Middle East
Job vacancies may arise in the following Middle East counties: Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Yemen.
Private medical insurance is essential. In some Middle East countries an HIV test is mandatory for anyone staying more than three months.
Due to the turbulent situation in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, you should check out your government’s risk assessment of the country before making any travel arrangements. The UK government web site is www.fco.gov.uk
It is wise to learn something of a country’s traditions and customs before you arrive.
GJN Consulting will guide you through visa and work permit requirements as well as healthcare and educational issues.
Syria
Bordered by the Mediterranean, Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon. Arabic, French and English are the main languages spoken. The Syrian Pound is the currency.
Damascus, the capital is said to be the world’s oldest inhabited city. The old city is surrounded by a Roman wall. Latakia, on the Mediterranean is one of the country’s major holiday resorts.
For more information on Syria visit www.syriatourism.org
Lebanon
Bordered by the Mediterranean, Syria and Israel. The Lebanese Pound is the currency. Arabic is the official language but French and English are widely spoken.
Beirut, the capital was once known as the ‘Paris of the Middle East’. It is situated on the Mediterranean with mountains as a backdrop. Major reconstruction has taken place since the civil war.
Much of this small country is mountainous.
Jordan
Shares borders with Israel, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The Dinar is the currency. Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in the major cities.
Amman, in the North West, is the capital and offers a choice of nightclubs, theatre, cinemas and restaurants serving European and Arabic dishes. The souk offers a shopping experience with a difference.
The giant amphitheatre a Petra, in the south, is said to be one of the wonders of the Middle Eastern world. The Gulf of Aqaba, with its coral reef, colourful fish and warm waters, offers year round snorkelling.
United Arab
Emirates
On the Persian Gulf. Shares borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman.
The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken in the cities, particularly in commerce. The UAE dirham is the currency.
Abu Dhabi is the capital. It is a modern city whilst still retaining something of its historical past. With its many luxurious hotels and golf courses, Dubai has established itself as a major tourist destination. Scuba diving and other water based activities are also very popular. The shopping experience ranges from western style malls to traditional souks.
The major cities offer a wide choice of restaurants and evening entertainment.
Customs duties are low.
For further information on UAE, check out www.uae.org.ae
Saudi Arabia
The largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. Shares borders with Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Yemen. Saudi Arabian Riyal is the currency. Arabic is the official language but English is widely spoken.
Riyadh, the capital is a very modern city.
Mecca and Medina, the holy cities in the west of the country are forbidden to non Muslims. Jeddah, on the Red Sea, has managed to retain much of its history despite the growth of modern buildings to satisfy its position as the country’s leading commercial city.
For further information on Saudi Arabia, visit www.saudinf.com
Bahrain
Made up of 33 islands. Arabic is the official language but English is widely spoken in the major cities. The Bahrain Dinar is the currency. Manama, the capital is a blend of the old and the new. For shopping, the souk, in the old town, is worth exploring as well as the many modern shopping centres. You will find a choice of restaurants, serving both local and international dishes, nightclubs and cinemas.
The year round good weather means water sports and golf are popular pastimes.
For more information on Bahrain, visit www.bahraintourism.com
Kuwait
Bordered by the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Arabic and English are the main languages. The Kuwait Dinar is the currency.
Kuwait City, the capital is a bustling city. Kuwait Towers (the tallest is 615ft high) and the Seif Palace, built in 1896, are the main landmarks. Wide choice of restaurants serving both Arabic and international dishes. Entertainment City, 12 miles from Kuwait City is a theme park.
For more information on Kuwait visit www.arab.net/kuwait
Qatar
Juts out into the Persian Gulf and is bordered by Saudi Arabia. The Qatari Riyal is the currency. Arabic is the language but some English is spoken, particularly in business.
Doha, the capital is a mix of the old and the new. Shopping varies from modern malls to traditional souks. International and local cuisine choices are available. Public entertainment is very limited.
For more information on Qatar check out www.qatar-info.com
Oman
Bordered by Yemen, Saudi Arabia and UAE and with a coastline on the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. Arabic is the official language but English is widely spoken. Omani Rial is the currency.
Muscat is the capital and its old town area is walled with many narrow streets. The traditional market, the souk, is worth exploring. Good shopping facilities in the business district. There are many forts situated along Oman’s north coast.
For more information, visit www.beautifuloman.com
Yemen
Bordered by Saudi Arabia and Oman with a coastline along the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. The Yemeni Riyal is the currency. Arabic is the official language but English is widely spoken.
Sana’a is the capital. The old quarter is surrounded by the remains of the city wall. The Great Mosque is one of the oldest in the Muslim world. There are many traditional markets to explore. The mountainous area of the country has many peaks over 9,000 feet.
For more information on Yemen, check out www.arab.net/yemen
