Insights Top tips for building a rewarding career in the Middle East

The Middle East is developing rapidly and is fast becoming known for its great career opportunities, including jobs in architecture, construction and more. The region has a rich cultural heritage, and it is undergoing an innovative transformation that aims to foster a vibrant society and a thriving economy. The Middle East is a fantastic place for ambitious professionals to embark on a new journey and build a rewarding career.

The AtkinsRéalis Group, including Atkins and Faithful+Gould, is strengthening its presence in the Middle East which is on a scale previously unseen in any other region. We are following our global Net Zero Carbon route map and focusing on urban improvement, infrastructure, and related projects to meet the needs of the country’s growing mixed-use developments.

Here, we take a look at what you need to do to build a successful career in the Middle East. 

Build your professional network

With a swiftly developing built environment aided by infrastructure investments and government incentives, the Middle East is an increasingly appealing region to build a career. One of the most important aspects of building a career in the Middle East is networking. There’s no denying the influence a strong professional network can have on your career success. Networking can open up opportunities for you to develop and improve your skill set and stay on top of the latest trends in your industry and job market. Expanding your contacts can create new business prospects, increase career advancement, and improve personal growth.

In the Middle East, networking is crucial as the competition to be involved in major projects is higher than ever. The more contacts you have for projects throughout the region, the more likely you are to secure a sought-after position. Build your network by attending industry events, hosting webinars to share your expertise and increase your online presence by reaching out to potential acquaintances on social media. 

Think sustainability

Countries in the Middle East have always had traditional values, and followed certain customs, governance, and policies. However, some changes are taking place as the urgency increases to drive sustainability in the Middle East. 

Within the Middle East, various countries have made the most progress in developing and implementing decarbonisation plans. Sustainability is now at the forefront of the majority of Middle Eastern nations and is becoming more important as the region progresses. Therefore, if you can present ideas that are focused on improving the sustainability of the region, then you can leapfrog the competition and contribute to major projects. 

Here at AtkinsRéalis , we champion sustainability in the built environment, incorporating environmentally responsible processes to ensure we secure a greener future for our planet. Our project managers, teams of engineers, architects and labourers use sustainable methods because ultimately, they genuinely want to ensure our planet is a safe place for future generations to enjoy. Therefore if you’re a skilled professional that is passionate about tackling climate change, then AtkinsRéalis is the perfect partner for you. 

Be flexible and agile

Having the ability to adapt in the face of change is an important attribute of any professional that aspires to build a successful career in the Middle East. Flexibility has become an increasingly valuable skill in modern workplaces, where unpredictability and change is often constant.

Being flexible and agile means that you are able to deal with unexpected challenges quickly, calmly and efficiently. Inevitably, circumstances may change during the lifecycle of a construction project, so you’ll need to be organised and able to think on your feet. This could be due to unpredictable or extreme weather patterns, personnel changes, or unprecedented global issues like the COVID-19 outbreak.

Join AtkinsRéalis and help us on our journey to Net Zero Carbon

At AtkinsRéalis , sustainability is woven into the fabric of our business. Every decision we make, every process we use, preserving the planet is our underlying motivation. Our core business strategy is led by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals because we really care about the impact we’re having on the world, and we want to create solutions to some of the most complex challenges. We may deliver for our clients, but ultimately, we know that we’re providing better for society.

If you’re looking to make a real change in the world, join us on our journey to Net Zero Carbon. Browse our available jobs in the Middle East or sign up for our job alerts so you never miss an opportunity.