Answer extracted from the Pegasus Radio podcast — listen to the full episode below.
How does working in Saudi Arabia compare to Dubai for construction professionals?
Saudi Arabia now occupies the position Dubai held a few years ago, offering greater earning potential than Dubai currently provides, but access is far more restricted. Unlike Dubai's earlier open-door era, you cannot simply arrive expecting to find work as a QS or PM—recommendations from past collaborators are essential. The tradeoff: exceptional career-building projects against consultancy schedules of 8 to 6, five days a week, with social infrastructure still catching up to rapid population growth.
The shift reflects broader market dynamics. Where Dubai once welcomed international talent freely, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 development agenda has created intense demand for construction expertise, but hiring remains deeply networked. As discussed in the episode, the caliber of projects—infrastructure running from $400 million to $4–5 billion in scope—rivals the best opportunities London offers, making the market attractive despite its constraints.
Opportunity without open access
The hiring model in Saudi Arabia is fundamentally different from Dubai's earlier phase. You need proven relationships with people already embedded in projects, not a strong CV and the hope of a response. This is particularly acute for senior roles; a point detailed in this podcast, where networking becomes as critical as experience.
Projects themselves are world-class. The Riyadh metro's first leg is complete, and the Royal Commission for Alula is driving immense cultural and infrastructure development across the western region. Consultants working on these assignments gain resume credentials that open doors globally—a significant career advantage if you can secure entry through the right referral.
The living reality: Hours, weekends, and infrastructure lag
Day-to-day life differs notably from Dubai's maturity. Consultancy hours run 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend—a schedule that mirrors Gulf practice but differs from Western norms. The workweek is long and structured, leaving limited flexibility.
Social infrastructure has not yet caught up with the influx of professionals. Accommodation, dining, entertainment, and healthcare ecosystems are developing rapidly but lag behind what expatriates experienced in Dubai 15–20 years in. Approximately 25,000 accommodation units are planned for theme park staff in the wider region, signaling recognition of the gap, but the current reality requires patience and adjustment.
"You're going to get very few jobs through putting a CV into a job application—they want recommendations from the people you'll likely be working with."
Lionel Dore — Founder, Port Cullis LLC; former partner at Davis Langdon and Acom in London, where he spent 24 of his 25 years in the UK before relocating to the Gulf. His career spans Davis Belfield and Everest through to leadership roles managing $4+ billion infrastructure projects across airports, toll roads, and light rail systems.
For professionals considering the move, the decision hinges on whether premium earning potential and elite project experience justify the networked entry barrier and developing lifestyle infrastructure. The window of opportunity mirrors Dubai's golden era—high intensity, rapid growth, and transformative projects—but access remains gatekept by relationship. Hear more context in the full conversation on how to position yourself for Gulf opportunities.
See also
How does senior-level job placement in construction differ from entry-level recruitment?
At senior levels, you get very few jobs through putting a CV into a job application. Instead, employers want to know that the person coming has recommendations from people they will likely be working with.
What visa pathway did Lionel Dore use to establish a business in the United States?
Lionel used an E2 investor treaty to move to the United States. This visa requires applicants to either form a business with a very good business plan or purchase an existing business, with proof of continued operation required every 3 to 5 years.
What is the current state of US infrastructure investment and funding?
Infrastructure in the US generally receives a D grade from an annual report. The country needs billions and billions of dollars spent on infrastructure but simply does not have the funding available.