in the world. Over 5 million people live in the city, which has grown from half a million 30 years ago. Over 40% of the population are foreign workers, so you will not be the only foreigner when you move here.

The explosion of growth is mainly due to this foreign influx, and you will find ex pat workers in every sector of work. The biggest bonus in coming here is a high standard of living, the opportunities to advance your career and salary, and the tax incentives. It is easier to find work when you are already here, although there are many agencies that look for you, you will be better placed and make a better impression if you come here yourself. There is still a huge demand for skilled workers and given you dig around hard enough, you should find your perfect opportunity here.

Leisure in Riyadh

The shopping in Riyadh is out of this world, and has every single Western shop you could think of. Food and dining are the main entertainment, and there is a huge selection of restaurants and cuisine. You should however be aware that Riyadh is a very religiously minded city, so there are customs that are strictly adhered to that you should respect if you are going to make the best of your time. The city effectively shuts down five times a day to pray. There are obviously differences in the scope that a man and woman can do. Films and other media are restricted here, so do not be surprised at the lack of cinemas and theaters (over quarter of a million people visited a neighboring country in order to visit the cinema according to official statistics). Soccer is the national sport, although cricket is also represented well because of the amount of people from the Indian subcontinent. Most hotels and compounds will have their own swimming pool. There are clubs for dune bashing, and cycling, so there are many activities and sightseeing that you to do at weekends.

Settling in Riyadh

One of the biggest issues people have when moving to Riyadh, is ensuring that they get accommodation with which they are not happy. Many overseas workers find themselves unsatisfied that they are placed in a hotel that they are not happy with, or in unsatisfactory compound accommodation, or find that the commute to work is unbearable due to the weight of the traffic. If you are considering moving to Riyadh, you should look for an agency that has vast experience in relocating you to your perfect new home. For friendly and accurate advice, you should contact us here so we can tailor make a solution for you.

Moving to Riyadh – the capital of the desert is a post from: International Relocation Services Dubai Relocation Abu Dhabi Relocation