On first glance one can see the appeal for a QS or PM hopping on a plane and whizzing to Dubai to take part in the continuing construction boom in the emirate.

There is the chance to fast-track your career, taking on a level of responsibility and job size you could only dream of back in Blighty. How about a role on the world's tallest building or a theme park incorporating a huge dry-docked boat to add to your CV? And there's none of those pesky planning regulations or government reviews that can drag schemes down.

It's a superficially enticing prospect, even if wages have now settled to a level broadly comparable with UK rates. There is no income tax and the firms operating there have a voracious need for new staff. So where's the catch?

Well barring the at times uncomfortable climate there appears quite a significant one if our special report from Dubai is anything to go by (see page 11). There is frustration voiced at the level of volatility and unpredictability dogging the local market. Things are beginning to improve in terms of legal issues but there is much work to be done on others, such as properly accrediting local staff (see page 8). The message appears to be approach with caution when considering a move to the sun.

The insight from switching

Intriguing to see some light flickered on the inner workings at Gardiner & Theobald, which is fast becoming the Marlene Dietrich of the sector given its unwillingness to publicly comment on any goings on at the firm. The company's first published results since switching to LLP status reveal a business that is more UK focused in fee terms than counterparts such as Davis Langdon and EC Harris. Now most of the big players have made the LLP switch, it is finally possible to compare performance based on balance sheets rather than staff numbers, which is a positive step.

Source

QS News