SWF - Middle East

Currently being hunted by a Middle Eastern SWF for a position within their RE group (at a particular, large SWF). For those that work in the middle east (dubai, abu dhabi, etc) what can I expect as far as culture, hours, etc. for these SWFs? Also what are exit opps, comp (base, bonus, allowances) for a pre-mba associate level role at this particular SWF? I have trolled/searched around some of the past posts, but looking to get some additional clarity.

Any help/insight into the role, area, culture would be appreciated and feel free to PM me.

Thanks.

 
Best Response

Hey drmonkey,

It all depends, really. If you're talking Abu Dhabi/Dubai, then they're nearly identical (except Abu Dhabi is a bit more presitigous, so I am sure you understand the added workplace culture difference)

Hours are usually 8-ish AM to 5 or 6 PM. I have heard of the occasional all-nighter, but definitely not as frequent as in bulge bracket IB. Pay is comparable to IBD associate pay, just not sure where it is at at the moment.

As for exit opps, Im not really sure. My only experience with RE in the region is sellside so I can't tell you much :P

You'll enjoy Dubai/Abu Dhabi. However, I don't know much about Qatar to recommend it (even though they're starting to compete with Abu Dhabi/Dubai in terms of pay).

Bahrain is an absolute NO. Filled to the brim with troublesome shi'ites and aimless Saudis. Stay away, at all costs.

Greed is Good.
 
konig:
Bahrain is an absolute NO. Filled to the brim with troublesome shi'ites and aimless Saudis. Stay away, at all costs.
Konig, we know that you are in high school but got an internship. At the very least, PLEASE don't post religious vitriol. There is enough of it in the region, without the younger generation adding to it.

OP, I guess it is an Abu Dhabi SWF. Just divide your American work hours by 2 and you have your SWF working hours. Your bosses would probably be ex bankers from London or NYC, but don't expect the same level of work ethics. Expect a high base, but a moderate bonus. all in comp would be pretty good. If it is possible, stay in Dubai and commute to AD. Could be an interesting gig for future MBA applications. In case you want to get out of the region, most certainly your exit plan HAS to include higher studies. If you are going to stay in the region, handful of options will be available for you to change jobs.

 

Oh well. I just hope Bahrain doesn't end up like Northern Ireland's troubled days. Now if I didn't know any better, it's rude to use profane language like that. And thanks for the advice, I've read quite a lot and I still do.

LOL you naive woman. Speaking of reading, you should take a look at Perkins' Confessions of an Economic Hitman. Looks like Iran learned a thing or two.

I may be a freshman, but certainly more enlightened than you, thank you very much (believing that the Bahraini people were "simply asking for their rights" XD yes, and Bush Jr. was looking for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, right? Grow up and open your eyes, not your ears)


OP sorry for hijacking (lol..) the thread.

In summary, SWFs in the region are very good. With regards to safety and personal liberty for a white female, UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi), Kuwait, and Qatar are great options (Dubai & Abu Dhabi are by far the best in your case).

Feel free to send me a PM if you have anymore questions. I'll be glad to help.

Greed is Good.
 
konig:
Oh well. I just hope Bahrain doesn't end up like Northern Ireland's troubled days. Now if I didn't know any better, it's rude to use profane language like that. And thanks for the advice, I've read quite a lot and I still do.

LOL you naive woman. Speaking of reading, you should take a look at Perkins' Confessions of an Economic Hitman. Looks like Iran learned a thing or two.

I may be a freshman, but certainly more enlightened than you, thank you very much (believing that the Bahraini people were "simply asking for their rights" XD yes, and Bush Jr. was looking for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, right? Grow up and open your eyes, not your ears)

Oh wow, you know what, i'm not even going to bother replying to you anymore cuz the more you talk the stupider you sound. And honestly i cant be bothered with ignorant folks. =)

 

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Greed is Good.

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