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[B.F. Jones]

It may be foolhardy to bring up the question of pay amidst the ongoing UK salary debate, but here goes...

I'd always heard that, among non-North American colleges and universities, schools in Hong Kong paid the highest salaries, followed by schools in the gulf.  Having taught in Hong Kong, I can attest to the first point--in addition to the standard expat perks, faculty at my university received the equivalent of six figure salaries (in US dollars, with negligible taxes) regardless of discipline.  However, I've been disappointed with the results of a recent job search among schools in the Middle East.  I received offers from universities in Oman, the U.A.E., Egypt and Saudi Arabia, but salaries seemed to hover in the U.S. $ 50,000-60,000 range (plus perks).  This is quite a gap from HK salaries, and not that great considering the "challenges" associated with Gulf postings.  My question is this: Are the great salaries purportedly offered by schools in the Gulf region real, or the stuff of myth?  Does anyone have any data regarding salaries that are substantially better than this?

[Tala]

I never taught in Gulf countries, but I have a friend who does. The salary range you provided seems right for an assistant professor in social sciences (teaching there). At face value, it looks comparable to that in the U.S.. However, there is no tax in Gulf countries, housing is most often subsidized.... so, 60,000 would buy you there so much more than 60,000 in the U.S.

[Abufletcher]

It's hard to compare salaries straight across from country to country but I'd say that the numbers you give for Gulf jobs are about right.  I did the EFL thing at Gulf universities for about 12 years and the actual cash salary was typically only about $2000-2500 a month (there are a few choice jobs that  pay more).   But the reality of this, along with the other perks, was that if you were at all frugal you can save at least half of your salary each month.  So I would imagine you might be able to save as much as $2000 a month on the assistant professor's salary and still live quite a comfortable life.

HK salaries are apparently higher but I  believe the associated costs of living in HK can also be much higher.

[shahrezade1001]

FYI, not everyone would consider working in the Gulf to be a "challenge" that deserves a higher salary.  I, for one, would 1000 times prefer to live in the Gulf than in Hong Kong (i.e. I am seriously considering working in the Gulf but would never consider moving to Hong Kong.)  If are happy in Hong Kong, well paid, and consider it preferable, then why move?

[dawnm]

Hi There.

I worked in the UAE at a great university for a few years and now head back on my research terms.  I am currently working as a prof. in Canada. The salaries for prof. are pretty much standard with the pay in North America.  However, as been mentioned, there are numerous lifestyle advantages such as living a very luxurious lifestyle for pennies.   Our housing is paid for as well paid in cash for a return ticket each summer. It is very easy to save money as food, entertainment, etc. is all so cheap.  I take a taxi to work and it costs me less than a dollar for the taxi to drive about 20 mins.  The students are also a true pleasure to teach as they are so hungry for knowledge.  Further, medical treatment is  cheap and no waiting lists. If I had a serious disorder, I would travel to the UAE for treatment!   

Feel free to email me if want to know more!

Dawn

[shahzad]

Hi all,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I am wondering:

How is the research culture like in Gulf universities? Are universities more focused on teaching or is research being more encouraged (I have rarely seen any contribution from a Gulf university in an international journal of high standing, at least in my field of Electrical and Computer Engineering).

Secondly, do the  they allow and/or encourage industry consulting, like North American universities?

I am considering academic position in some university in the Gulf in the next couple of years, so it would be helpful if someone could comment on these.

Thanks.

Shahzad

[ronnieg8888]

I was offered 45,000 to teach as an assistant professor in a university in Salalah, Oman.  After reading your posts, I do not think it very reasonable and having a PH.D. on top of that.  I would like to hear your thoughts, please.

[expat2007]

The cost of living in much of the Gulf is rising fast with the local economic boom and the weak dollar.  (Most GCC currencies are still tied to the US dollar, but imports often come from areas with strong currencies like the UK, Europe, etc. and thus are becoming more expensive).  From what I've seen the salaries at some Gulf universities are not really keeping up with inflation in the region. 

Teaching Gulf Arab students can be hard as the local culture is not really a "reading culture" -- just look at how few books are published in Arabic compared to other major languages like Chinese, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish.

To make matters worse, foreign professors don't get much respect.  And, the spouses can get very bored after the first few weeks. So, in some ways, the Gulf is not what it may seem from a far.

[bartowel]

To: dawnm

Your comments are useful, although i am not sure when / where in the UAE you worked. i have lived in Dubai for 2 years and am now at a Uni in Sharjah. The cost of living has risen dramatically over the last 5 years or so - in fact your $1 taxi ride is a thing of the past - a 20 minute taxi ride  (assuming you are moving as the traffic is very bad) will cost around 30 - 50 dirhams ($8 - 14 USD approx). Housing is very expensive if you do not get it with the job (and rents rise each year, outstripping the housing allowances). eating out is chap, although in Dubai most of the upper end places are on a par with a big European or US city of price. Alcohol in restaraunts is expensive (about $50 for an average wine).

So, Gulf salaries are OK, not great as they once were. We do have all year sun, a diverse student group and benefits that include housing, flights etc. But i would say that i was as 'well off' when on faculty in the US.

[danny_boy]

I was offered 45,000 to teach as an assistant professor in a university in Salalah, Oman. 

You need to look at the entire package an not just the salary.  If this also include FREE (not subsidized) housing, airfare, and even perhaps school fees for children, this would be equivalent in many ways to an income of $70,000 in the US.  There's not a lot to spend your money on in Salalah.

[jtsmr]

To make matters worse, foreign professors don't get much respect.  And, the spouses can get very bored after the first few weeks. So, in some ways, the Gulf is not what it may seem from a far.

I agree with this.  Foreign professors, in many overseas countries, are viewed very differently.  Of course, in many Muslim countries this happens more often than not to be the case.

The adjustment can be made, however.  Adopt, adapt, adapt, adopt.  Once there is a cultural adjustment things should go smoothly.

[nomadescientist]

I agree with this.  Foreign professors, in many overseas countries, are viewed very differently.  Of course, in many Muslim countries this happens more often than not to be the case.

Are there any countries at all where foreign professors are viewed NOT differently? From my experience working on four different continents, I find your comment a little strange, and singling out a very large and wide spectrum of countries ("Muslim countries") is even stranger.

[jtsmr]

I agree with this.  Foreign professors, in many overseas countries, are viewed very differently.  Of course, in many Muslim countries this happens more often than not to be the case.

Are there any countries at all where foreign professors are viewed NOT differently? From my experience working on four different continents, I find your comment a little strange, and singling out a very large and wide spectrum of countries ("Muslim countries") is even stranger.

I'm sure there are, nomadscientist.  However, you are viewed as a foreigner in any country in which you happen to be a "stranger" to the language or customs. There's nothing wrong in this; certainly you don't have to be told this.  I, too, have lived in a few countries.  As for Muslim countries, they're not dumb; they know a Westerner when they see one.  It's important when living in any country, including a Muslim one, that customs and conventions are respected, if not, well . . .

BTW: there're many wonderful threads on working in the ME.  Check them out.