The oil industry is the top choice for Middle East professionals looking for new employment, with jobseekers encouraged by the sector's high salaries, attractive benefits and greater job security, says a new poll.

 

The poll by regional job portal Bayt.com surveyed more than 8,600 professionals in 14 countries, including Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria and Tunisia, and aimed to gauge the attractiveness of various employment sectors.

 

The oil, gas and petrochemicals sector came first, with 14 per cent of the vote from those considering a change of job. Its nearest competitor, the banking and financial sector, garnered 8 per cent.

 

Around 34 per cent of those polled said they were considering a change of industry.

 

The majority of respondents cited the oil and gas sector's good pay and range of benefits as the top reasons for their choice.

 

The survey by Bayt.com -- which advertises itself as "the Middle East's #1 jobs site" -- was conducted between 1 and 21 November and involved 8,600 respondents, 6,559 of them currently in employment.