Global careers in the Arabian Gulf: Understanding motives for self-initiated expatriates

What is it about?

The paper aims to provide a better understanding of expatriation, both firm-initiated and self-initiated. We identified factors influencing the motives of expatriates to locate to the Arabian Gulf, and possible factors that may influence their decision to remain.

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Why is it important?

We identified four clusters of reasoning for global assignments to the Gulf and the outcomes of the expatriation. Remuneration was the main motivator cited for the move, but an obstacle for returning to the home country. For Westerners, the second most important factor was career opportunities, whereas for expatriates from Muslim countries it was cultural fit.

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