Middle East
Where to go and why
Dubai has rocketed to the top of the league of destinations to work abroad, and consultants believe it will stay there for at least the next five years. One of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is ruled by the Maktoum family, who are keen to make it the number one tourist destination in the region. With few locals working in hospitality, Dubai attracts a huge foreign working population. At the most junior levels Indian and Filipino staff are in abundance, but Europeans are needed for head of department roles and general management. Dubai offers salaries tax-free with good packages, is safe and fairly relaxed for a Muslim country, and the climate is warm with great beaches and fabulous water sports.
Abu Dhabi is another emirate worth bearing in mind, as is the island state of Bahrain. Qatar and Oman are developing tourism industries; around the Dead Sea there are resorts in Israel and Jordan; and on the Red Sea, Egypt is recruiting too.
Money
Currency: Dubai: dirham.
Salaries: Assistant manager: £750 per month; Restaurant manager: £1,300 per month or £15,600 per year - net. The package will be comprehensive (see below) and will include 30 days' holiday a year and an annual flight back to the UK.
Taxes: None paid.
Employers
International chains: Marriott (four differently branded hotels); Sun International (Royal Mirage Hotel); Hyatt; Hilton; Six Continents; Shangri-La.
Regional chains: Jumeirah International - including Jumeirah Beach, Burj Al Arab and Emirates Towers.
Living/working conditions
Expect to work nine-hour shifts with an hour for lunch and couple of tea breaks for six days a week. If you're management you may be expected to be on call even if you're technically "off"that day.
A restaurant manager can expect a flat to share with one other, provided and paid for by the employer. Most employers will include accommodation and often transport in the package, as well as food, so it will be your passion for gold and the carpet souks that will be the only drain on your wallet.
Red tape
Work permits are needed, but the employer will handle this once you've been accepted for a job. Most recruit regularly in the UK
Health
Most employers provide private healthcare and the standard of hospitals available is quite high. Hepatitis A and B are the only listed medical risks, but sunburn or heat stroke are more likely if you're not careful.
Economic outlook
Dubai's tourist numbers were expected to reach three million by 2001. With oil accounting for only 14% of trade, it is clear why Dubai has to push the tourism industry. New operators are moving into the area all the time - Shangri-La has taken on two management contracts in the past six months. Jumeirah International will open the 900-bedroom Madinat Jumeirah resort in 2003. Massive projects such as Palm Island and Dubai Festival City will only add to the buzz the emirate has created.
Useful links
Online magazine with articles about working abroad at www.escapeartist.com.
