Moving to the Middle East from a Western country is almost certainly a greater challenge for a single woman. The lifestyle, especially in Kuwait and (less so) in Bahrain, is quite couple and family orientated. So if you’re single it can be harder to establish a social circle that you’re comfortable with. This is not such a huge problem in UAE & Saudi, where there are many more singles and a work hard, play hard mentality presides. It’s not uncommon to work a six day week and party hard on the one remaining day of rest! 

One should never underestimate that as a single woman your status is not on a par with men generally: you will be treated differently, sometimes irreverently and it can feel like you are taking a step back in time compared to Western cultures. This applies in business too where, as a woman managing a team of men, you may experience a level of open resistance that would not be acceptable in a Western work environment. If you do, it’s a case of resilience and perseverance which is challenging but ultimately rewarding once you get the approach right. This also applies outside of work, where patience is definitely a virtue!

It’s important to note that in all Arabic states being suitably attired is important. You must not cause any offence – the covering of shoulders and arms is normal and short skirts and shorts are not usually worn outside of the beach club unless you want to attract a lot of unwanted attention. In Saudi Arabia women should cover themselves in public with an abeyya (woman’s full length black robe) & hejab (headscarf) and are not permitted to drive.

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