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UAE
Kuwait
Bahrain-Same as Qatar
Qatar-Not much tourism, Income is pretty much oil, no diversification, worst equality for citizens out of all the nation
Gulf Countries - UAE being #1...where would you rank KUWAIT, BAHRAIN, and QATAR?
#1 meaning just massive amounts of amenities, money coming in, buildings going up, liveliness, tourist magnet of the region, etc.
So how about the other 3, comparitively in that vein?
I'm currently working in Saudi and have worked in Kuwait and Dubai and just came back from Doha. Here is how I would rate them:
1. UAE - you can maintain a Westerm lifestyle pretty-much.
2. Bahrain - Just a smaller version of UAE I would say. Not a bad place to party if you're stuck in Saudi and near the causeway (I am).
3. Qatar - I give Qatar edge over Kuwait because you can drink legally in Qatar.
4. Kuwait - a nicer version of Saudi but still no booze, pork, or non-Muslim religion.
I'm currently working in Saudi and have worked in Kuwait and Dubai and just came back from Doha. Here is how I would rate them:
1. UAE - you can maintain a Westerm lifestyle pretty-much.
2. Bahrain - Just a smaller version of UAE I would say. Not a bad place to party if you're stuck in Saudi and near the causeway (I am).
3. Qatar - I give Qatar edge over Kuwait because you can drink legally in Qatar.
4. Kuwait - a nicer version of Saudi but still no booze, pork, or non-Muslim religion.
How's Bahrain since the uprisings? Has it settled down since than?
What are some negatives of DOHA in Qatar? I havent been there, but it seems that Doha appears to be growing quite a bit, a bit like Dubai....
It does seem like UAE is the one to be in though, if someone were determined to live/work in that region of the world.
How's Bahrain since the uprisings? Has it settled down since than?
What are some negatives of DOHA in Qatar? I havent been there, but it seems that Doha appears to be growing quite a bit, a bit like Dubai....
It does seem like UAE is the one to be in though, if someone were determined to live/work in that region of the world.
I think Bahrain is fine so far. We get briefings on demonstrations and locations not to go to so just avoid those and it seems fine on the surface there there's still tons of Saudis and Westermers heading across the causeway to party on the weekends.
Doha/Qatar has a ton of money and I believe has the highest per capita income in the world with reserves to sustain them for quite some time. They are ramping up everywhere you look and plan to open their new airport next month (BTW, Qatar Airways is fabulous). In terms of restricting alcohol consumption, non-Islamic activities, etc. they seem to be somewhere in between U.A.E. relative liberalism and Saudi conservatism.
Yeah UAE is the best in the Middle East and that includes both Abu Dhabi & Dubai...I know guys that prefer Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
I think Bahrain is fine so far. We get briefings on demonstrations and locations not to go to so just avoid those and it seems fine on the surface there there's still tons of Saudis and Westermers heading across the causeway to party on the weekends.
Doha/Qatar has a ton of money and I believe has the highest per capita income in the world with reserves to sustain them for quite some time. They are ramping up everywhere you look and plan to open their new airport next month (BTW, Qatar Airways is fabulous). In terms of restricting alcohol consumption, non-Islamic activities, etc. they seem to be somewhere in between U.A.E. relative liberalism and Saudi conservatism.
Yeah UAE is the best in the Middle East and that includes both Abu Dhabi & Dubai...I know guys that prefer Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
Another question on Doha/Qatar. I heard that they 'hold your passport' if you are legally working there. You need permission if you wanted to pop out of the country for a weekend in UAE or anything like that. Is that actually true, and applies to foreigners as well? Just curious.
Another question on Doha/Qatar. I heard that they 'hold your passport' if you are legally working there. You need permission if you wanted to pop out of the country for a weekend in UAE or anything like that. Is that actually true, and applies to foreigners as well? Just curious.
Yes your Employer or Sponsor holds your passport so you essentially have to get their permission to leave. Not a comfortable situation. You also won't be allowed to leave if you owe on a ticket or have some type of legal claim against you.
Requires a significant level of trust in your Employer to work here. One thing to remember is that Sharia Law is applicable and everything is enforced on that basis so a basic understanding of Sharia Law is advisable.
You can make a lot of money and live a good lifestyle but you have to understand your rights and the laws of your country mean nothing here.
Yes your Employer or Sponsor holds your passport so you essentially have to get their permission to leave. Not a comfortable situation.
Is it only Qatar that does that?
I believe I heard that Saudia Arabia is very well-known for that as well, but if you are able to make regular trips over to Bahrain, maybe I'm wrong with that?
UAE is free from that, right? How about Bahrain or Oman? They hold the passport, or no?
I believe I heard that Saudia Arabia is very well-known for that as well, but if you are able to make regular trips over to Bahrain, maybe I'm wrong with that?
UAE is free from that, right? How about Bahrain or Oman? They hold the passport, or no?
I'n not sure about all the Gulf countries but Saudi does this. My Employer gives me my passport anytime I want to travel so I've never had a problem. Really most Western companies know how uncomfortable this makes their Western employees and they go out of their way to accomodate us. I would only worry if there was a bad personal incident of some kind or a major political upheaval.
Which one of these countries seem the most similar to western European views on things like gender equality and a general live and let live sort of mentality for people's personal preferences? The Gulf Coast Countries are interesting in that they have such great wealth, but I'm curious as to what the political spectrum there is like.
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