International - Middle East
Finance careers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Doha, from someone who has made the move.
Coaching available in English, Arabic and French.
Why the Gulf
The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar do not charge personal income tax on employment income.
Dubai's DIFC and Abu Dhabi's ADGM are established hubs, and Riyadh is growing quickly as global firms expand there.
A time zone between Asia and Europe, and clients across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
Teams are often smaller than in London, so good juniors can get exposure quickly.
Housing, schooling and cost of living vary by city, and UK tax residence rules apply in the year you move. This is general information, not tax advice.
There is more than one way in. Most people take route 1.
Join a graduate programme or internship in London, build your skills, then transfer to a Gulf office or move once you have experience. Global banks often staff Gulf desks with people who started in London.
Regional banks, sovereign wealth funds and investment firms run their own graduate programmes. Examples include Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank, ADIA, Mubadala and PIF.
Some global banks hire juniors directly in Dubai or Riyadh, but intakes are small and competitive.
Experienced hires are in demand. A strong first role anywhere keeps this door open.
We will tell you which route fits you, not just the one that sounds best.
One session to map your route to the Gulf, with a written plan.
£150
Book a sessionElite, Head Start and Partner can be tailored to the Gulf: a coach who has worked in the region, mock interviews on Gulf markets and an application plan for Gulf and London roles.
Compare programmesGuides to the main Gulf employers, in the same format as our free firm guides.
Coming soonWe coach students at British-curriculum and international schools in the UAE and across the Gulf who are applying to UK universities and UK roles. Sessions are online and scheduled around Gulf time zones, and prices show in AED, SAR or QAR using the currency selector.
“My daughter attends GEMS school in Dubai and I must say I was impressed from the coaching and professional mentoring - the cv review and soft skill practise is top tier!”
Mohamed Ali E. - Parent
Our talk for UK university societies and sixth forms on the routes into Gulf finance. Want it at your society or school?
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