Are you thinking of relocating to the Middle East? This geopolitical region is becoming an increasingly popular relocation destination. The Middle East consists of 18 countries, most of which form part of the Arab world. Egypt, Iran and Turkey are the most populous countries in the Middle East while Saudi Arabia is the largest country by area in the region. With a population of around 16 million, Egypt’s Cairo is the region’s largest city. Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Berber, Kurdish, French, and English are among the most widely spoken languages. The Middle East is sometimes described as the crossroads of the world since this is where the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe connect.
Take a look at some of the most important things to know about relocating to the Middle East!
Fast facts
- The Middle East has one of the youngest populations in history with an estimate of 60% of the population being younger than 25.
- The most commonly spoken language in the Middle East is Arabic.
- You can find three of the seven wonders of the ancient world in the Middle East — the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Why do people relocate to the Middle East?
Recent years have seen a notable increase in executive relocations to the Middle East. In the Gulf countries, many job opportunities are available across industries such as construction, education, finance, and healthcare. Nursing skills are particularly in demand across many countries in the Middle East, along with other professional medical skills such as emergency care and intensive care. As a result of the increase in workers from outside the region who want to enrol their children in English-speaking schools, there is also a need for qualified teachers in international schools in the Middle East.
Tax-free salaries in countries such as Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates are a major point of attraction for people seeking to relocate to the Middle East. This means that employees in the Middle East can benefit from a bigger take-home salary. Further to this, most employers in the region offer desirable packages that include an accommodation allowance, health insurance, travel expenses, and even school fee support for employees’ children.
What do I need to know before moving to the Middle East?
While jobs in the Middle East have the potential for higher income and an enhanced quality of life, it must be mentioned that some parts of life in this region can be rather expensive. This includes the cost of accommodation as well as education, especially if you want to educate your kids in international schools. On that note, private education in the Middle East is typically of high quality with a wide range of British, American and other international schools to choose from if you are searching for English-speaking options.
If you want to learn more about pet relocation to the Middle East, the good news is that this is a relatively simple process. Pets travelling to the Middle East are not required to quarantine upon arrival. To obtain an import permit for pet relocation to the Middle East, most of the standard requirements for pet relocation apply. This includes making sure your pets are up to date with their inoculations and blood tests for rabies and that they get microchipped if not already.
Ready to relocate to the Middle East?
If you are ready to enjoy great weather, new experiences, and high quality of life while benefiting from networking opportunities, career advancement, and proximity to international markets, relocation to the Middle East is a great idea. At Claymore Thistle, we can provide all the support you need for personal relocation as well as executive relocation to the Middle East. Reach out to us to book a free consultation with one of our professional relocation agents to kickstart your relocation journey!
Not sure which city is right for you? Why not book in for a free discovery call with one of our relocation agents.
