Working in PR in the UAE - a recruiters perspective

Prospect is a specialist public relations, communications and marketing consultancy specialising in places experienced consultants from executive to director level across the UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia. Company Director Emma Dale writes about her impressions of recruiting into and working in the United Arab Emirates.

As with many industries in the UAE, PR & Marketing have seen an explosion of growth over the past decade. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of the largest of the seven emirates and are increasingly becoming a popular destination to set up a new communications business. If you are to be a key player in the global economy, it is recognised that having a footprint in the Gulf is an important move.

But what is it like to work in communications in the Middle East?

PR in particular is quite a new industry to the Middle East, but certainly one that is growing and is receiving a lot of investment. Many international agencies are now setting up in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and despite the recent economic turbulence, the Middle East PR market appears to remain robust.

As with the world over, working in PR is not a 9-5pm career and the Middle East is no different in this respect. Long hours are still very much part of the PR culture here but this has to be weighed up against the financial and tax incentives that are on offer.

Dubai is a very cosmopolitan place with a diverse range of nationalities and one of the most Westernised countries in the Middle East. Whilst the champagne may not be flowing quite as freely as here in the UK, the opportunity to shop most definitely is! The large shopping centres alongside amazing entertainment facilities and first class accommodation have made Dubai one of the most sophisticated places to relocate. Accommodation and the cost of living is not cheap, but with the lack of income tax and the low cost of other things such as taxis, and diesel, more than makes up for it. Not forgetting the climate of course and the fact that the sun always shines. . . quite literally.

Schools are of a very high standard but there is no Government assistance with education and therefore most are fee paying, private schools. Owing to the number of ex-pats in Dubai and Abu Dhabi it is best to ask around to ascertain a schoolís reputation.

Also important to mention is the healthcare system. Dubai in particular has some excellent medical facilities and ëwaiting listí is not a common part of the vocabulary! Clinics are where you will find your local GP and the care available in the hospitals is first class.

International travel is very easy from Dubai. A fantastic place to live and enjoy, but also a great spring board to access other parts of the globe, particularly Europe, Asia and Africa. Public transport is less reliable and there is still a heavy dependence on cars and taxis, although the metro has recently been completed which should make moving around a little easier.

Relocation to the Middle East is a fantastic opportunity for both business and personal reasons. The people are friendly and crime rates are low. It is very exciting place to be but culture must be respected as a non-Muslim. The month of Ramadan is a significant part of the calendar and most things slow up as a consequence during this period.
As with any relocation there are hoops to jump through. Visas and sponsorship is usually the responsibility of your employer and there are issues around securing bank accounts and accommodation. But once this is all in place and you have the perfect PR role, itís a great place to expatriate.
For further information please contact Emma Dale on 020 7497 0100