A guide to relocating in the Middle East region

The Middle East may be far away from your thoughts at the moment......until you are informed that you will be relocating to the region with your work. For many, this would represent a glorious opportunity to experience a new culture. 

However, it is also a slightly daunting experience as it would involve immersing yourself in an entirely new culture.

So what should you expect from a relocation to the Middle East? What can you expect to come against?

A couple of key factors are set to change the way the region sees itself, as well as the way global investors view it. This means that staff relocation to the area could be set to increase massively.

Below, we look at the main factors behind the changing perception of countries such as Yemen, Qatar and Kuwait;

Attractive cost of living: A recent survey by the global HR consulting firm Mercer found a significant fall in the cost of living throughout the Middle East.

The most prominent factor in the fall in living costs was the fact that the majority of the region’s currencies are linked to the US Dollar.

The survey assessed the cost of several factors including housing, food, transportation, clothing and household goods. The results certainly compared favourably with other regions around the globe.

Future investments in infrastructure: When Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 World Cup it raised several eyebrows around the world.

However, the country looks set to make the most of their good fortune by investing heavily in infrastructure and employment to show the world that they can pull it off.

It also means that investing in Qatari property now could mean lucrative rental opportunities when the tournament begins in 11 years time. Football fans from around the world will be there, and they will all need somewhere to stay.

All of this points to a region which is primed for investment in the near future. As such, there is a real possibility that companies may look to relocate staff there in large and small numbers.

You never know? The Middle East may be closer to your thoughts this time next year that you ever would have imagined.