In 2022, the Middle East completed 289 healthcare construction projects over a three-year period. Healthcare construction is expected to continue growing in the region, but it’s not the only type of building that’s increasing. Commercial and residential projects are also expanding.
The region’s many infrastructure projects need skilled workers to make them successful. There are so many jobs available that expats from around the world are searching Google for “construction jobs in the Middle East.”
It’s easy to see why. You can earn an exceptional wage, enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, and take advantage of some of the most beautiful cities in the world. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to know where to look for work and how to get started.
Keep reading to learn about the best places to find work in construction.
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East by population and one of the wealthiest nations on Earth. The Saudi Arabian economy is driven by oil, but it’s also an important center for construction projects.
Of the $87 billion worth of contracts in the MENA region, Saudi Arabia had a 35% market share in October 2022.
Saudi Arabia has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world and a booming economy. That means more people need homes, schools, and hospitals.
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and has many construction projects underway. In 2022, about 13,000 hotel keys were expected to be delivered throughout Riyadh and other cities. Some of these projects are still in progress.
Foreign construction workers find Riyadh to be an ideal destination because of its plentiful job opportunities and growing construction sector. There are also few restrictions on the type of work expats can do, and they can come for short periods and longer stints.
Another perk is the low cost of living. The average person can spend about $799 per month excluding rent.
If you’re looking for a construction job in the Middle East, your best bet might be to head to NEOM. The project is one of the largest construction sites in the world. At $500 billion, it’s also among history’s most costly developments.
They expect work to continue until 2025, so there will be plenty of opportunities for expats to get involved!
NEOM will accommodate hundreds of thousands of people when it opens. If you’re thinking about living in the Middle East, this could be a great opportunity. You can help build the city and have a hand in shaping your future home.
The Middle East country that attracts the most foreign workers is the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The construction market was valued at $81 billion in 2021. It’s projected to grow by over 3% between 2023 and 2026, making it one of the best-performing markets in that region.
Tax-related benefits are among the many reasons people choose to work in the UAE. Some investments don’t incur taxes. So you can use some of your income to make even more money, with no tax consequences.
You also won’t have to pay income taxes. These saving opportunities allow you to build wealth and enjoy life at the same time.
Dubai is one of the richest emirates in the UAE. The GDP rose to over AED307 billion in 2022. The city is a hub for tourism, trade, and, most importantly, construction opportunities.
There’s a skills shortage in the country, making expat workers a valuable resource for employers. The government has created policies to attract foreign workers and investors, including a seamless visa process.
You’ll also be able to communicate freely with your coworkers. English is a common language in Dubai. Although you can learn Arabic over time and increase your employment options, the local population has accepted English just as much.
In 2021, Abu Dhabi was among the top 10 destinations for expat workers. The city is one of the wealthiest in the world, with a GDP per capita of about AED543 billion in 2022.
It’s a hub for international businesses and investors. You can expect high salaries here as well as plenty of employment opportunities. The UAE has a low unemployment rate, so employers will be eager to find skilled workers like you.
The emirate’s economic plan involves expanding the infrastructure and transport networks of Abu Dhabi. This provides many lucrative construction opportunities you can take advantage of.
Many expat workers worry about their safety in a new country, but law enforcement here is among the best in the world. You’ll feel secure and happy while contributing to the nation’s economy.
Construction jobs aren’t limited to working on buildings. If you have experience as a manager, salesperson, or designer, your skills will be valuable here. Here are a few popular roles that may interest you.
It’s hard to have a successful build without the right materials. That’s why vacancies for operations managers are plentiful. Their role involves ensuring that the correct materials come on time for each project.
They also make sure teams have all the tools they need to complete their tasks. If you have experience in logistics or inventory management, this may be a suitable position for you.
Construction projects are always evolving, so someone needs to keep track of all the changes. That’s the role of a project manager. They manage budgets, timelines, and quality control to ensure the team completes every aspect of a building.
If you’re skilled at managing multiple tasks at once and like working with people, you might enjoy this position.
A planning manager organizes construction projects. They’ll work with clients and other team members to develop a timeline and make sure everything goes smoothly. They’re also responsible for empowering the staff to make decisions, grow, and succeed.
Someone who enjoys problem-solving and has a solid understanding of construction materials will be a great fit for this position.
The Middle East is booming with construction projects, and there are many opportunities for skilled workers from all over the world. But finding the ideal job abroad takes more than searching for “construction jobs in the Middle East” on Google. If you want to land a position that you’ll truly enjoy, explore vacancies from the SSA Group.
Our teams work with clients from all over the world, and we’re ready to help you find a job that fits your skills and passions.
