Big 4 Director shares why he looked beyond UK, KSA, UAE for Global Career

• Hi, I am Samarth Sharma, Transfer Pricing Director at EY Cairo, Egypt.
• After nearly 14 years in India, at 38, I was ready for a new challenge, and an international move seemed like the best bet.
• The obvious destinations: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, for their eye-popping salaries, tax-free paychecks…But I chose Egypt.
• Here’s why finance professionals should look beyond the well-trodden expat path.

First things first: Discovering opportunity in Egypt

My move didn’t start with a random job board.

I was working at the EY GDS office in Bengaluru when I started tapping into my internal network.

I connected with partners already navigating the Egyptian and Saudi markets and realised there was a massive talent gap.

And jackpot! They were looking for someone who,

• Understood transfer pricing nuances
• Had mature-market experience
• Could guide teams on the technical front
• And contribute to market development and business growth

It was a toss-up between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, but Egypt offered something unique. By early 2020, I had secured the role and landed in Cairo.

Why I bet my Career on Egypt over the UAE

Even today, friends and family ask me, “Why Egypt? Why not the UAE or a higher-paying market?” This was my logic:

I viewed it as a strategic career bet. Egypt introduced its first transfer pricing rules in 2010, but the real change started around 2018–19. Tax authorities began treating transfer pricing as a critical revenue pillar.

For me, this was an opportunity to shape implementation, not just execution.

It allowed for meaningful technical guidance and direct interaction with regulators.

It offered faster professional growth and broader responsibility.

Then there’s the “Blue Ocean” factor. In the Gulf, the talent supply often overflows, creating a cutthroat, saturated environment, especially for mid-level roles. Egypt, conversely, is a less crowded market for expats. It offers a healthier balance for professional development where your individual impact is actually visible.

Builds professional resilience. Navigating currency volatility and inflation in a complex market like Egypt can be a far more developmental experience for any finance leader.

Springboard for global exposure. Egypt offers hands-on experience across advisory, regulation-building, and operational complexity; it can serve as a launchpad for global opportunities.

Cultural and lifestyle fit. Above it all, I felt a personal connection to Egypt. The country has a strong cultural affinity toward Indians, a less extreme climate compared to the Gulf, and deep historical roots that make for a fascinating lifestyle.

Upsides of working in Egypt

Supportive professional environment. Partners and leadership are invested in individual growth and play a significant role in shaping the overall professional experience.

Salaries in Egypt may be lower than in the Gulf, but with living costs 3–5 times cheaper, your paycheck goes much further.

Rich history and cultural acceptance. The locals have a deep cultural affinity toward Indians. Additionally, Egypt’s historical richness makes daily life feel more grounded.

Better work-life balance: The work culture in mature markets like Mumbai or Dubai can often get hectic.  In contrast, Egypt offers a much better work–life balance, which was another green flag for me.

Plus, unlike many expat hubs, property ownership is permitted. I have seen many second and third-generation Indian families who have built successful, stable lives here for decades.

Also read: From the Middle East to Vietnam: How this CA leapfrogged his career by looking at the job profile and not just the country  

Now, let’s talk about the trade-offs

Unlike the tax-free havens of the UAE, Egypt has a progressive tax regime. Most expats, myself included, face an effective tax rate of 21% to 23%.

If you are moving purely to maximise every cent of your paycheck, Egypt might feel like a disappointment.

Lower compensation than in the Gulf. If someone is moving purely with the objective of maximising savings, Egypt may feel disappointing when compared to the Gulf countries.

Market size. For example, a Big 4 office in the UAE may have five or six partners within the same service line, a level of depth that is generally not feasible in Egypt due to market size.

Macroeconomic challenges. Egypt has faced currency devaluation and high inflation in recent years.

While stabilisation efforts are underway, these factors do add complexity to day-to-day professional life.

Career progression can be slower in Egypt. It’s important to recognise that every country prioritises developing its local talent pool.

That said, if you can demonstrate strong technical expertise,  bring in new clients, especially global clients, or develop new service offerings, those capabilities are highly valued, and opportunities do open up.

Can language be a barrier?

The main language spoken in Egypt is Masri (Egyptian Arabic). However, not everything operates in Arabic.

In my case, working exclusively in transfer pricing, all documentation submitted to the tax authorities is accepted in English.

Around 75–80% of clients speak and understand English, and most professional communication happens in English.

Occasionally, the authorities may request Arabic translations, but this is not common for routine filings.

While I have not formally learned Arabic, having basic familiarity helps.

Egyptians genuinely appreciate it when expats make an effort to speak their language.

Also read: How This Chartered Accountant Started a New Life in Tokyo, Japan as an Expat

Wrapping up…

International mobility shouldn’t be just about money; it’s about career acceleration, exposure, and overall growth.

While most Indians target saturated markets like the US, UK, Germany, or Luxembourg, few consider emerging destinations such as the Philippines, Egypt, or Vietnam.

They may not offer bigger paychecks, but these markets can be powerful springboards to global careers.

While there is no right or wrong age to move to a new country (I moved to Egypt when I was 38) I personally feel that the earlier you move, the better.

You have more time to explore different opportunities, take on varied roles, and experience multiple markets.

FAQs

Is there demand for Indian Chartered Accountants (CAs) in Egypt?

Yes, but it is niche and role-specific, not mass hiring.

Indian CAs are in demand in Egypt, mainly in specialised finance and advisory roles, not routine accounting.

Where demand exists:

• Big 4 and international consulting firms
• Transfer pricing, international tax, and regulatory advisory
• IFRS, financial reporting, and group consolidation roles
• Multinational companies operating in Egypt (regional finance teams)

Is the UAE a better option than Egypt for a finance career?

It depends entirely on your career objective. Neither is universally “better.”

UAE is better if you want:

• Higher compensation and tax-free income
• Faster title progression
• A large, institutionalised finance market
• More job mobility and frequent switching
• Exposure to global clients and large-scale transactions

The trade-off you have to make: The market is crowded, competitive, and increasingly saturated. Standing out can be difficult, especially at mid-level roles.