I already had the benefit of a UK issued EASA PPL when I was "posted" to Qatar from 2008 to 2010 but managed to do a bit of flying with the Qatari Aviation College (a division of Qatar Airways).
After the usual round of collecting a series of "no objection" letters to get even into the college building and then the same plus a £20 fee for an airside pass, I was allowed to fly with an instructor as neither my PPL nor my FAA 61.75 were recognised. I did eventually get issued a Qatari Student License but still wasn't allowed to fly solo. Just as well probably as I'd have been shot down for being with 20 miles of the royal palace.
Then there was the constant interruptions for VVVVIP traffic, and flying stopped at +50 C which typically meant in the summer only the early and mid mornings were available ... then the price
.
All in all I'd probably still be there now if was trying to do an ab initio PPL.