Working in the GCC: A Guide for Australians

             

I spoke with a Ned university graduate /Canadian expat from Pakistan who joined Saudi Aramco as a Lead Project Engineer last year. He corroborated my views, advising that a basic salary between $15,000 and $20,000 USD per month with other compensations and benefits is reasonable. He also shared that Saudi Arabia has undergone significant changes, particularly in terms of women's rights, such as the freedom to drive, and has become more welcoming to Westerners.

He confirmed that having a Western passport, such as an American or Canadian one, is beneficial when working for prominent companies like Aramco, Bechtel etc. but also mentioned that it generally provides an advantage in the job market. 

Holding an Australian passport, it's necessary to be competitive in the job market. Before you accept any offer, negotiate your package to ensure you receive a fair deal. If someone is desperate to relocate due to their job situation or personal reasons, such as religious obligations, and fails to negotiate, it may result in an average salary package

According to Wikipedia, here are some estimates of Australians living in GCC countries:

1. Saudi Arabia: Around 5,000 Australians reside in the Saudi Arabia. 

2. United Arab Emirates (UAE): Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 Australians live and work in UAE. 

3. Kuwait: Estimated 1,500 Australians live and work in Kuwait. 

4. Qatar: Approximately 5,000 Australians reside in Qatar. 

5. Bahrain: Around 500-1,000 Australians live and work in Bahrain. 

6. Oman: Estimated 1,000 Australians reside in Oman. 

Please note that these numbers are estimated since the last update and may have changed.

Best Regards

Waqar