Do we need to have Linux certifications before landing in Middle East and searching for a job if having 3 years of experience in this domain? before landing in Middle East and searching for a Job ?

Mostly middle east employers prefer certified candidates .
if you have a3 yr experience then it will be easy for you to clear any certification exams.

Certification is a plus for you and it will really make a difference in your career specially for Linux certificates like RHCE as its very hard to obtain and not anyone can get it .
Also on most of Arab countries they look for the one with more certifications .

Hi, I believe that Linux certification is usefull to prove your expertise as a Linux administratior.
Is the safest way for someone that will hire you to be sure that what you write in your CV corresponds to reality.
You can obtain such certifications at http://www.lpi.org/.
It is not obligatory to have the certification, since some one can ask for letter of recomendation of your current employer or even make you go through some tests.
I would advise you to have a look in the link above to understand what it is needed by the market, note also that Linux is an expanding system that needs from you or any other that wants to be a sys admin to be on the edge all the time to learn and adapt but to have a very good knowledge of the basics.
keep in mind that a certification can be like a key to open a door, but your true knowledge will give you long lasting job.
Regards, Thanassis

It's always worth to legitimize your Linux skills.
Certificate will help for sure.
But it also depends on labor market and employers expectation.
It's also important, that there's only few useful certificates.
Certification granted by unknown XYZ is useless.
And again - depends what employers expect in your papers.
So you have to choose wisely.
But it's the common error to rely only on certificate (by employer or owner).
Linux distributions and technics change all the time.
What we had learnt ten years ago even with certificate is overdue.
And it's impossible to get new certification every single year.
The best certificate Linux skills it's to do the job properly.

I would say in my5+ years of work experience in middle east, most of the companies requires certification in specific IT fields like RHCE for Linux, MSCE for Microsoft and CCNA for Cisco which is very common.
If you have certifications, you will have advantage over other competitors looking for same careers as yours.
My advice is if you can invest in professional development like certifications, you have to do it in order for you to gain advantage looking for suitable placement with good packages.

Technically your are strong so no need for the certification........but the middle east guys they didnt believe on your experience....so for those guys,u have to do the certification.......

my friend certification is must.three years experience is not enough.Actually job depend on luck more rather than experience as i have5 years of experience but still waiting for response.

Yes it is recommended how we know that u have3 years experience we read what you write in CV, but certification is proof, it is really good for career, FYI I am planning to take the exam for the certification

Thanks guys for your valuable updates. I m looking job openings in Middle east. I m certified in mcsa, rhce, ITIL.

Thanks alot guys for your valuable suggestions, really appreciate it :) Hi Abdul, when your planning to have certification ? and which one ? LPI or RHCE ? Regards, Aziz