Best Cities For Expats In The Middle East part 2 – Part one is here.

Fun Facts about Middle East Culture

The Middle East is known for its culture. But what are some fun facts about Middle Eastern Culture? Well, many facts about the Middle East are interesting and aren’t widely known. Today, we will discuss ten fun facts about Middle East culture.

Arabs Invented Coffee

The people of Yemen were believed to be the first ever to discover coffee. Legend has it that a goatherder named Kaldi noticed his goats acting strangely after eating berries from a coffee shrub and decided to try the berries for himself. And so, the first cup of coffee was drunk.

National Pastimes

While soccer, basketball, and other sports are enjoyed in the Middle East, many describe their national pastime as food-related. Eating in the Middle East is a form of art. The flavors are amazing, the food is always fresh, and it’s not uncommon to see people eating 3 or 4 dishes in one sitting.

All about the Hotels

The Middle East has some of the best hotels in the world. What makes them so great? Well, first off, western amenities (like Wi-Fi and air conditioning) are always included. But the hotels in the Middle East also offer a wide selection of 1-2 star rooms, which often include TV and hot water.

Street Food is Awesome

If you don’t like to splurge or are on a budget (even if you’re not), street food is THE best option. There is so much variety, and it was really cheap. Most street food dishes cost less than $3, and they often include meat, vegetables, and rice. Moreover, the Middle East is known for having the best street food in the world.

Sharia Law and the Maiden

In some Middle Eastern countries, like Saudi Arabia, Sharia law is enforced. This means that women cannot interact with men who are not family members (uncles, nephews, etc.). Furthermore, they must dress modestly when in public. Men, on the other hand, can do whatever they want, including locking up their daughter or sister if they are dissatisfied with her behavior.

Seven Sacred Months in the Middle East

Qur’an states that ‘fighting is allowed until the end of sacred months.’ This had led to many forms of violence during this time (such as Ramadan). People say that this law doesn’t exist anymore, but since it’s part of their religious scripture, some extremists still choose to enforce it.

The Concept of Time

Time is very important to Muslims. Muslims believe that time has a beginning and an end; therefore, they see life as a temporary experience that only leads them to the afterlife. This belief also affects how Muslims interact with others (such as family). Some Muslim families will refuse to take their daughters out in public unless accompanied by a brother or father.

The Beloved

Many Middle Eastern men are obsessed with their wives, sisters, mothers, etc. They will tell them how much they love them every day, multiple times a day. For example, your husband might say ‘I love you ten times before he goes to work and another ten times when he comes home.

The Muslim Prayer

Muslims pray five times a day, once at sunrise, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and before bed. They will wash first, and then they pray on a prayer rug that has been laid out facing Mecca (the holy city). This is an extremely important rule in their religion.

Muslim Women

At first glance, you might think that Muslim women are treated as inferior to men. In some Middle Eastern countries, they are given fewer rights and freedoms than men. However, it’s important to remember that these rules vary from country to country. In Malaysia, for example, women have the same rights as men do, and they are often seen working side by side with men.

Top 4 Tourists Attractions in the Middle East

The Middle East is a fascinating part of the world, with its mix of cultures and beautiful natural beauty. If you’re planning on taking a trip there anytime soon, we’ve got you covered. In this section, we will walk you through some great tourist attractions that you should check out while you’re in the area.

The Forbidden City – Tehran, Iran

Found in the capital city of Tehran, this place is a historical landmark and a must-see if you love history. The main attraction to the Forbidden City for most people is the architecture, which was constructed in the mid-1900s. It resembles that of other buildings from that period but also has its unique touches.

Petra – Jordan

A historical landmark that many people don’t even know about, Petra was built around 2,000 years ago and represents the pinnacle of rock-cut architecture in the world. Petra’s name translates to ‘Rock’ in Greek, which explains why you will find so many rock formations right inside the city itself. It’s a sight to see.

The Pyramids of Giza – Egypt

This historical landmark is almost a myth in terms of its sheer beauty and grandeur. The three pyramids here, which are over 4,500 years old, have been named one of the original 7 Wonders of the World. Along with these amazing pyramids is also a Sphinx, which is stunning to behold. These historical landmarks are not to be missed.

Kuwait Towers – Kuwait City, Kuwait

Kuwait Towers are three free-standing structures in Kuwait; they were built to commemorate its victory over Iraq during the Gulf War. They are the Middle East’s one-of-a-kind attraction, as you can see those famous towers from anywhere in Kuwait.

There is an 8-story shopping and restaurant mall and a rotating restaurant with scenic views at the top of each tower – your best option to eat up there is lunch.

Conclusion

The Middle East is a region of the Earth between Africa and Europe, southwest of Russia. Its native inhabitants are primarily Muslim Arabs. Parts of the Middle East include the ones listed above. Nonetheless, you can refer to this guide if you’re planning to relocate to any Middle East country.

Best Cities For Expats In The Middle East part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

The Middle East is a Location in the Asian continent with some of the world’s most incredible landscapes. Some countries that are often overlooked by expats or just beginning travelers, however, include Oman and Kuwait. Expatriates appreciate these locations because they have been known to have a great work-life balance due to the absence of heavy pollution from traffic.

Healthcare in Oman is of high quality, but expatriates are recommended to purchase additional insurance. For a low price, travelers choose from various plans for health care travel. Many new companies have cropped up recently, catering specifically to expats living in the Middle East.

Here, dental care services are usually more expensive compared to Western countries. Middle Eastern countries like Oman and Kuwait are safe places because of their criminal justice system. Police response time is typically 15 minutes or less because the officers patrol the streets daily. Housing in cities such as Muscat, Kuwait City, and Manama is priced fairly.

Expats living in the Middle East often live outside of the city center in apartment complexes. There are no restrictions on foreigners owning a home, which opens up a wealth of options. Many expats live in Muscat because of its airport and beaches.

I’m sure you’d love to know more. Well, if that sounds like a yes, this is the right platform. Today, we have compiled everything needed to know about living in the Middle East. Not only is that, but we will walk you through the best cities for expats in this area. Also, you’ll understand the cultures and more.

Why Expats Need to Live in the Middle East

For expats, the Middle East can be an excellent place to live. It comes with challenges, but it can also offer great experiences not found in home countries. There are many reasons you should consider living in the Middle East if you are an expat; here are five of them.

1)    Tax-Free Living & Relocation Package

As an expat, one of the first things you may notice about living in the Middle East is no income taxes for most employees. This can contribute to a monthly pay packet that is much higher than it would be back home.

If you relocate as part of your employment package, then it means that your relocation costs will also be paid for. Expats are often provided with a tax-free monthly allowance to cover their living expenses, making it easier to manage your money when you first arrive.

2)    Affordable Luxuries

Living in the Middle East can be surprisingly affordable compared to home countries, especially if you are used to the high costs of living in places like London or New York. For expats, life in the Middle East can seem very luxurious as you enjoy your tax-free pay packet and tax-free living allowance. Of course, it is easy to spend too much money here as many temptations along the way.

3)    Everything at Your Fingertips

In most cities of the Middle East, you will find every Western amenity you may be used to back home. Shopping malls and supermarkets sell everything that you would expect them to, and they often do so at a lower cost than what you would find in North America or Europe.

There is also an abundance of restaurants and entertainment venues catering to all tastes. If you really want something, then it shouldn’t be too hard to find it.

4)    Safety & Security

Living in the Middle East is generally safe and secure, especially compared to many other parts of the world. Most expats will not have any security issues here since they live within their own compound where everything is very secure.

Of course, you should always take care when leaving your compound as you should anywhere else, but the same could be said for traveling to any other country from home too. The security environment in most Middle Eastern countries is excellent, and it shows in the day-to-day lives of expats who live here.

5)    Share Experiences with Different Cultures

For many expats, living in the Middle East offers the chance to interact with new cultures. This can be a great experience as you learn about how people from different backgrounds operate and think. You will soon grow accustomed to living in an Arab country, but it is still interesting to see things from a different perspective at times.

6)    No winter

For those who live in places with harsh and brutal winters, moving to a country where you can enjoy tropical warmth all year round is excellent. If you want to escape the cold weather, then the Middle East is definitely for you as it has no winter seasons at all. Moving here means that you never have to worry about enduring terrible conditions or even bring sufficient clothing with you.

7)    Work & Play Balance

Middle Eastern countries tend to be great places for expats who want to balance work and play without sacrificing one completely for the other. It is easy to go out to dinners, bars, shopping malls, etc., in your spare time while enjoying your tax-free pay packet and tax-free living allowance.

There is also a growing entrepreneurial scene in places like Dubai, which means that you can work for yourself if you wish to do so. The Middle East is a great place to live as an expat, especially if you want to leave behind the daily grind of working life in your home country. This region offers a tax-free lifestyle to expats, and it has a lot going for it as a destination.

8)    Affordable Education for Your Kids

Education is one of the biggest expenses that any family will have to endure, but in the Middle East, you can choose from a vast range of schools. Many are international, which means your kids will be educated in English and they will get a chance to learn about different cultures.

Even public schools are affordable if you want to avoid the high costs of international schooling, although these may be limited depending on which country you live in.

9)    Tourism is Booming

Many Middle Eastern countries have seen a huge rise in tourism over recent years, so there are great opportunities for expats working in this area.

You can make use of your language skills, tourism experience, and other transferable skills here, thanks to the thriving industry. Many of these countries are hot on attracting tourists, so there is always work if you put yourself out there and market yourself well.

10) Job Opportunities Abound

With the tourism industry booming in certain parts of the Middle East, there are plenty of job opportunities for expats. Those who want to work in international business can find jobs easily, while those with language skills have even more options open to them.

Even if you are not particularly experienced or skilled, companies are looking for people to fill roles, so it is worth putting yourself out there and seeing what you can find.

Best Cities for Expats in the Middle East

Trying to decide on a place to live as an expat. In many countries, there are cultural differences, languages barriers, and practical concerns that make settling in a foreign country seem daunting.

However, the confluence of global politics and economics means that more people than ever before have opportunities outside their home country for employment or education – which also makes it easier than ever to find a foreign city that matches your needs.

This list looks at the best cities for expats in the Middle East, which consider both modern amenities and cultural factors that help you feel right at home. Without further ado, take a look at it below.

1)    Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The jewel of the UAE is definitely one of the best cities for expats, with its multicultural populations and cosmopolitan feel. Dubai has a high standard of living due to the large oil revenues. There are also many entertainment options, including dozens of beaches, desert safaris, skiing in the nearby mountains, man-made islands that look like palm trees, or the world’s largest indoor theme park.

2)    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The capital city of the UAE is a great place for expats. It has the conveniences and amenities that you would expect from one of the wealthiest cities in the world, including a well-developed infrastructure and public transportation system. Abu Dhabi has several beaches, man-made lakes, and parks where you can get away from the city.

3)    Doha, Qatar

Qatar’s capital has a population of over 2 million and is quickly growing due to an influx of immigrants and foreign workers. There are many malls and shopping centers, including the world’s largest shopping mall, which also hosts amusement parks and aquariums. The Corniche is a seaside promenade that offers a wide variety of attractions, from cafes to spas to cinemas.

4)    Tel Aviv, Israel

Israel’s financial and business capital is definitely one of the best cities for expats, with a very low cost of living and high standard of living. There are many museums and historical sites in Tel Aviv, including an old fortress built by the crusaders. Tel Aviv also has many different cultures and languages due to the large immigrant population.

5)    Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut is definitely one of the best places for expats in the Middle East with its cosmopolitan flair and diverse populations. The city is known for its nightlife, and Lebanese cuisine is among some of the best in the world. Beirut also has a very high standard of living and low cost of living, making it all the more affordable to enjoy this city.

6)    Manama, Bahrain

Manama is the capital of Bahrain and definitely one of the best places for expats in the Middle East. The city has many festivals and cultural events, such as traditional dance parties. There are also many historical sites, including a fort built by the Portuguese 400 years ago and a pearl diving museum. Manama has a very interesting history and is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.

7)    Muscat, Oman

Muscat is Oman’s capital and cultural center. The city has a high standard of living and a low crime rate. There are also many historical sites in Muscat, including the old Mutrah Souq, which was once one of the busiest ports in the world. Muscat has a cosmopolitan feel with its large immigrant population, and the locals are amiable.

8)    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s capital city has a huge expat population due to the large number of foreign companies and organizations based there. Riyadh is an extremely fast-growing city, with several shopping malls and luxury hotels built every year. There are also many historical sites in Riyadh if you take the time to tour, including several preserved mud-brick fortresses.

9)    Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, is definitely one of the best places for expats in the Middle East. The city has a very high standard of living and a low crime rate, plus an excellent public transportation system. Istanbul also has many historical sites to visit, including some of the world’s oldest churches, mosques, and monuments. There are many museums in Istanbul, and it is also one of the best places for shopping.

10) Cairo, Egypt

Egypt’s capital city is a cultural and historical hub. Cairo has many museums, including the famous Egyptian museum, containing thousands of ancient artifacts, many from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. There are also several pyramids to visit outside of Cairo if you have time.