Adapting to life in the Middle East
1. Name
Domenic Falzarano
2. Job title
Consultant – Procurement & Supply Chain
3. Place of work
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. Where have you relocated from?
Edinburgh, Scotland
5. What made you decide to move to the Middle East to work?
Joined the Michael Page group in January 2006 working in Edinburgh, Scotland. After nearly 3 years with the business I decided it was time for a new challenge. Having previously travelled in the region I decided to come check out Dubai at the beginning of 2008 after hearing so much about it. I spent the week with the guys in the office and friends living here. I decided the chance to work and live in a completely new culture and the opportunities that the Middle East had to offer was just what I was looking for and decided to relocate. Plus the weather was better than Scotland!
6. What are the logistics of relocating to the Middle East ( e.g sorting out working visas, setting up bank accounts, finding accommodation, transport etc)
The logistics were fairly straight forward. Thankfully, transferring with the same organisation meant most of the admin was taken care of for me. E.g. arranging flights, accommodation upon arrival, visas etc. Arranging a bank account was fairly easy although I did have to make 3 trips to and from the office as one of the documents they wanted had to be in a specific format. To find accommodation I got onto a local website, dubizzle, arranged 2 days of viewings and chose the one I liked. In terms of transport I rented a car for the first 2 months. When I finally decided to buy a car I decided to go a dealership. It’s much easier as they take care of everything (registration, insurance etc) and the car is covered under warranty. A friend bought a car privately and has had no end of problems!
7. What are the differences in office culture?
Office culture is very similar to the MP offices in the UK which made it very easy to settle in. A huge majority have transferred from other MP offices which has made it very similar to any other across the globe.
8. What differences have you experienced in the style of management in the Middle East compared to where you relocated from?
I personally have found the management style here in the Middle East to be very similar to the office in Edinburgh which has helped considerably with my settling in here.
9. How prevalent is networking in the Middle East?
Networking is very important in the Middle East. It’s a case of who you know rather than what you know. You won’t succeed in this market if you don’t network. The way to open doors here is by speaking to people. You find that people (expatriates and locals) are only too happy to help out, introducing you to other people or pointing you in the right direction. Everybody here knows somebody that knows someone that can help!
10. What are the fastest moving recruitment markets in the Middle East at the moment?
The plan here in the region is still to put this place on the map and for the Middle East to be seen as a global hub. The two key markets at the moment are Abu Dhabi and Qatar and especially government related organisations.
11. Have you had any issues working in the Middle East?
Nothing in particular. The main difference is the speed that everything happens in the Middle East. You need to be much more patient and understanding otherwise you’ll end up tearing your hair out!
12. What advice do you have for people thinking of moving to the Middle East to work?
My main advice to anyone thinking of relocating to the region would be to come out for a holiday and check out the area before deciding to make the move. Come out, see the region, speak to people, find out what it’s like and whether it interests you. Make sure you do your research. For example, rent is paid 1 year in advance which can be very expensive, although this has started to change with the economy in its current state. Get a good understanding of how things work and what you require to the make the move.
13. How have you found the night life and entertainment in the Middle East?
Dubai is truly exceptional for night life and entertainment. I found when I first got out here I was out nearly every night of the week and doing something different. This place has everything! The restaurants and bars are exceptional. Dubai is renowned for the Friday brunches. It’s great being able to spend 9 months of the year outside too. Whether it would be eating on the balcony, a roof top bar or lying by the beach at the weekend. Sports wise there’s so much to do. I generally find that every week I’m either playing football, tennis, squash, golf, or karting! On top of that you have sporting events such as the Rugby 7’s, The Football World Club Cup, a Formula 1 race, international tennis tournaments etc. There’s absolutely loads to do!
14. Do you enjoy working in the Middle East?
I do, the last 8 months have been challenging with the change in the economic situation here in the UAE but overall working out here has been enjoyable. The job is essentially the same but I’m now dealing with clients/candidates of many different nationalities and religions which I wouldn’t have got the exposure to elsewhere. Meeting new people and learning to adapt to new cultures has been enjoyable. I’ve also found that the work life balance has made working here more enjoyable. This place is made up of expats which makes it so easy to meet people and get involved in so many different activities.
15. What is it like always living in air-conditioning?
Pretty cold! You find out here you reverse the seasons you spend outside and inside. Summer inside, Winter, Autumn, Spring outside!
