Ringsading, although I am not a pilot, I must question the events you said happened at the pub. My understanding is that it is "unprofessional" to discuss salaries. I do not mean to offend you and I have no interntion of doing so, but I was rather surprised to read that you actually said to the guys what your salary is. Many people would refrain from answering such a question. And for a good reason too: it avoids friction beween people. (And what were you doing drinking at 8am??!!
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And really, you shouldn't let people think you're great because you are paid this or that, but because you are a pilot. You should be proud of that (I'm sure you are though). Show the pride and show that you are not willing to let people belittle you in any manner.
Dirigible, from what I hear from friends/family who have been in the Gulf, this really is the case. But to be fair I will have to wait till I get the chance to live in the Gulf to get a good view of how Khaliji people are really like.