Mechanical engineering work in the middle east

SHS

Hi,

I would appreciate if anyone had any information on the opportunities for mechanical engineers to work in the middle east. If anyone has worked there or have friends working out there.

I have researched a bit on the net, but only came across the general stuff.

matsil

SHS wrote: »

Hi,

I would appreciate if anyone had any information on the opportunities for mechanical engineers to work in the middle east. If anyone has worked there or have friends working out there.

I have researched a bit on the net, but only came across the general stuff.

I have not worked there, but I had several offers out there about 18 months back and declined them based on my evaluation of the offers.

The only advice I could give you is that whilst the salaries seem fantastic, the cost of living out there (Dubai, Qatar, etc.) is very high, most notably the cost of rent. The work experience you will get is second to none, but whereas before companies out there had to offer candidates "hardship" pay, NOW everyone and anyone is trying to get out there - trying to get into the O&G sector or otherwise..... so as supply has increased to exceed demand, employers are (a) more choosey, and (b) more thrifty.

There are website like dubizzle.com that will help you get a feel for the cost of rent etc. My advice to you would be to research (a) how much you are likely to get paid, and (b) how much it will cost you to live - BEFORE you spend countless 100's of hours trying to get placed out there.

Have a look on all the international recruitment agency websites - bbtglobal.com, hays, etc. Also look on jobs.ie etc. as they have middle east positions listed.

SHS

Cheers matsil, I will check out these websites.

I can only imagine the amount of competition in the current climate. I do not have Oil/Gas experience, but am determined to get a start in this industry and especially in any of the middle eastern regions. My experience is in construction, in the Process and Building Serv sectors.
How difficult is it to get into Oil/Gas industry without having any previous experience? would I even be considered?

Would employers tend to cover the cost of accomodation and transport outside of the bigger cities(e.g Dubai/Abu Dhabi)? I have heard/read this before..

matsil

SHS wrote: »

Cheers matsil, I will check out these websites.

I can only imagine the amount of competition in the current climate. I do not have Oil/Gas experience, but am determined to get a start in this industry and especially in any of the middle eastern regions. My experience is in construction, in the Process and Building Serv sectors.
How difficult is it to get into Oil/Gas industry without having any previous experience? would I even be considered?

Would employers tend to cover the cost of accomodation and transport outside of the bigger cities(e.g Dubai/Abu Dhabi)? I have heard/read this before..

I have not worked in O&G OR the Middle East, but I have looked into both extensively.

Generally, no .... the days of employers paying for your accomodation are gone.... generally.... unless you are a high flyer.

Getting into O&G - well I suppose allot has to do with managing your expectations. If you have say 5 years experience, then do not expect the wages of a 5 yr professional.... more like in line with 2-3 yrs. Generally, as with everything, all fields of engineering are closing ranks, and so the supply of engineers far outstrips demand. I would say if you had experience with PM or Jacobs or the like in Pharma / Heavy Indusrty construction, then your odds would be better.

You might want to consider contacting Hays Energy in the UK. They managed to secure an oportunity for me a couple of years back in Aberdeen in O&G - I declined it primarily for family reasons.

Something to be aware of about the O&G career path is that it is a lifestyle choice...... you'll spend weeks upon weeks away from home etc. If and when you have kids, this becomes more or a problem than you may appreciate now.

Part of thing about the middle east is that lots of people (like me) are initially keen because of the higher wages, which are tax free..... it is only after you evaluate the cost of living etc. versus the wages that people realise the wages are not as fantastic as you first think..... and you end up with about the same money in your pocket everyone month as you would at home...... there is certainly big money to be made as you move up the ranks..... just getting there might be a long hard slog.

SHS

I have six years experience working on projects, and alongside the likes of Jacobs and PM. Not working directly for them.
I guess the main attractions for me are the higher wages(or used to be) and also getting some Oil and Gas experience from Middle East. I'm thinking this would be great for CV, even later on in my career regardless of industry/place I settle.
I do not have any commitments here at present and that is the main reason why I am determined to try my best to seek out a position out there. If I stay around for another year or two this could all change and may not be able to move.
Also there is very little if any work on or looks like coming up in the Process industry. Want to stick with projects either contracting/consulting, but if I stay around I am sure that I will be seeking another industry to work in.....