Best work place in the ME
I have been given the opportunity to work for an European/Western company in the ME (Middle east). Currently they do not have an office in the ME but would like me to work from home and handle the sales of their product.
Could you suggest which country is best suited for me to work from. For eg Qatar would be a prob as I would need exit permit everytime i want to leave the country, i believe Saudi is the same. Any suggestion from ppl who have come across similar situation.
the company has asked me to suggest a place with reasons!! They hvae informed that Dubai is quite expensive and it would be last on their list. For me Dubai is a place to be on weekend to have fun!!
Could you tell me how Bahrain or Abu dhabi (any other place within the ME) would be, cost of living, rent, schooling for a 4+ year old child and etc would be of great help.
JJ
I would vote for UAE in general, Bahrain is good for bachelor's life and in my opinion does not have a business culture. Yes indeed in my experience it is good for a visit of few days to have fun and good time.
Abu Dhabi is the best place for family life as well as for business. Infrastructure, Schools and facilities are good and reasonablly priced, no traffic and communting problems, living costs comparatively are less than Dubai and Doha and of course it is a main city in Middle East with all right connections to base Middle East and African Operations. If you are too concerend about the costs there are cheaper options available too in Abu Dhabi like for instance living and operating from "Mussaffah" which is the Industrial city of Abu Dhabi or from Al Ain which is another city of Abu Dhabi and many International Companies have their offices there.
Business wise it is a good choice since Abu Dhabi's economy is booming due to a lot of projects in pipeline and expansion plans in future that provides numerous business opportunties for all businesses. There are no taxes in Abu Dhabi/UAE but on the other hand businesses in Bahrain are subject to taxation as per my information.
You can also think of another Emirate in UAE like for instance Sharjah or Ajman these Emirates are close to Dubai and cost of living wise cheaper than other major cities in Middle East.
Thanks for the update, Qatar is no doubt one good place but I dont think my current sponsor would NOT give me a NOC!!!!
So Doha is out of the map for me!!
rlasrado, like ur answer, thanks
The choice would be either Dubai or Bahrain. However I would choose Bahrain cause Dubai has got too crowded. The reasons are below.
Cost of accommodation comparatively much less than Qatar or Dubai/AXB. You can live in a villa with swimming pool, tennis courts etc at unbelievable prices. Quality of accommodation in Qatar is pathetic.
Cost of communication – telephone, internet etc much cheaper. Qatar has one of the most expensive calling rates in the world. The telecommunication market has just opened up but it will take time for the rates to reduce.
Small place – so it does not take you long to get anywhere unlike Dubai where you’ll spend 1-2 hours traveling around.
Cheap booze – can pick it from the airport duty free unlike Qatar where you need a license. You can wine and dine at most restaurants (don't get tht in dubai even). Great restaurants too.
Advanced banking facilities.
Taxation - In Qatar if you do not have 100% Qatari shareholding you will be taxed. Tax is on slabs and is around 35%. Even QFC licensed firms will be taxed from this year although taxation rates differ
Most importantly it will be close to the biggest market in the GCC – Saudi (just a 40 min drive through the causeway). That seals the deal.
If you are worried about exit permit, just relax! You can have multiple exit permit valid for one year. So don't worry. As far as the cost of living is concerned, Qatar can be compared to Dubai in all respects. You can have your own decisions. You can find a place to start with your office in Qatar.