Sanity Check on Company in Dubai for Potential Job?

[Bellini]

Hello all.

I have received a job offer (5 page comprehensive contract) from a Dubai-based company in the oil and gas sector. Which is nice.

However, I cannot find anything about them via internet searches other than their own website.

The offer was received without an interview but following a number of clarification documents sent to them. I have not spoken to them, but have had many courteous clarification emails from them in response to my own questions.

They are not on LinkedIn and nor can I find anyone listed as working for them. My only contact has been with their HR Manager, who has been wonderfully courteous.

Not wanting to dismiss the offer, I'm looking for some form of peace of mind with regards the company. They have offered an apartment as part of the package, but have not provided photos or given an exact location, other than to say it's a 'staff estate' which they say is 5 minutes from a shopping mall and a 20 minute drive from the office, near the industrial port.

They supply equipment into the oilfield sector.

I just want to be absolutely sure. Would anyone with any knowledge of a similar situation or the industry be able to advise?

The above may sound odd, which I fully accept. My apologies. I'm not naive or inexperienced, but after being out of work for some time, this is a potentially excellent opportunity and I just need to be absolutely sure about things.

[Desert Dog]

To be honest, unless you name the company, how could anyone give realistic advice? Given how the market is over here, you could end up staying in a labour camp. But that is just me and I'm sure that I have seen so many scams over the years so it has jaded my outlook! ;-)

[oilydan]

Bellini said:

...Would anyone with any knowledge of a similar situation or the industry be able to advise?

I'm a 15 year Middle East oilfield veteran, 10 of those in Dubai.

Happy to sense-check if you want to drop me a PM.

[DubaiJohn]

I've been here about 13 years. Pleased to help if I can.

Most of it in O&G stuff as well.

[Fats25]

Weather is stunning here at the moment. Flights around 350 quid. Come and have a look and make a weekend of it, and see if it all stacks up?

[Bellini]

I know. I was working in Abu Dhabi this time last year and rather miss it.

Good point, though.

DubaiJohn, I sent you an email message yesterday. Did you get it?

Thanks to Dan for his help.

[Rich135]

Do you know the company name/name of any of the directors? I work in the intelligence field for the MENA region so could check if they are on my system (registered office, connected companies, directors, shareholders, when registered etc). pm me.

Rich

[oilydan]

Its a scam.

"Send us your visa fees up-front, to show goodwill on your part"

Company website registered in Pune, no history in the Middle East.

Some dude preying on the massive job losses in the oil industry.

[Bellini]

Thanks to Dan, John and Rich for their incredibly helpful and highly appreciated words and advice.

Fully agree with what you've all collectively surmised.