DUBAI — A survey of expatriates working in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) revealed several interesting insights about the lives of residents in GCC countries. Some 60% of respondents pointed to a deep sense of safety and security as being the top reason that makes living in the GCC feel like home for them, according to the the survey done by Western Union Company, a world leading money transfer company. Some 52% cited the presence of an extensive network of friends and 49% the comfortable lifestyle they enjoy as reasons that encourage them to stay on in the region. Some 65% of the survey respondents commented that they had achieved their primary goal of saving money in the GCC further underscoring the appeal of the region in terms of facilitating the accomplishment of their top personal goal. The survey, a part of the “My Yellow Brick Road” campaign brought to life the personal stories of individuals from different countries who participated in the survey, while asking respondents to share their thoughts and experiences on life in the region. Of the 500 respondents who took part in the survey a majority were living in Saudi Arabia (30%) followed by UAE 29 %, Kuwait 15%, Qatar 10%, Oman 9% and Bahrain 6%. The average age of the respondents was 30 years. 60% of them have stayed in the region for around 5 years, 24% have stayed for 10 years and 16 % stayed for over 15 years. The work they do plays a significant role in the life of residents in the GCC, with as many as 70% respondents saying their job was “very important” in terms of contributing to their host countries, and 63% of respondents said they enjoyed their work. “The results of the ‘My Yellow Brick Road' campaign revealed interesting insights about the experience and aspirations of a diverse community who have come to build their careers and future in the GCC,” said Hatem Sleiman, Regional Vice President, Middle East at Western Union. “For these residents, the GCC as a region is their home away from home, and the survey results underscore the deep-felt appreciation they have for the boundless opportunities and growth potential the region has provided them.” One of the survey participants, Jeffrey Roy Pascual who is originally from the Philippines has been living in the UAE for 16 years; he plans to stay in the UAE for the mid to long term. He said: “As a child, I used to play in the sandy areas of Dubai just outside our residence. Life was very simple back then. Not much electronics and it was all physical play. Now, checking the area where I grew up, you'd find a lot of high-rise buildings. I was a part of it, I am a part of it, and will continue to be a part of Dubai.” According to Badria Salloum, a Yemeni national, “I have been in Saudi Arabia for the last 26 years and it really feels like home. My job in the healthcare industry allows me to provide quality healthcare to my patients and serve the people of Saudi Arabia and I am proud of that. From a personal standpoint, I try and give back to society in my own way by working for philanthropic causes to help people in need who have nothing. Working in Saudi Arabia has helped me save money, have a better lifestyle and travel to new places. Manoj Kumar, a national of India said: “I have followed my yellow brick road for the last four years which led me to Oman. Along the way I found a job in the retail industry and the work I do provides the community with better lifestyle choices. I am raising a family here and I can practice my favorite hobbies which makes me feel at home. At work, I have trained and promoted my Omani colleagues at many levels in the store and I always provide them with opportunities to grow. Some of them are successful managers in other retail stores.” Responding to the survey, Tarek Bouraoui who is from Tunisia said, “I work in the sports medicine field and am very proud of the development of Qatar in the field of sport and medicine. I am very happy to be part of this development and to contribute to it. When my family and I came to Qatar 12 years ago, we did not know anyone but were able to build a great network of friends from different ages and different nationalities and that is why Qatar truly feels like home for me. I also enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Working in Qatar has helped me to save money, buy a home, have a better lifestyle and I plan on staying here for another 10 years As a global payment services provider that millions of people in the region rely on, Western Union is pleased to be associated with this initiative in highlighting their stories and their integral role in GCC society while acknowledging their contribution to the success of nations in the region.” Sleiman added. The “My Yellow Brick Road” campaign derives its title from the popular children's novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” where the main character embarks on a magical journey travelling along the Yellow Brick Road to achieve their goals.
