Elite labor mobility: examining the migration of Lebanese youth to the United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This study explores the factors influencing elite labor migration among Lebanese youth to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). By examining the roles of social networks, societal norms, social expectations, and differentiated pull factors, the research unpacks the complex interplay of personal, societal, and structural influences shaping migration decisions. The findings reveal that migration is driven by more than economic hardship, with cultural proximity, career aspirations, and perceptions of safety and stability playing significant roles. While both UAE and KSA offer common attractions such as geographic proximity, financial opportunities, and robust Lebanese networks, distinct differences emerge. The UAE’s liberal environment and reputation for luxury-living appeal to young professionals, particularly women, while KSA’s rapidly diversifying economy and consultancy hub status attract those seeking long-term career growth. The study provides an exploration of insights impacting the unique decision-making of skilled labor migrants from Lebanon contributing into the evolving dynamics shaping elite labor mobility to the Arab Gulf region.