"Many [Arabs] are keen to come, not only for money, but also for the lifestyle. Given the continuing growth and fame of Dubai, we expect more jobs to open up," said a Dubai-based head hunter.
Sociologists say today's Arab migrants to the Gulf are less transient than during the Gulf's 1970's oil boom. Those who do go, leave for a Western passport. They use Dubai as a base from which to immigrate after they've saved money, trained with multi-nationals and mingled with a vast Western expat community.
"Dubai is a bus-stop to the West," said Maie Ezzeldene, an account executive in a top US firm. "It can catapult your career and life to better things."
As for Fahd, he does not intend to return to his homeland.
"My parents lived in Qatar with a specific mission to save money for a number of years before they went back to Egypt. As for me, I'm not returning. What for? There's no hope in the foreseeable future for our countries."
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