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International In-house Counsel Journal logoInternational In-house Counsel Journal logo

Saudi Arabia: Is it Still a Safe Haven for Expats?

Abstract

Saudi Arabia’s discovery of oil in the 1930’s initiated its need for foreign workers to help exploit its oil reserves, which reached its peak with the oil-price boom after the 1973 oil crisis, in addition to the various infrastructure and development projects that the Kingdom desperately needed. As a result, and despite its conservative society and traditions and the harsh weather, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia became the ultimate destination for job seekers from all over the world. “According to official figures in 2012, foreign workers filled 66 per cent of jobs in Saudi Arabia, despite an official unemployment rate of 12 per cent amongst Saudis; and expatriates sent, on average, US$18 billion each year, in remittances to their home countries. ”

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Author

Portrait image of Mohamad Al Darwish
Mohamad Al Darwish
Legal Affairs Director - Middle East, UTC Climate, Controls & Security, UAE

Mohamad has more than 14 years of experience as a lawyer. He started his career as a litigator, handling mostly criminal and commercial cases. In 2011 moved to corporate law advising companies in the Middle East on M&As, IPOs, restructuring, and corporate governance. In 2014, Mohamad moved to in-house career, and is currently the regional legal director for United Technologies Corporation in the Middle East, a fortune 50 company, and is responsible for their HVAC business, being mainly Carrier Air Conditioners. Mohamad is also advisor to Consumer Protection Association in Lebanon and member of Consumer International, and helped amend and draft the Anti-smoking law and Consumer Protection Laws in Lebanon.

Company

UTC Climate, Controls & Security logo

UTC Climate, Controls & Security

United Technologies Corporation (UTC) is an American multinational conglomerate. It researches, develops, and manufactures high-technology products in numerous areas, including aircraft engines, aerospace systems, HVAC, elevators and escalators, fire and security, building systems, and industrial products, among others. UTC operate through its four entities: Otis, Carrier, Pratt & Whitney, and UTC Aerospace Systems.

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