The highlighted part in red is VERY TRUE. Your PhD only counts when you're looking for a academic role or research role whether it be in companies (eg: pharmaceutical research) or institutions.

In fact, at the age of 29, most other degree holders will have around 4-7 years exp (those who graduated at age 22-25), which is far more valuable than anything else.

I assume you have no working experience, but if you do, I also assume it is very little as compared to degree holders at your age. Therefore you are not only competing with the locals of the country of which you are already at an disadvantage, you are lacking the necessary experience and hands-on knowledge in whatever industry you desire to be in.

Don't forget that work permits for experienced roles/jobs are harder to obtain overseas particularly in the UK unless you're a PR.

This is very SERIOUS misconception. A Design Engineer is not necessarily better than a Sales Engineer. In fact, Sales Engineer may be earning less basic salary (not including commission), but can you dispute their ability to achieves sales, bring in customers and communicate with clients as well as translating the clients needs into practical solutions?

You can not compare both jobs and say A is better than B because they are different roles and often lead to very contrasting working environments. Whats important is what you learn out of it.

To an employer, your previous job title doesn't impress as much as your ability to showcase your skills gained, which in turn is gained by years of experience.

FYI: I'm a project engineer myself, doing chemical process design.

The middle east is the place to be right now.. It is the place with most cash money right now in the whole world!

And people there are more impressed in Academic than experience...I've been there and I know that...

I recommend Qatar, Dubai is good, but the lifestyle and money is much better in Qatar.. in addition, Qatar is one of the few countries who actually showed growth in this economic crisis...