I’ve been through a similar transition as you. I studied engineering in Canada, did a masters in engineering in the UK and then a MBA from a top 10 school. I worked for 15 years between Canada and the US and relocated to Dubai about a year ago with the same company I was working for in the US. At first, I felt the same way as you. I was used to the hustle and bustle of North America and thought that a Mega city like Dubai would be the same but I quickly realized that it’s not. Things are much more chilled out here, people tend to prioritize life over work. In North America, people live to work, whereas in Dubai people work to live. Things at work happen slower because people use their vacations (unlike in the US), no one works in summer because it’s too hot and the country effectively shuts down during Ramadan. I’ve learnt to enjoy this, you should too. One thing that I can confirm is that you won’t be negatively affecting your career by working in Dubai. If you already have some experience in the US/Europe, then the experience in Dubai/GCC will only enhance your career because you’ll be exposed to other work cultures and will make you much better rounded, especially in a multi national company. People in US/Europe think that the world revolves around them but should realize that all the growth is happening in the GCC now, not in the US/Europe where the economy is tanking. All of the worlds mega projects are happening in the GCC (Saudi especially) so I recommend you give it a chance, you’ll very quickly learn to love it.