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Three Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries ranked among the top twenty countries globally in terms of ease of settling in for expats. While Qatar ranked among the best countries for quality of life, it was ranked lower as regards to easiness to settle into for expats, coming in at ** out of 46 countries worldwide. Likewise, Saudi Arabia was also in the middle of the list, ranking just slightly above Qatar. Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia ranked among the highest in the world in working abroad experience for expats. The ranking was conducted among 46 countries worldwide and is an aggregate of * factors. These factors include leisure options, travel and transit, healthcare, safety and security, and environment and climate. 

Leisure and tourism sector expansion in the GCC 

One of the key factors affecting expats’ ease of settling into a new country is the availability of leisure options. Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, which topped the list, have historically been attractive tourist destinations. This has prompted these countries to invest heavily in the tourism and leisure sector, something which is clearly reflected by the contribution of the tourism industry to GCC gross domestic product (GDP). Other countries in the region are also hoping to expand their tourism and leisure sector, such as Saudi Arabia, whose tourism industry is primarily centered around religious tourism. However, this focus could change as part of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and wean off oil dependency by investing in diverse sectors, with tourism, sports, and entertainment being key focus areas. Initiatives include investment in the Saudi Pro League, a football league with multiple clubs that have signed world-renowned players for historic contracts. Furthermore, there are initiatives focused on the Riyadh festival, the Red Sea resort, and the NEOM megacity project.  

Healthcare benefits for residents 

Healthcare is another key factor contributing to expats’ ease of settling in a foreign country. For many years, healthcare expenditure in the GCC has consistently grown. Residents can generally expect to receive high-quality healthcare. Health insurance is required for expats, but services may vary based on the type of coverage one has or whether one visits public or private health facilities. In addition to investing heavily in healthcare and health facilities, GCC countries have also been expanding into health education and research. Some institutions include Weill Cornell Medical College, which operates a campus in Qatar, the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ), and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain, among others.