Yeah mate you're right , it's ok here , if it wasn't i wouldn't be here simple as that...and your right about Teeside fella , it makes Doha look like Vegas...

Wow thanks for the information everyone, very informative.

It's interesting to hear about the attitude of the locals to expats as the locals here (just the men really) in Atyrau hate the expats. Unfortunately it's now almost viewed as a 'badge of honour' to hate expats. It can be quite interesting to walk past a group of Kazakh guys and watch them all spit in unison on the ground as you walk by. Having said that, there are unfortunately a select few expats that do act like prats over here and give rise to a generic bad reputation which explains in part why there is such animosity.

The fact that business is difficult to conduct and there is nothing to do is also very interesting as it is for all these reasons I want to leave Atyrau. I am bored ****less. Working purely for money is what I've done for the past four years and I feel like my personal life has been put on hold because of it. Maybe this is easier to do if you're assigned there with a family but I'm not in that situation. Whilst I am sure the lifestyle will be better in Doha, it doesn't sound markedly different which is a concern. The aspects that further confound my decision to come here are that I've been offered Vietnam and Singapore as well. Obviously two much better locations, it's just career-wise, the move to Doha would be much better.

Alexa - thanks for all the detailed responses

You sound like you feel how I feel about Atyrau. How long have you been there? I'm sure I read in another thread it was something like seven years? And you just stay purely because of the money? Are you there on family status?

Also, why is it not a good idea to go near the local women? I'm not planning on making this a top 5 prerogative (more like top 10 ) but I'd be interested to know the reason.

Tx girl - Thanks for the tips on language, I think it's a good point. Unfortunately French and Spanish are my limit and basic Russian. I think Arabic would finish me. There being lots more single guys than girls doesn't sound so great either......(just kidding, i know what you mean).

Thanks again everyone

yes, I have been here almost 8 years now, 12 in the ME.
About local women, they are 100% off limit, unless you want to find yourself dead in the desert. We are in an Islamic country, and the local women are all covered and meant to be with local guys, period. Plus, dating is prohibited, for all of us, but especially for them. We do it of course, but discreetly. This is a very backward and strict community here.
Funny thing...you will see guys walking down the street holding hands...but you are not supposed to kiss your spouse in public...oh, and homosexuality is illegal here.ROFL

And yes, I am here ONLY for money, with my family.
Mind you, I was in Saudi before and had a blast...