Dubai and Middle East

[Belfort]

Hi there

I just received the news that most probably – it’s 85% confirmed – that my fiancée will be working in Dubai from July/Aug - btw she isn’t a CPO. I am not trying to focus my direction to that area, as we actually want to establish ourselves in there, and I would like to ask the experts in here what my next step should be if I want to work in there. Should I apply from here and tell them to be based in the UAE? Should I go there in person and apply?
I finally got my CP’s badge, but like many of you in here I have been doing this for a while – 7 years – but more towards the celebrity market. I really wanted to go for something more than celebs, like top business people and stuff like that. I have very little fire arms experience and have been to the army for 18 months only (18 yrs ago) and to be honest and I really think that companies for the Iraq or Afghanistan market wouldn’t take me on purely because of it. I know it won’t matter if you are a BJJ Black Belt like myself in those places, as they just go and shoot you.

So, what do you guys think that I should do and also does anyone know reputable companies in the UAE and Middle East?

Thanks.

PS; I’ve been to the UAE 8 times already.

[SH4DOW]

Make sure your 'Investigational' skills are up to speed - the CP market in Dubai is almost non-existent because it's one of the safest Cities in the modern World...

But there are huge amounts of requests for private investigations - cheating husbands etc.
If you want to make a living - that's your market place.

[sunray71]

sh4dow only four lines are you ok mate lol

[van]

Guys,

This is in response to a question I've been asked a couple of times and hopefully helps out those thinking of 'the switch'.

Dubai is still a fairly small city, situated in the United Arab Emirates. It's industries are varied with only 35% of it's business now directly oil related.

Working and living are becoming increasingly expensive, renting is still the norm with the price of a 2 bedroom apartment coming in at around 150000AED per year (£20000+) - paid up front; some landlords may allow you to post date cheques, though if they bounce you will likely be imprisoned prior to deportation.

Visa status, funnily enough Dubai has a near nil unemployment rate. This is mainly due to the fact that your residence visa is granted by the company you work for, otherwise you only get a 30 day 'visitors visa' and have to keep hopping the Omani border.

Security companies in the area that look to hire 'consultants' include: CRG - who I would say have the lions share of the market, also Olive with others like Pinkerton, and relative 'minnows' such as us [Sicuro].

Work is not guarenteed (where is it?) and in my experience out here tends to be like buses, nothing then 3 in a day! Very quiet in August as all expats go home and the UK is 'on summer leave' no travelling businessmen, no work... Same, same for christmas.

Rates tend to be higher than the UK due to the higher cost of living, it is not unheard of for guys to charge in excess of £500pd and get regular(ish) work. It has to be stressed that though you need to be 'in' Dubai, very rarely will you work there. Since August last year I have only caught up 2 jobs, the third being in March that are based locally.

Expect to be working in places such as: Saudi Arabia; Yemen; Pakistan; Lebanon; Iran etc. - and on no account would you personally expect to be armed.

Often you will be asked to assume the role of 'Healthy & Safety Manager' or other viable, though not ridiculous reasons for your presence, it therefore requires a little more than the 'gunslinger' and will certainly suit those with corporate experience who have had to do this in the past, better than Psd - that certainly is NOT to take anything away from PSD.

More and more work is leaning towards consultancy, where it's a case of 'who you know' much the same as UK, events like InterSec are ideal for getting yourself in front of these people.... same same I believe with IfSec in May 08 (NEC Birmingham). To survive here, it pays to have a military background... what's new? A keen eye for detail, experience of writing reports to a be presented at either country management or corporate level. As mentioned prior, a knowledge of ISPS; HSE; PRINCE2; CSC; MSc (Security & Risk) are ALL becoming increasingly desireable.

It is still a case of CPP (ASIS) over sia CP - like banging your head, believe me!

For those thinking of moving out, yes, the quality of life is amazing, though really can be too hot. It is without doubt more expensive and plenty stricter than UK.... beer about £4-4.50 a bottle, drunkeness can result in arrest followed by prison and deportation... never to return.

Never see a kid in a hoody... no violence, thefts are minimal, children can play in the street safely and the wife can walk home without same fears that a city in the UK presents.

Hopefully this helps.

Kind regards

[Roadhog]

I concur fully with Van, I'm in Bahrain and it's like a different world- no crime or anything remotely exciting- except the odd riot on the outskirts. And for someone who grew up in Brixton and was there during the riots as a kid, even the riots are quiet.
Jobs in security are seldom advertised, case in point I started out here in one job in December and cos I met the right guy at the right time am moving on and doubling my salary.
Definitely go for the CPP if you have the experience, it opens doors.
In Bahrain and several other countries you cannot legally call yourself a bodyguard, the only bodyguards are supplied by the MOI, so you can be a consultant, advisor, assistant, investigator- but not bodyguard!
But your main aim is network, network, network, check out the expat clubs as a good start. In Bahrain for instance a good proportion of the Ministry of Interiors upper level guys are Brits.

[Belfort]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadhog I concur fully with Van, I'm in Bahrain and it's like a different world- no crime or anything remotely exciting- except the odd riot on the outskirts. And for someone who grew up in Brixton and was there during the riots as a kid, even the riots are quiet. Jobs in security are seldom advertised, case in point I started out here in one job in December and cos I met the right guy at the right time am moving on and doubling my salary. Definitely go for the CPP if you have the experience, it opens doors. In Bahrain and several other countries you cannot legally call yourself a bodyguard, the only bodyguards are supplied by the MOI, so you can be a consultant, advisor, assistant, investigator- but not bodyguard! But your main aim is network, network, network, check out the expat clubs as a good start. In Bahrain for instance a good proportion of the Ministry of Interiors upper level guys are Brits.

Thanks all of you guys.

What is the MOI that you mentioned?

[mally]

MOI could be Ministry of Interior, stood for that in Afghanistan. Government department.

[sutty]

sorry but what does CPP stand for??

[van]

Certified Protection Professional - ASIS

ASIS International: How to Become a CPP™

[Belfort]

Is really worthy becoming a member of ASIS? I've heard it isn't..