The Middle East and particularly Dubai is becoming an increasingly attractive option for today’s exhibition professional. As the credit crunch kicks in to full effect here, many people are looking for a new challenge a little further afield and Dubai and Abu Dhabi are at the forefront of many exciting developments in the industry. Here is some useful information regarding the region:

• First and foremost there are some exceptional roles available for talented event professionals. From sales executives to managing directors; Dubai and Abu Dhabi are looking to the likes of the UK, USA and Europe to secure the best talent available.
• You will be better off financially. Alongside great career opportunities this is quite simply one of the major factors for people to make the move to the UAE. Tax free salaries and the cost of living all work in your favour to give you more disposable income at the end of each month. Put simply people wouldn’t do it if it didn’t make financial sense.
• It’s tax free. You will receive a monthly salary and not a penny will be deducted in tax. What you’re offered is what you get.
• It’s hot. 25 degrees Celsius in the winter and up to 45 degrees in the summer. So if waking up to baking sunshine is your thing, then you won’t find many better climates to work in.
• Accommodation can be expensive. One of the most common questions we are asked about Dubai is the accommodation situation. It is expensive but like any major city you get what you pay for. If you live in London and want to live on the top floor of a Mayfair penthouse then it will cost you and Dubai is no different. You can rent a room in a shared stylish and modern flat from around £500 per person per month but if you’re looking to live on your own overlooking the Gulf in a complex with all the amenities (swimming pool, gym etc) then you can expect to pay in excess of £2,500 a month
• Transport. There is no Dubai equivalent of the Underground or Metro but construction is underway on a cheap overland train system but as yet it hasn’t been completed. However, taxis are incredibly affordable and running and owning a car is an extremely viable option with Dubai being one of the cheapest places on the planet to buy a new vehicle. Petrol is very inexpensive as well for obvious reasons.
• A visa is required to live and work in the city but this will be arranged and paid for by your new employer.
• Whilst the majority of companies offer a re-location package it usually involves a flight, one month’s accommodation and a contribution towards the shipping of goods. Don’t expect a fully furnished apartment, accommodation allowance, car allowance etc.
• Dubai and Abu Dhabi are very exciting at the moment with new venues being built in both cities. Abu Dhabi is host to the exceptional ADNEC whilst the Dubai World Trade Centre is a simply astounding exhibition and conference venue. Work is also currently underway for a new venue in Dubai which is set to be the largest exhibition centre in the world and will be situated next to the world’s largest airport – also currently under construction.
• The economy is booming. The region is taking giant strides towards its self-imposed target of being of being one of the world’s largest and indeed strongest economies by 2015. It is also aiming to be the number one destination in the world for events, conferences and exhibitions.
• There is a large expat community which brings with it all the good fun and enjoyable lifestyle that involves. Alcohol is served in hotel bars and restaurants and a relatively liberal stance is taken on the way visitors unwind!
• That said; the UAE is a Muslim country and anyone moving to the region needs to be aware of the do’s and dont’s of the culture. You are guests in their country and it’s always important to remember that.

Hopefully that all helps, but remember if you have a specific question don’t hesitate to speak to one of our consultants. We have a lot of experience in the area and if there is something we don’t know it will be a pleasure to find out for you. Oh and did we mention it’s hot and tax free?