Hi all,

My wife and I have recently relocated to the UAE, as we got sponsored by her company, currently living in Abu Dhabi and loving it.

Really proud of my wife's achievements and the opportunity given.

Only issue is I had to give up my SQS position with the UK consultancy, and they didn't have any open position in the UAE.

I've got 8 years experience as a QS and specialise in MEP Quantity Surveying, and understand all duties of a QS required at both precontract and post contract stages.

I'm also due to sit my RICS in the first sitting this 2026, just waiting for the submission window to open.

My question is

1. Should I be applying directly to companies or work through recruiters?
2. As majority of my experience has been in the UK, is it worth working for smaller consultancies/contractors which are advertised on LinkedIn? The salaries are low, but I'm willing to work just to gain the experience and enhance my CV showing I do have UAE experience.
3. Besides my RICS, anything else I can do to improve my chances?

Any advice welcome.

Kind regards

Kai