With a thriving oil and gas industry, the Middle East has long been considered a major global hub for engineering jobs. In addition, the nature of business in many Middle Eastern countries means that these jobs often go to foreign workers, rather than nationals. A number of factors, including the on-going preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and continued modernization projects in Saudi Arabia, have also contributed towards an increased range of opportunities in the region over more recent times. As a result, it is now a truly excellent place to train and gain professional engineering experience.
In terms of education, the Middle East houses Haward Technology, which is currently the largest accredited company in the world for technical training. The business provides hundreds of courses in the numerous engineering fields, ranging from general engineering and civil engineering right through to nuclear engineering. A number of other academic institutions, including the American University of Sharjah and the METU, offer undergraduate qualifications, such as electrical engineering degrees, for working within the various fields of engineering. These can provide people with all of the necessary skills and knowledge to find entry level work in the industry after they have completed their studies.
Moreover, many companies within the region offer internships or work placements for people at various stages of the education process, including school students, university students and graduates, allowing them to gain vital work experience and make highly valuable contacts. This is an excellent way for prospective engineers to enhance their CVs and set themselves apart from other people trying to find work in the industry and provides an extremely valuable supplement to an academic course. At the same time, it offers beneficial life experience, the chance to live abroad and enjoy a different culture and, in some instances, the chance to make good money along the way.
After completing the necessary training, Middle Eastern countries offer a huge number of entry level engineering jobs, making it an ideal place for young or inexperienced professionals to try and break into the industry. Most engineering jobs in the region are for a fixed term; typically for at least one year and often up to five years. One of the major advantages that working in the Middle East provides over trying to find work at home is the potential for tax-free earnings. This can provide a wonderful opportunity to make excellent money and start building significant savings, all while increasing future employment prospects.
While it has been considered a major engineering hub for decades, in the current climate, with engineering projects thriving in the region, the Middle East is the perfect place to try and break into the industry. No matter what stage you are currently at, there are opportunities available, ranging from basic training and undergraduate courses, to student internships and work experience placements, right through to full-time entry-level jobs. With so many jobs around, it provides excellent employment opportunities.
Image by Idaho National Laboratory,
