Career Opportunities in the Middle East...!

Malaysian leaders do visit and meet Malaysian Professionals overseas,
including those in the Middle East!

Pre-amble:

1. According to a World Bank report, Malaysians residing and working overseas touched 1,000,000 in 2009.

2. The Middle East is a gold-mine which is attracting Malaysians expats, especially the Muslims!

3. There are more than 10,000 Malaysians in UAE, Qatar, and Saudi combined!

4. In the Middle East, 80 percent of jobs are filled by Expats!

5. Malaysians are respected and held in high regards! This spells opportunities.

6. There are 5000 Malaysians in UAE, 4000 in Qatar, and 3000 in Saudi!

 7. In 2009 & 2010 saw movement of employees from Dubai … to  Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi!

8. Qatar: World cup 2022 driving growth! 14.0% in 2010 and 15.8% in 2011

9. Petroleum remains the key engine of  the regional economy!

10. Health care, Retail, Islamic Banking, Construction, Aquaculture are growth industries.


Global opportunities: Companies in different part of the world are sourcing talents from where they are best available.  The world is turning into one global employment market!

In the Middle East, for example, it is very common for companies to have more than 20 different Nationalities on their payroll!

Some of the factors driving Malaysians to go for job opportunities in the Middle East:

•Lack of opportunities locally.

•Higher net disposable income

•Better Education for Children

•Socio Economic situation (Sense of unsafe living in Malaysia, Faster increase in  Cost of Living compared to increase in income level)  

•To experience new culture and places

•Opportunities for Self Development

•Better living standards

I have created a formula which link

The right Job * The right pay * Family objectives = Satisfaction and happiness.

It is important to find the right job which offers challenges, opportunity of achievement and growth, conducive working climate, and managed by professionals at the most senior level. From my experience, family owned companies which are managed by family members often frustrate high achieving employees due to internal feud or extreme comprises between family members.

It is important to do research in advance of the right salary range for the level of expertise and experience which you possess for your particular field of profession. Do not under-sell yourself! Contrary to popular beliefs, employers actually respect potential candidates who knows and negotiate for his compensation package!

Knowing your family objectives is crucial! For example, if the objective is primarily to get good education for your children, then negotiate for the inclusion of school fees for top notch International schools and only look for jobs in cities which have such schools. On the other hand, if your priority is to get spiritual enhancement, and you are a Muslim, then by all means look for a job in Mecca, Medina, or Jeddah! If however, you prefer social freedom and entertainment options then Dubai maybe a better option for you and your family.

 

Watch this space. In the next article, I will outline some options of the routes you can take to get your first lucky break - to find your dream job in the Middle East!

Haji Ahmad Kamil, A Malaysian holding a senior
position in the Jeddah Municipality!

Picture: Malaysians in Dubai having a family outing!