After weeks of intense research, W Associates International has unearthed some staggering facts about the earning potential on offer in the Middle East.

Qatar tops the lot, with basic salaries for experienced consultants (4 years+) averaging around 48,000 GBP, with OTE's soaring over the 100k GBP mark, as high as 150k OTE in some high-end markets, such as banking and financial services.  Dubai and Abu Dhabi are almost identical, with average salaries nearing 45,000 GBP for experienced consultants with OTE's again clearing 100K GBP in most organisations, with professional services & ICT offering the highest potential earnings.  Saudi Arabia surprisingly offers the lowest salaries, around 34k GBP and OTE's of close to 80k GBP.  This is largely influenced by the number of local consultants being employed in Saudi Arabia.

Considering the cost of living has fallen by 16% across the region through 2009 due to the dramatic fall in rental and home purchase costs, coupled with zero income tax for all residents, these figures reflect a region determined to continue to attract top talent.

With UK & Europe currently offering equivalent to approximately 30k GBP for similar levels of experience, in weaker markets which brings down over OTE, plus tax, it would seem the Middle East offers far superior earning potential for solid recruiters.

W Associates International is on-hand to provide in-depth salary surveys across the Middle East.  As the only recruitment-to-recruitment specialist in region, there is no one better placed to offer advice and support when defining compensation policies.