Is the Gulf Still Attractive for Foreigners?
There was a time when the dream was solely American, and waves of immigrants flocked westward, shaping the United States into the powerhouse it is today. But then, the spotlight shifted, and a new dream emerged: the Gulf dream. Within just a few years, experts working across various Gulf nations accumulated small fortunes, playing a pivotal role in transforming these countries into formidable competitors on the global stage.
Back then, the Gulf lacked the luxuries and leisure activities that many expats took for granted—there were few resorts for weekend getaways, no cinemas, theaters, concerts, or even green spaces to recharge in nature. But today, the landscape has drastically changed. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Boulevard in Riyadh are now iconic landmarks, while Abu Dhabi’s safaris and concerts in AlUla have become must-see attractions.
As times have changed, so have the salaries. In the past, these countries offered high wages to lure foreign talent. Now, with world-class infrastructure and lifestyle amenities in place, the need to pay premium salaries has diminished. As a result, compensation packages are now closer to what is offered in many other parts of the world, making it harder to accumulate the same level of wealth as before.
However, the Gulf still holds significant advantages, such as tax-free income or low tax rates, and the allure of golden visas. The region continues to offer a promising future, but as one observer noted, “The Gulf dream remains alive, but it has evolved into something more grounded and realistic.”
The dream is still there, but it is now more humble and rooted in the reality of what the Gulf has become—a thriving region with opportunities, albeit no longer the land of quick fortunes it once was.