Originally at http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,17885770^912,00.html

MICHAEL Jackson seems to be settling in to the Persian Gulf.

The pop star has shopped for real estate, been spotted in glitzy malls – and now it appears that Jackson is interviewing for a job.

The singer, his reputation in tatters at home after winning a child-molestation trial in California last year, is negotiating a position as a consultant with a Bahrain-based company that plans to set up theme parks and music academies in the Middle East, according to a press release.

AAJ Holdings, owned by Bahraini businessman Ahmed Abu Bakr Janahi, said it wanted to hire the 47-year-old Jackson to give advice on setting up entertainment businesses.

AAJ, which focuses on urban development projects, played a key role in designing Bahrain’s Financial Harbor development and Oman’s Blue City, a multibillion-dollar tourist resort with golf courses, hotels, and several dozen kilometres of beaches.

The statement said Janahi believes Jackson could play an important role in the company.

Jackson is reported to be in the midst of building a home in Bahrain.

In his last known visit to Dubai in November, Jackson was seen checking out some of the world’s most expensive real estate developments. His host at the time, Emirates champion rally driver Mohammed bin Sulayem, said Jackson was considering buying property here.

Jackson’s publicist is quoted as saying the pop star is finalising his Hurricane Katrina relief song, which will be released on Bahraini label 2 Seas Records.