Gulf an attractive region for expatriates to live in: survey

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has been named the most safe and secure place for expatriate professionals, according to a survey.

Safe place to live and work, possibility of making good friends and having a comfortable lifestyle are the main attractions for living in the 6-nation GCC region.

Sixty per cent of respondents pointed to a deep sense of safety and security as being the top reason that makes living in the GCC, while 52 per cent cited the presence of an extensive network of friends and 49 per cent the comfortable lifestyle they enjoy, the survey by Western Union Company said.

Of the 500 respondents who took part in the survey majority were living in Saudi Arabia (30 per cent) followed by UAE 29 per cent, Kuwait 15 per cent, Qatar 10 per cent, Oman 9 per cent and Bahrain 6 per cent. The average age of the respondents was 30 years.

Member states of GCC are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The work they do plays a significant role in the life of residents in the GCC, with as many as 70 per cent respondents saying their job was 'very important' in terms of contributing to their host countries, and 63 per cent of respondents said they enjoyed their work.

"For these residents, the GCC as a region is their home away from home, and the survey results underscore the deep-felt appreciation they have for the boundless opportunities and growth potential the region has provided them," said Hatem Sleiman, Regional Vice President - Middle East at Western Union.