netgeek2k2 & English Girlie
on the issue of people not getting back to you, one hard and fast lesson on working in the gulf is never expect people to return your calls, especially if it's bad news.
from my experience with the arabic culture it is impolite to refuse someone something or to say no; this spills over into the business world, where if there is a negative awnser they will simply not reply to your mails or return your calls - ulimatley you give up and go away, and they have saved face by not having to decline your request.
the down side to this is it is very frustrating to a "westerner" and even what we may consider impolite, on the phone they may be positive, but put you off a day or a week with an excuse, the process is then repeated again and again.. until you are worn down and leave it alone...
the easiest way to deal with this is to call it a day after the third attempt, if nothing has happened by then it won't... ultimately if they do call you back at a later stage it's then on your terms!
sometimes it has more to do with business tactics on behalf of a employer... when they can hear the desperation in your voice they know that you are more likily to strike a more favourable (to them) employment deal
as i said this is from my experience, i don't claim to be an expert on arabic culture, but i'm sure the majority of long time gulf expats will agree.