Considering a move to the UAE and want the inside scoop? You’re in the right place.
Boyd Gwyther, an experienced procurement and category management professional, relocated to the UAE five years ago to drive significant projects for ADNOC Group. As the Section Head of Category Management, Boyd has played a pivotal role in managing major upstream categories, enhancing local market capabilities and fostering sustainable practices.
Boyd took time out of his busy schedule to share insights into his strategic relocation to the UAE, the challenges and opportunities he encountered and the professional and personal growth that has come with this bold move.
Hi Boyd, please can you tell us what inspired your move to the UAE?
I started my procurement career at BP, initially working on their graduate program in the North Sea and eventually moving to a global role in the London office. My time at BP sparked an interest in how procurement operates in different countries, particularly concerning building local supply chains and how this aligns with national oil company operations. Later, I moved to Sainsbury’s, working with the procurement division, which broadened my understanding of the organisational challenges associated with global business. These experiences fueled my desire to explore opportunities abroad.
The decision to move to the UAE was driven by personal and professional motivations. My wife’s family already lived there and I had visited the UAE several times. I also had friends and colleagues in the region, who spoke highly of the opportunities available, professionally and socially. I anticipated a better work-life balance and a lifestyle that was both exciting and enriching.
On the professional side, I was drawn to the UAE by the chance to work in a government organisation that valued international expertise, particularly from blue-chip companies like BP. The role I eventually accepted aligned perfectly with my experience and aspirations, which made the move an easy decision. I wanted to leverage my experience to contribute significantly to the organisation, particularly in category management and drilling equipment. Moving to the UAE also offered an opportunity to be seen as an industry expert, a key factor in accelerating my career.
How did you prepare for the move to the UAE?
Preparing for the move involved a combination of leveraging my existing qualifications and gathering insights from colleagues who had already worked in the Middle East. I had completed my CIPS qualification while at BP and this, along with my experience in developing category teams and strategies, was crucial. I also sought advice from former colleagues who were already in the UAE to get a better understanding of the cultural and business dynamics.
Preparing for the cultural transition was essential. I knew that working in the Middle East would come with its unique challenges, so I took the time to learn about the local culture, business etiquette and work practices.
As you can imagine, the logistical aspects of relocating were quite complex. The interview process was extensive, involving a full medical examination and the need to provide detailed personal information. This is commonplace in the UAE, but it is a new experience for me. The company assisted with the visa process, accommodation and other logistical matters, with my new team members also providing valuable advice.
What were your first impressions of the UAE?
Arriving in the UAE was an entirely new experience. I joined in December, so the weather was perfect, which made it easy to settle in. The company was well-organised and having former colleagues already working there made the transition smoother. My first few months were spent getting to know the organisation and my role while managing personal logistics like finding accommodation and a car.
What were the main challenges you experienced?
One of the biggest surprises was the bureaucratic nature of some everyday admin processes, like setting up bank accounts and getting all the necessary documentation in order. However, the company was very understanding and there’s a strong support network within the team, which made it much easier to navigate these challenges.
What would you consider your early wins?
I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised by the openness and friendliness of the people in the UAE, both in the workplace and socially. This made it easier to build a strong support network quickly, which reinforced my decision to relocate. The expat community is particularly welcoming, as most people here understand the challenges of moving to a new, and very different country.
Tell us more about the work/life balance
As mentioned, one of my hopes for moving was to get a healthy work/life balance and I am happy to report that this goal has been achieved. The UAE has shifted its working week to Monday through Friday from the previous Sunday to Thursday set-up, plus the company offers some flexibility with remote work.
How have you adapted to the cultural changes now?
Living in the UAE comes with its very own lifestyle. The weather, especially during the summer, dictates a lot of your activities and most of your life is spent in air-conditioned environments. I’ve found that the UAE offers many opportunities for community involvement, through work-related activities or social groups.
Being part of such a diverse community has enriched my experience here and interacting with local and expatriate communities has provided a well-rounded experience. While the expat community is more familiar and easier to integrate into initially, engaging with the local community offers deeper insights into the UAE’s culture and way of life. In fact, it’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of living here. I’ve taken steps to learn about local customs, participate in cultural events and even pick up some of the language! Understanding the local way of life has been crucial in both my professional and personal life.
What advice would you give people considering a procurement career in the UAE?
My advice is to do thorough research and seek out guidance and feedback from those who have already made the move. Take the time to understand the cultural differences, be prepared for the logistical challenges and most importantly, be open to the fantastic new experiences that living in the UAE offers. The transition can be daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be incredibly rewarding.
The move to the UAE has been a significant period of personal growth. I’ve learned to adapt to new environments, navigate a wide range of new and complex challenges and embrace a lifestyle that is very different from what I was used to in the UK. There were a number of obstacles along the way, from the lengthy recruitment process to the bureaucratic hurdles after arriving. However, each of these challenges taught me valuable lessons and helped me grow personally and professionally.
If you are considering relocating to the UAE I recommend talking to a range of people with personal experience, including the team at Bramwith. It’s a significant life change but that is often a good thing! If you are thorough in your research, clear about your reasons and goals, work with the best recruiters and keep your sense of adventure, relocating to the UAE could be the best move you ever make.
