Dubai, Dec 13 (Emirates 24 x 7): The UAE continues to be the favourite destination for expatriates seeking employement. Lifestyle, infrastructure and high growth prospects lure expats to the Emirates, according to recruitment industry experts, who say this year was no different.
 
The UAE is [on the] top as far as the preference of the expats is concerned, followed by Qatar and KSA,” Konstantina Sakellariou, Partner, Marketing and Operations Director, Stanton Chase, told 'Emirates24|7'.

The three nations have the highest growth rates in the Gulf, which attracts people, he added.

Meanwhile, Hasnain Qazi, Middle East Business Manager at Huxley Associates, said the UAE remains a premier destination for the expat population due to the lifestyle it offers and this trend will continue in the coming year.

“Saudi and Qatar will attract candidates due to increased vacancy flow.

Having said that, the UAE remains the premier destination for expats due to lifestyle, infrastructure, political stability and freedom/fewer constraints and red tape,” he said.

“Employees are moving to Qatar, KSA and Abu Dhabi.  These are the three most popular destinations.  Fringe geographies such as Oman will continue to do well.  KSA continues to rise in popularity as the infrastructure continues to improve and employers become more sophisticated,” added Shane Phillips, MENA Regional Practice Leader – Financial and Professional Services at Stanton Chase.

“According to our Q4 2011 Job Index, Qatar (49 per cent), followed by the UAE (48 per cent) and KSA (44 per cent) are more attractive than other countries in the region as employment destinations” Amer Zureikat – VP Sales, Bayt.com told this website.

According to a survey conducted by Bayt.com last year, Best Cities of the Middle East and North Africa 2010, Abu Dhabi was been ranked as the best city in Mena (Middle East North Africa) region. The results were based on economic factors, environmental factors, labour rights, daily life factors and socio-cultural factors. Taking into account all these factors, the ten best cities were ranked in the order – Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Dubai, Manama, Tunis, Sharjah, Doha, Kuwait City, Marrakech and Amman.

According to a recent 'Emirates24|7' poll, expat professionals in the UAE have long-term plans for the country and want to live here for as long as possible.

The poll reveals the UAE seems to be the preferred work destination for most as majority (54 per cent) of the participants said they plan to live in the country for as long as they can. On the other hand, 16 per cent of the respondents who participated in the online poll think between 5 to 10 years would be a good time frame for them to stay in the country. Twenty two per cent said they wish to be here for two to five years, whereas, a minority (8 per cent) say they plan to live in the country for less than two years.