Dear A,
I can confirm everything that you have already hear and seen in the Internet. I was consultant in Dubai for more than 2 years.
You have a great variety of interesting projects, because truly emerging market and the government spending enourmous sums of money for the development projects. In particular 70% of projects are coming from KSA, where th government launched complete moderniztion of the country state. So many projects ar assosiated to the government.
Further, it's traditionally many assignments in Oil&Gas indusry as well as Transportation and Infrustructure. There are also some governmental run PE funds and financial services combined with telecommunication sector and consruction. This is a quick overview of the industry.
Middle East is able to attract top-talents due to the extremely high salaries and tax free. But the on the other hand the price is also very high, so you will truly pay with your health, but this is just a game over a time.
You're absolutely right that there is no balance between work and life while when you became promoted and work on the management and higher position - it's extremely common that you work 1 day plus out of your weekends. So it becomes 6-day working week.
Nevertheless, you can expand and learn very quickly and build tremendously fast career.
If you want, drop me a line and I'm happy to share with you my personal experience.
Best,
André
(edited)