For many professionals in the Middle East, moving countries is a big step, but once the boxes are unpacked, the real difficulty begins. The task of establishing a professional network from scratch within an entirely different culture can seem like an insurmountable challenge. In the Gulf region, networking is not about “collecting business cards”; it is about developing a real understanding of the fundamental strengths of the relationships you develop.
Here is how you can build a powerful local network and thrive as an expat.
The Cultural Core of Gulf Networking
In the West, networking is often transactional: “What do you do, and how can we work together?” In the Gulf, it is relational. People do business with those they trust and like. Before you pitch a project or ask for a lead, invest time in the “social preamble.” A coffee meeting that spends forty minutes on life and only ten on business isn’t a waste of time; it is how foundations are built here.
Leverage Career Coaching for Expats
If you are struggling to find your footing, career coaching for expats can be a game-changer. These sessions help you translate your international experience into the local context. A coach can help you identify which local industry events are worth your time and how to position your “outsider” perspective as a unique competitive advantage.
Ways to Network Effectively
- Utilizing a Professional Life Coach: An effective professional life coach can assist you in dealing with the feelings of inadequacy that many expatriates experience while working in a stressful environment. It is important to project confidence when entering a room full of locals who are well-established in the field.
- Participating in Leadership Coaching Programs: Rather than going to general events, join specific leadership coaching programs so you can meet like-minded people at the same level. The connections made through these types of programs produce more meaningful relationships than a standard brunch or mixer.
- Focus on Networking Hubs: If you are in Doha, look for the executive coaching services Qatar professionals rely on to stay competitive. Many of these services have established connections to the local business community and can introduce you to other executives more easily.
- Be a Helper First: The Gulf region’s business community is small. Offer your services as a mentor to an entry-level employee or share your expertise with another professional. By being a contributor to the community, you will create positive relationships and facilitate networking opportunities with others in your field.
Moving Beyond the “Expat Bubble”
Staying connected with others from your home country is often the easy way to build relationships, but there is so much more that can come from creating new connections. Go to Majlis-style meetings when invited and participate in local Chamber of Commerce events. In addition to attending local events, you should also be active on LinkedIn with regional and industry-specific posts.
Making it in a new professional landscape takes more than just having a great resume; it requires adopting a new view of how to connect with others. Instead of simply collecting contacts, focus on building genuine relationships. This shift will turn your experience in the Gulf into an opportunity where you can create a lasting and meaningful career.
Should you wish to develop your leadership skills and successfully navigate Middle Eastern markets, I can help. Simply reach out to Usha Nagrani today to find out more about how I can help you grow your career in the Gulf through professional coaching.