Internships in Middle East

Gain industry-specific skills and experience in a dynamic international environment.
Develop cross-cultural communication and adaptability skills in a modern community.
Build a global network of professionals and mentors.

Understand the benefits

Internships in the Middle East provide valuable benefits:

Professional Growth. Work in a fast-paced, evolving economy in Finance and Banking, Engineering, and International Relations.
Cultural Immersion. Experience rich traditions and modern lifestyles.
Networking. Connect with professionals in your field from around the world.
Skills development. Gain more training in international development, education, sustainability, engineering, and non-profit sectors.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Middle Eastern countries for internships are the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Qatar (Doha), Saudi Arabia, and Jordan (Amman). They offer diverse opportunities in business, energy, technology, and NGOs

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To prepare for a Middle East internship, research the country’s culture and customs, understand local business practices, and learn basic phrases in the local language. Secure necessary visas and documentation, adjust your resume and cover letter to fit regional expectations, and connect with professionals in the field to gather insights.

How to Prepare for Interning Abroad

Yes, paid internships are available in the Middle East, especially in finance, energy, and technology sectors. Compensation varies by country and company, so check specifics during the application process.

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Interning in the Middle East is generally safe, but it depends on the specific country and current conditions. It's important to stay informed about local security situations, follow travel advisories, and adhere to the guidelines provided by your internship organization.

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Yes, you typically need a visa to intern in the Middle East. The type of visa required depends on the country and the nature of the internship. It's essential to check the specific visa requirements for the country where you'll be interning and apply accordingly.

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Latest Program Reviews

Three month VSRP Visit at KAUST in AI labs

December 02, 2025by: Clemens Grange - GermanyProgram: STEM Research Internship Program (VSRP)

10

Spending the last quarter of the year—October through December—at KAUST for the Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) was a truly fascinating experience. For those considering an academic internship that blends high-level research with a unique international lifestyle, here is my breakdown of the experience. Working in the AI Labs, the technical resources are excellent; the compute power significantly accelerated my experiments compared to what I might expect elsewhere. The environment is really international, offering good networking opportunities with teammates and alumni at top global institutions. However, three months pass quickly. I highly recommend defining your project specifics before arrival to avoid losing the first few weeks to planning. Campus life feels like a self-contained town with extensive facilities, from gyms and pools to sports fields. The winter weather was pleasant, avoiding the intense summer heat, and commuting is effortless. Accommodation was a highlight—modern housing with a private bathroom—though I found the dining options leaned a bit too heavily on fast food for my taste. Socially, there are plenty of activities like board games and sports clubs, but the atmosphere is calm; do not expect a wild party campus. The access to the Red Sea for snorkeling is a unique perk. Organization was 10/10, handling visas and travel seamlessly. As a German, I found information arrived a little later than I am used to, but everything worked out smoothly. Overall, it is a productive, comfortable environment for focused research without logistical distractions and a great place to collect international experience.

Great opportunity

November 30, 2025by: Jonathan Le - United KingdomProgram: STEM Research Internship Program (VSRP)

8

My KAUST VSRP internship had its ups and downs. Communication with the visa onboarding person was frustrating as delays and unclear responses on required documents like the invitation letter came incredibly close to the start date. Getting a SIM card from the Mobily guy was a hassle too as he's rarely around and doesn't offer the cheaper plan for no apparent reason. The science side was good though, with up-to-date instruments available for use in state-of-the-art labs. Funding is decent with a good monthly stipend, solid insurance, and relaxed campus life. Plenty of activities like sports and art clubs to join, even if the community page is outdated. Good transport for campus, Thuwal, and Jeddah trips. Despite onboarding issues, I'd still recommend it for international research opportunities and good community life.

Three month VSRP Visit at KAUST in AI labs

December 02, 2025by: Clemens Grange - GermanyProgram: STEM Research Internship Program (VSRP)

10

Spending the last quarter of the year—October through December—at KAUST for the Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) was a truly fascinating experience. For those considering an academic internship that blends high-level research with a unique international lifestyle, here is my breakdown of the experience. Working in the AI Labs, the technical resources are excellent; the compute power significantly accelerated my experiments compared to what I might expect elsewhere. The environment is really international, offering good networking opportunities with teammates and alumni at top global institutions. However, three months pass quickly. I highly recommend defining your project specifics before arrival to avoid losing the first few weeks to planning. Campus life feels like a self-contained town with extensive facilities, from gyms and pools to sports fields. The winter weather was pleasant, avoiding the intense summer heat, and commuting is effortless. Accommodation was a highlight—modern housing with a private bathroom—though I found the dining options leaned a bit too heavily on fast food for my taste. Socially, there are plenty of activities like board games and sports clubs, but the atmosphere is calm; do not expect a wild party campus. The access to the Red Sea for snorkeling is a unique perk. Organization was 10/10, handling visas and travel seamlessly. As a German, I found information arrived a little later than I am used to, but everything worked out smoothly. Overall, it is a productive, comfortable environment for focused research without logistical distractions and a great place to collect international experience.

Great opportunity

November 30, 2025by: Jonathan Le - United KingdomProgram: STEM Research Internship Program (VSRP)

8

My KAUST VSRP internship had its ups and downs. Communication with the visa onboarding person was frustrating as delays and unclear responses on required documents like the invitation letter came incredibly close to the start date. Getting a SIM card from the Mobily guy was a hassle too as he's rarely around and doesn't offer the cheaper plan for no apparent reason. The science side was good though, with up-to-date instruments available for use in state-of-the-art labs. Funding is decent with a good monthly stipend, solid insurance, and relaxed campus life. Plenty of activities like sports and art clubs to join, even if the community page is outdated. Good transport for campus, Thuwal, and Jeddah trips. Despite onboarding issues, I'd still recommend it for international research opportunities and good community life.