When moving to the Middle East for work, it’s essential to understand local customs and the key differences across countries. There are many differences to be aware of between working in the UK and working in the Middle East, from typical working days and hours to dress codes and formal greetings.
At John Mason, we can guide you through every step to make your relocation seamless and stress-free.
Working days and hours variations
In most Middle Eastern countries, the standard workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend.
Working hours typically range between 7 and 9 hours a day, with many companies observing a midday break due to high temperatures. It’s also important to note that during the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are often reduced to accommodate fasting employees.
In some countries, such as the UAE, public sector workers follow a Monday to Friday working week instead.
Cultural customs and workplace etiquette
If you move to the Middle East to work, it is important that you follow the correct business culture and workplace etiquette.
Men and women should both dress conservatively. Men will typically wear suits and ties, and women will opt for modest trousers, blouses and jackets.
Colleagues should be addressed using their appropriate title, such as Mr, Mrs, or Dr, and greetings should be formal. When greeting a woman, it is customary to wait for her to extend her hand for a handshake first.
Salary expectations and cost of living
Salaries in the Middle East are often tax-free and can be highly competitive, especially in sectors like technology, finance, oil and gas, and construction. However, the cost of living can vary greatly depending on where you live.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have higher costs of living, with accommodation and schooling being significant expenses. Other locations, like Oman and Bahrain, offer a comparatively lower cost of living.
Visa and residency regulations
Navigating the visa application process is critical when relocating to the Middle East for work. Many Middle Eastern countries require employment sponsorship to obtain a work visa, and the rules can differ significantly between countries.
Residency permits often depend on continued employment, and family sponsorship is subject to specific income thresholds and documentation. It’s crucial to stay informed of changing regulations and compliance requirements to ensure a smooth relocation and legal working status.
Family considerations: schooling, healthcare, housing
For families relocating, access to quality international schools and healthcare facilities is a major consideration. The UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain offer extensive international schooling options, while other countries may have fewer choices.
Healthcare standards are high in urban centres, with many expats opting for private health insurance. Finding suitable housing involves understanding tenancy laws, cultural norms regarding family living, and safety considerations.
Relocation services can assist with these logistics to provide peace of mind.
How working in different countries in the Middle
East varies
Working in Dubai
Dubai offers one of the region’s most dynamic job markets, driven by rapid growth in technology, real estate, finance, trade, and tourism. Hybrid work arrangements and tech roles, especially in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, are becoming more commonplace.
Working days in Dubai are typically Sunday to Thursday, with a fast-paced, multicultural atmosphere that is very welcoming to expats. Salaries are also among the highest in the region, supported by generous benefits and a tax-free income.
Expats enjoy a vibrant social scene, modern infrastructure, and access to global networking hubs. However, because of this, competition for top roles remains high.
Working in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s job market is largely shaped by the energy, government, and technology sectors. The city is known for the career opportunities it presents in the oil industry, public administration, and emerging digital fields.
Abu Dhabi offers top benefits packages, family-friendly policies, and stability for long-term careers. Like Dubai, the typical workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday.
Working in Qatar
Qatar is experiencing strong growth in construction, energy, healthcare, and hospitality, offering plenty of opportunities for qualified professionals. Work weeks follow a similar Sunday to Thursday schedule, and business culture balances modern practices with strong Qatari traditions.
There is a big expat community in Qatar, and English is widely spoken in the business world. Living conditions are modern, and the cost of living is high but offset by tax-free salaries and generous benefits packages.
Qatar National Vision 2030 continues to diversify the economy, driving high demand for international talent.
Working in Kuwait
Kuwait offers a stable job market, primarily focused on oil, healthcare, education, and civil engineering. The workweek also runs Sunday to Thursday, and social norms encourage a conservative approach in both professional and private spheres.
Many skilled roles offer competitive salaries, but living costs can be high. Housing is often provided as part of employment packages, with strong benefits and close-knit expat communities.
Working in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s work culture is rapidly evolving, influenced by Vision 2030’s economic diversification and major infrastructure projects. Employment opportunities are growing in the healthcare, engineering, IT, and education sectors. Sunday to Thursday workweeks are standard, and workplaces typically offer a mix of tradition and progressive change.
Gender roles and workplace etiquette remain important, so it is important that you adapt to Saudi Arabian culture if you move there for work. Employment packages frequently include tax-free salaries, housing, healthcare, and transport allowances.
More businesses now support international hires, making relocation smoother for families.
Working in Bahrain
Bahrain is known for its financial services, start-up opportunities, and relaxed business environment. Like many other locations in the Middle East, the workweek is Sunday to Thursday, and professionals are often offered good healthcare, education, and housing options.
The start-up culture is thriving, which creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking smaller, innovative teams. The social scene in Bahrain is also thriving, encouraging expats to network and meet new people.
Working in Oman
Oman is becoming a more attractive expat destination, with emerging job markets in logistics, engineering, tourism, and education. Working days are usually Sunday to Thursday, and workplaces are friendly yet traditional.
Oman’s natural beauty and tranquil lifestyle are key draws for expatriates. Expats can expect to follow respectful workplace communication, collaborative working, and a community feel.
Working days in the Middle East
While the general workweek across most Middle Eastern countries runs from Sunday to Thursday, the public sector in the UAE typically follows a Monday to Friday
schedule, including a half-day on Friday. Working hours can vary, with flexible and reduced hours often observed during Ramadan.
Understanding these differences is important for planning your work-life balance and adapting smoothly to the regional work culture.
| Country | Standard Workweek | Weekend Days |
| UAE | Sunday to Thursday | Friday & Saturday |
| Saudi Arabia | Sunday to Thursday | Friday & Saturday |
| Qatar | Sunday to Thursday | Friday & Saturday |
| Kuwait | Sunday to Thursday | Friday & Saturday |
| Bahrain | Sunday to Thursday | Friday & Saturday |
| Oman | Sunday to Thursday | Friday & Saturday |
How John Mason can help your move
John Mason International offers everything you need for a smooth relocation to the Middle East, from international removals and secure storage to visa support and pet relocation.
With over a century of expertise, our specialists guide you through every stage, making your move efficient, compliant, and stress-free.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us or get an instant quote today!
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