Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Google Techie Quits High-Paying UAE Job, Cites Work Culture Issues
A person named Advin, who worked for Google in a very well-paying job in Abu Dhabi, decided to leave after only three months.
He explained that in India, his job focused on getting the work done, not necessarily on being at the office at a specific time.
However, in his new job, he had to be there by 9 AM or lose pay for half the day, which felt too strict.
He also felt that the technology and design ideas were still very new and not always accepted.
Additionally, he noticed that important jobs were sometimes given to people based on their country, not just how good they were.
Although he left, he still likes the UAE, calling it a safe and ambitious place with great food.
His story became very popular online, and many other people who worked in the Middle East shared similar experiences about long hours and jobs being based on nationality.
A former Google employee quit a high-paying, tax-free job in Abu Dhabi after just three months.
He cited rigid working hours, with a strict 9 AM punch-in requirement, as a major reason for leaving.
The employee noted the UAE's tech ecosystem felt nascent and faced resistance to design thinking.
He also expressed concern that leadership roles were often based on nationality rather than merit.
His post resonated with others who shared similar experiences of demanding work hours and nationality-based opportunities in the Middle East.
- Who
- Advin Netto, a former Google employee
- What
- Quit a high-paying job in Abu Dhabi and returned to India due to dissatisfaction with the work culture.
- When
- Resigned after three months in his UAE job; his post went viral recently.
- Where
- Abu Dhabi, UAE (former workplace); India (returned home).
- Why
- Found the work culture too rigid, with strict hours and a focus on attendance over outcomes. He also noted a nascent tech ecosystem, resistance to design thinking, and leadership positions being awarded based on nationality rather than merit.
Advin Netto's Perspective
General Middle East Work Culture (as perceived by commenters)
Work Hours and Flexibility
Advin Netto's Perspective
Advin Netto found UAE work culture rigid with strict 9 AM punch-in times and a focus on attendance over outcomes, unlike the self-accountability and outcome-based flexibility he experienced in India.
General Middle East Work Culture (as perceived by commenters)
Commenters shared experiences of demanding schedules, working 12-13 hour days (7 am to 8 pm) for six days a week, and described a 'pressure-cooker' culture with insane delivery expectations.
Tech Ecosystem and Design Culture
Advin Netto's Perspective
Netto described the digital product culture in the UAE as 'young' and 'nascent,' noting resistance to design thinking.
General Middle East Work Culture (as perceived by commenters)
Users related to the challenges of design thinking and high delivery expectations within the Middle East's work environment.
Leadership and Meritocracy
Advin Netto's Perspective
He observed that leadership roles were frequently based on nationality rather than merit, which he felt hindered the growth of genuine expertise.
General Middle East Work Culture (as perceived by commenters)
Other users confirmed that opportunities and pay in the Middle East were often dependent on nationality, supporting Netto's observation about leadership bias.
- Former Role
- Google employee in Abu Dhabi
- Previous Salary
- Over Rs 7 lakh per month (tax-free)
- Duration in UAE
- Three months
- Reason for Leaving
- Dissatisfaction with work culture (rigid hours, nascent tech scene, leadership bias), desire for outcome-based work.
- Current Location
- India
- Positive Aspects of UAE
- Incredible place, ambitious, safe, good food standards.
