Tax free salaries are great - since the cost of living has always been generally lower in the Middle East than in the UK it has traditionally been possible for ex-pats to save high proportions of their salary. Clearing the old UK credit card was never any easier! However, huge ex-pat salaries and bonuses, once taken for granted in the Middle East, are now much harder to achieve, especially in the current economic climate.

The lifestyle on offer is usually better than in the UK. There are only so many places in the world where there are 5 star beach clubs are on your doorstep and essential family/domestic support all at reasonable prices.

It’s a good career move. The challenges in the Middle East are just as tough as anywhere else but the market isn’t as sophisticated as the Western world, so your Western expertise is likely to bring some marked improvements and quick wins early on. Career progression is never guaranteed but it is usually possible to use your experience in the Middle East to advantage and move onto bigger and better things either back in UK or elsewhere worldwide. 

Alex Bannard, our Director of Buying & Merchandising Recruitment, moved from London to Kuwait in 2005 as a single professional to continue her career in Retail. Within three short years she had also met and married her husband and started a family. Alex moved with her family to Istanbul earlier this year.

Alex's expertise in merchandising and in recruitment, coupled with her international experience, means she is ideally suited to advise our clients and candidates on UK and International roles. She is best contacted on her mobile (+90 53 8621 4937) or drop her an email on ab@bluemondayrecruitment.com