Guide for Americans
Working in the Gulf: a guide for Americans
Everything you need to know about building your career in Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Kuwait, from pay and licensing to visas and your first week.
Why American professionals make the move
No local income tax
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait don't tax salaries. US citizens still file a US return, and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion may reduce what you owe. Check with a tax advisor.
Housing, flights and more
Packages often include accommodation or a housing allowance, transportation, medical insurance, an annual flight home and an end-of-service bonus.
Career-defining projects
New cities, hospitals, airports and transit systems are being built at a scale few places can match. That experience stands out on any resume.
A base for travel
Europe, Africa and Asia are a short flight away, and generous annual leave makes it easy to see them.
Where you could work
Saudi Arabia
The region's largest market, with giga-projects such as NEOM and major healthcare expansion under Vision 2030.
- Main cities
- Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam/Khobar, NEOM
- Currency
- Saudi riyal (SAR), pegged at 3.75 per US$
Qatar
Compact and highly international, with world-class hospitals and continued investment in infrastructure.
- Main cities
- Doha, Lusail, Al Wakrah
- Currency
- Qatari riyal (QAR), pegged at 3.64 per US$
Kuwait
A long-established expat destination with strong oil and gas, construction and healthcare sectors.
- Main cities
- Kuwait City, Al Ahmadi, Jahra
- Currency
- Kuwaiti dinar (KWD), roughly US$3.25 per dinar
The weekend is Friday and Saturday in all three countries. The Gulf is 7–8 hours ahead of New York.
Licenses and credentials by profession
Licensed professions need local registration before you start. We walk you through every step from the US.
Nursing
- Saudi Arabia: Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) registration through the Mumaris+ portal
- Qatar: Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) license from the Ministry of Public Health
- Kuwait: Ministry of Health license
- All three verify your US license, degree and experience through primary-source verification (DataFlow), and may require an exam
Engineering
- Saudi Arabia: Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) accreditation
- Qatar: engineer registration with the Ministry of Municipality (UPDA)
- Kuwait: Kuwait Society of Engineers (KSE) certification
- A US PE license isn't required for most roles but strengthens your application
Construction
- Most site and management roles need no local license
- Degree and trade certificates must be authenticated for your work visa
- Safety credentials such as OSHA 30, NEBOSH or IOSH are valued by Gulf contractors
Accounting
- Your CPA is widely recognized by Gulf employers
- Some roles in Saudi Arabia require SOCPA professional accreditation; we'll tell you if yours does
- Knowledge of IFRS, VAT and (in Saudi Arabia) Zakat is a plus
Requirements change from time to time. We’ll confirm the current rules for your role before you commit.
What happens after you're hired
Interview and offer
Interviews are usually by video. You review and sign a written offer that spells out salary and benefits.
Documents
Your degree and certificates are authenticated (typically a state apostille and/or US Department of State authentication, then the destination country's requirements). We give you a checklist.
Licensing (if required)
For licensed professions, we guide your application, verification and any exam. This is often the longest step.
Medical and visa
A medical exam and biometrics, then your employer issues the work visa.
Fly out and settle in
Your employer usually books your flight. We stay in touch through arrival, residence permit and your first weeks.
Common questions
How long does the process take?
It varies by country and profession. Roles without licensing often take 6–10 weeks from offer to arrival. Licensed roles such as nursing usually take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline for your specific offer.
Do I need to speak Arabic?
No. English is the working language in most hospitals, consultancies, contractors and finance teams. Learning a few phrases is always appreciated.
Can I bring my family?
Many professional roles allow you to sponsor your spouse and children once you have your residence permit, usually subject to a minimum salary. Ask us about the rules for the role you're considering.
What about US taxes?
As a US citizen you must still file a US tax return while living abroad. Many expats qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and/or foreign housing exclusion. Please speak to a tax professional about your situation.
What is the work week?
The weekend in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait is Friday and Saturday. The Gulf is 7–8 hours ahead of New York, depending on daylight saving time.
What is the end-of-service benefit?
Labor laws in all three countries entitle employees to an end-of-service payment based on salary and length of service, paid when your contract ends.
Ready to make the move?
Browse open roles, or tell us about your experience and a recruiter at Rasmi Development Group will be in touch.