Medic enjoys new lease of life in Middle East

A SCOTS nurse ditched the NHS to move 4700 miles to Dubai despite gruelling 48-hour weeks - because she feels safer in the Middle East.

- BY EMMA DUNN

Natalie Oakes, 38, moved from Edinburgh to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 12 years ago after wanting to gain more “life experience” without giving up her career.

She had worked her way up in the NHS to a leadership role - earning around £50,000 - but took the leap after seeing an ad for a nursing job in UAE.

She earned 25 per cent more than her UK salary and had accommodation and travel to the hospital included, but she did have to work 40 hours a week instead of the 37-and-a-half she was used to in the UK.

During her time in Dubai, her work week increased to 48 hour weeks but she “didn’t feel any difference” because she is able to spend her days off going to the beach and chilling by the pool.

Now she runs her own healthcare consultancy firm and says Dubai has given her more career opportunities than the UK would have.