Which ME Location
#1
Can I please obtain the benefit of the wisdom of those on the forum, and a little assistance in making a choice on relocation. I have been offered a role with an international firm with a presence in the ME, who have offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
They have yet to tell me where I will be based, but indicated it is a one team approach across the three locations and there is the opportunity for me to at least indicate a preference. I am relocating with a wife and two little ones under five. Any suggestions on which of the three and why?
Thanks.
They have yet to tell me where I will be based, but indicated it is a one team approach across the three locations and there is the opportunity for me to at least indicate a preference. I am relocating with a wife and two little ones under five. Any suggestions on which of the three and why?
Thanks.
#2
Forum Regular



Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 164




Dubai. For your wife and kids' sake. It has the widest variety of facilities and activities, probably the cheapest of the three too for accommodation at least. Also the easiest to travel to and from.
#3
I was once told by some one who lived in Doha... "if you ever get a chance to go to Doha, don't."
Dubai or AD would be my preference. I prefer AD, but housing and 'things for the wife to do' are better in Dubai.
Dubai or AD would be my preference. I prefer AD, but housing and 'things for the wife to do' are better in Dubai.
#4
Spent some time in all three - go for Dubai but don't get sucked into the bullshit, you'll never save a penny otherwise!
#5
Account Closed










Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,028

If you haven't already got a clue, why on earth would you consider uprooting your family and moving here? Do you know that it's hot, dusty and full of nasty foreigners, old chap?
#6
I'v lived and worked in all 3 so here it is in a nutshell.
1. Dubai - Best city in the Gulf to earn a living , nowhere else comes close. The trouble is it's bankrupt .
2. Abu Dhabi - Tries to be like Dubai , Fails miserbly but that's no crime , still a decent posting and a good city to live and work in .
3. Doha - Bottom of the pile , not a patch on the other 2 , 20 years behind Dubai but everything and anything that's gonna happen of any value will happen in Qatar in the next 10 years . A lot of Ex pats will end up in Doha for their sins .
1. Dubai - Best city in the Gulf to earn a living , nowhere else comes close. The trouble is it's bankrupt .
2. Abu Dhabi - Tries to be like Dubai , Fails miserbly but that's no crime , still a decent posting and a good city to live and work in .
3. Doha - Bottom of the pile , not a patch on the other 2 , 20 years behind Dubai but everything and anything that's gonna happen of any value will happen in Qatar in the next 10 years . A lot of Ex pats will end up in Doha for their sins .
#8
Can I please obtain the benefit of the wisdom of those on the forum, and a little assistance in making a choice on relocation. I have been offered a role with an international firm with a presence in the ME, who have offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
They have yet to tell me where I will be based, but indicated it is a one team approach across the three locations and there is the opportunity for me to at least indicate a preference. I am relocating with a wife and two little ones under five. Any suggestions on which of the three and why?
Thanks.
They have yet to tell me where I will be based, but indicated it is a one team approach across the three locations and there is the opportunity for me to at least indicate a preference. I am relocating with a wife and two little ones under five. Any suggestions on which of the three and why?
Thanks.
#9
Thanks for the advice, it is absolutely priceless to hear from those who have lived and worked in these locations. If I can choose I'll definitely go Dubai, AD and then Doha in that order.
Thanks Again.
Thanks Again.
#10
Of course, if you get the chance do come out to all three places and check them out before making a decision.
#12
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 11

Dubai by far for lifestyle, however as one noted here... it is bankrupt! depending on what field you are in it may not offer a huge opportunity to grow the business whereas Qatar would..
But bearing in mind wife and kids - Dubai!!
However again... bearing in YOU, wife and kids... why on earth would you bother with any of the three choices... they are all hidious and ghastly... and most people (the sane ones with a choice) who got sucked in want to leave!
But bearing in mind wife and kids - Dubai!!
However again... bearing in YOU, wife and kids... why on earth would you bother with any of the three choices... they are all hidious and ghastly... and most people (the sane ones with a choice) who got sucked in want to leave!
#13
Dubai by far for lifestyle, however as one noted here... it is bankrupt! depending on what field you are in it may not offer a huge opportunity to grow the business whereas Qatar would..
But bearing in mind wife and kids - Dubai!!
However again... bearing in YOU, wife and kids... why on earth would you bother with any of the three choices... they are all hidious and ghastly... and most people (the sane ones with a choice) who got sucked in want to leave!
But bearing in mind wife and kids - Dubai!!
However again... bearing in YOU, wife and kids... why on earth would you bother with any of the three choices... they are all hidious and ghastly... and most people (the sane ones with a choice) who got sucked in want to leave!
#14
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 11


The bitter stage came and went quite quickly... I had my experience and most have had theirs... Im assuming that you are stuck and unable to leave? or convincing yourself that you can make it work again? or just been their soooo long you are institutionalised? Many people cannot smell the shit due to all the perfume...
#15
So you think that the three places are cosmopolitan, organised, civilised and gorgeous??? 
The bitter stage came and went quite quickly... I had my experience and most have had theirs... Im assuming that you are stuck and unable to leave? or convincing yourself that you can make it work again? or just been their soooo long you are institutionalised? Many people cannot smell the shit due to all the perfume...

The bitter stage came and went quite quickly... I had my experience and most have had theirs... Im assuming that you are stuck and unable to leave? or convincing yourself that you can make it work again? or just been their soooo long you are institutionalised? Many people cannot smell the shit due to all the perfume...

Why do so many people talk of Dubai in one of 2 extremes (it's either 'brilliant' or it's 'sh1t'). I think it's fine and it serves a purpose for me anyway. It has it's problems but so do all places.




