norsk

I guess they are even more worried than before that people with questionable opinions from the region are allowed in to corrupt their 'fairytale'..

DXBtoDOH

A lot of Turkish and Balkan Muslims in Dubai these days. I suspect much of the growth is led by Eastern Euros/Balkans/Central Asian Republics. They're well educated, can operate in a Western office environment very well and are happy to work for lower wages than Western Europeans.

IKnowNothing

As someone mentioned earlier, the Government is taking it's time in spending on anything, so for us, it's slow and struggle. Will we all be here in a year's time? Who knows.

DustyBits

Now back in Jockland after my O&G project was cut short.

During a day of closing accounts in HSBC and Etishite in Abu Dhabi last month, the reps in both places commented on the "huge" rise in expat departures they were seeing.

Also noticed the majority of advertised UAE job postings in my area were re-hashes of old vacancies or jobs that just didn't exist. Lost count of the number of 'consultants' phoning me coz they were "really really really keen to put me forward".....only to never hear from them again. (sorry Scamp, your brethren are resorting to old and despised practices now that times be rough!)

Ex-Dustybits

Inselaffen

Guess I really should make that effort to learn Russia as I've been promising the Mrs for the last 7 years.

We just warned one lady in my dept that it would be advisable if she looked for another job. She found something within 2 weeks working for a company expanding into central asia (she is from that region). Turned out well or her as she'll be earning a lot more than she gets with us.

scrubbedexpat141

When times are hard I would do lots of this;

Ring candidates you find on Gulf Talent who are actually quite good. Talk to them about possible options with real companies (no lies). See if they bite. If they do, have a proper chat, maybe meet for a coffee. Pump for information, try to get info of where they've been for interviews recently.

Bingo, multiple wins.

New target list of clients to call that you know have vacancies.
New candidate who is good, you've met and can really sensibly send to companies with great notes attached.
New candidate who has potentially, very well bought into you so will continue to offer information (two way street) and be at least relatively open to listening to what you have to say about possible options.

Now; that's what I liked to do. Keep busy when vacancies are thin by building candidate base and meeting people and getting information.

The other tactic is a lot quicker and involves making up jobs, posting fake adverts, generally being a bit unscrupulous. I've done this to but it was completely transparent, felt a bit wrong and I wasn't very good at it.

Meow

I am hearing that several of the larger local/regional companies that operate mainly in the retail sector may have some issues. Turnover and therefore profits are down significantly and not just due to over expansion.

Knock on effects...

TGFKASE

Being heavily involved in one of the larger O&G Projects still going like a train, I am constantly receiving agencies touting guys. Thing is, I can get many guys that I know, and more importantly that are cheaper for me than having to pay agency costs over and above the day rates.

I also get the guys who have been contacted by agencies that are telling people that I am looking for people.. They get all sulky when I tell them that if I WAS looking for someone, I would go to the folder on my desktop containing hundreds of resumes of people I could hire direct...

UKCityGent

Would be interesting to see this survey with the industry sectors that people who voted worked in - i think there is going to be a general slump in the ME next year.

Millhouse

as late as next year

Oil at 37... budget deficits, KSA talking of cutting production, expensive wars on all fronts, USD rising, a perfect storm is brewing.

scrubbedexpat141

Which is why I shouldn't moan that my work is now completely global.

mikewot

Agree. The new airport in Dubai is supposed to have 5 runways once complete, 3 were supposed to be completed by July 2021. Currently the 2nd runway which was due to be completed by 2017, slipped to 2018 and now rumour has it 2020.

This is my personal opinion and not related in any way to the company I work for.

Millhouse

You always cover your ass and lack spine on these matters. This is my personal opinion and not related in any way to the company I work for.

mikewot

Unfortunately for me I was nearly sacked and was given a final written warning a couple of years ago for mentioning something on FB connected with work. So I virtually memorised the company policy on Social Media.

scrubbedexpat141

How have you survived since?