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[ybell]

Hello everyone,

I need your opinion on the offer I got from Middle East, especially Qatar. I have a PhD degree in engineering in the US and several year experience before my degree. The base salary offered is around 20,000 QR/month which is similar to $69k/year in US dollar. I understand that perks are very generous and it's tax free but allowance are not actually needed (except the rental allowance) if we live in the US such as air tickets, education allowance, etc...I am a little disappointed with the base salary. Except that, everything is impressive. The school looks good and class size is very small. Also, there are some research possibilities which may be less competitive than those in the US. I am not 100% sure about living conditions there but seems fine with me now.

What do you think is the salary range for an assistant professor position in the Middle East? Do you think negotiation works as in the US? I am not familiar with the middle Ease culture, so I don't know how to start this...

I need to bring whole my family so need more cash to support them. Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks.

[fougah]

Hi,

Salaries in the Gulf for assistant professor range between $65K-$130K depending on the university and country. In UAE I have recently received an offer for $72K, but it's mainly teaching position. If your resume and experience is more than 69K then perhaps you can negotiate with them (or that you have an offer from another school). Otherwise it might be tough, as they probably have different candidates lined up.

Supporting your family will depend on what else they cover (living expenses, etc..).

Living in Qatar might be a little bit isolated, depending where you're from. It is developing but not as developed compared to other Gulf countries such as Dubai, Bahrain...

hope this helps

[beequeen]

I received an offer in a neighboring town. Have Ph.D., many years of teaching, and technology business background. Was surprised at, what I perceive to be, a low offer of $5300/month, relo allowance of $8k, and housing.

Does anyone know if it is the norm to negotiate and is this is reasonable offer.

[ybell]

Hi beequeen,

Seems like you are offered the average salary compared to some other postings. Salary range in the Middle East is almost same with that in the US except the tax-free which is around 20 - 25%, right?

Anyhow, I negotiated (requested 10% increment) and got 5% more than the initial offer. I have just accepted the final offer with $1k more relocation support which finally made $3.5 excluding the air tickets for my family. Does your $8 include your air ticket? If not, it sounds like a good relocation allowance.

Yes, you can ask a revised offer letter with your expectation but I don't think they will accept a  huge increment unless you have a similar job offer in your hand. Try it politely, no hurt. Don't try to ask many petty requests....may be asking only salary will work. Good luck.

[beequeen]

Thanks for your feedback. I don't want to be petty and it appears to be a reasonable offer assuming housing and tax-free. The relocation allowance is not for air, but they do take care of air transport.