Job offer in Qatar: First timer in ME
Hi all - I would be a first time mover to the Middle East weighing up 2 offers between Muscat and Doha. I am 30-years-old, single male moving out to the region with a view of establishing my career there gradually.
The offer is about 58,000 pounds (all inclusive) for Oman, and about 69,000 pounds (all inclusive for Qatar - 389,000 Qatari riyals a year). I am not too fussed on social outings, and obviously I would want a decent apartment and to rent a small sedan with that money.
I know Qatar is more expensive than Oman, but is the cost of living difference that high to justify the difference in wages? I am interested in making money, establishing my career. My social outings would simply be eating out with occasional drinking - not very socially focused at the moment.
The wage difference is over 15% - I have read that most people prefer Oman to Qatar. I imagine I would be able to live decently in either of the two places as a bachelor, but thoughts on wage differences vs cost of living would be very welcome.
Thank you for your consideration
Qatar probably has the better longer term opportunities. It is more expensive here. One other thing you have to consider is the "exit permit" issue here - you can't leave the country without explicit approval from your company. That might be an issue for you, especially if you want to do weekend trips to Dubai (to get over the boredom in either place).
The wage difference is actually not that huge, and I think you will be able to live better in Oman with that salary. Qatar is way more expensive than Oman and in general Oman is already developed and has established institutions and services, while everything in Qatar is still under construction. Life will definitely be easier in Oman for a Western non-Muslim expat.
Oman is cheaper and IMHO a much nicer place to live and work. Ofcourse , it is also quiter and you may find it a little boring as a single person