Ed Pies

I am considering a move to Dubai as a Senior Architectural Technician / Design Manager, hoping to improve upon my lifestyle in the UK, and have some fun in the process. I have previously worked for Norman Foster and King Sturge, and for the last 5 years I have been managing a medium size commercial practice in Yorkshire, myself specialising in site management, high end interiors, QA compliance as well as being CAD manager.

I am married with children aged 5 and 18 months, and am looking at positions £50-55K per year. My UK salary is £35K per year, and with the current financial situation combined with 2 young children things are getting tough. We have a great life living in North Yorkshire, with a 10 minute commute, good friends, and we own a nice 4 bed house which we would be keeping. However we are looking for a change for a few years whilst the children are still young enough. Our socialising currently revolves around school and my rugby club, so I am sure we would have similar options in Dubai.

We are keen on a move to Dubai and are wondering if the salary will be enough to live comfortably?
If not would AD be a better move?

My wife has a background in residential lettings for the last 5 years -is it realistic to expect that she would be able to find part time work in the Dubai market?

Finally can you reccommend any areas suitable for a family (3 bed minimum) with a suitably lively night/daylife? (up to 150,000/ year budget).

Thanks for your help, and maybe we will see you there soon!

lionheart

They say that the grass is greener on the other side. If I was in your shoes, I would seriously consider staying put as you seem to be enjoying a very good quality of life over there. North Yorkshire and the United Arab Emirates are completely different animals.

arbroath_abroad

50K GBP is enough

much of the same really....

im sure she would get work no bother

i think you will struggle on that budget for a good 3 bed place....



good luck

admon

For a change in lifestyle for a few years why not..

If you don't, you will only wonder what would have happened if you did.

Patsy Stoned

AA...... how can you say that AD is much the same as Dubai?? chalk and cheese darling re nightlife,shopping,hotels blah,blah!!

Ed Pies

So true, vive la change...

Also constructing anything in the UK at the moment is like pushing water uphill, whereas there seems to be many opportunities in Dubai.

admon

While there is a lot of competition for jobs here, a British born and educated person like yourself, in the industry that you are in, getting a job should be a piece of cake.

As usual, the advice is get over here for a week or 2, see if you like the feel of the place, get your CV about and do it.

TBird

Don't forget to look into schools....for space availability

Eva

'Part time' is a not the norm in AD however LLJ Property are currently advertising for Leasing Agents on a part time/flexi basis.I suspect your good lady will be unimpressed with remuneration though.
Foster, you will know had a hand in Sadyaat Island- Guggenheim & Louvre.
Good luck

Blue Cat

150k will get you a two bed box on the Springs (no offence AA), you need to look at 200k+ for a decent three bed. Schooling is an issue, it is difficult to get schooling in both AD and DXB. Secure a job first, get a decent package then make your decision.

Ed Pies

Thanks for the tips.
We are currently in week 1 of what we realistically envisage will take a good 6 months to organise. The total package is what will swing it.
Mrs. Pies has just revealed that she may be able to get a part time position with a major UK company through a family contact, so a combined salary may be on the cards.
Is the school run as bad as everyone says?

Blue Cat

mine takes me 5 minutes! school next door practically! It depends which school the kids are in and where you live to be honest with you. Least of your worries at this stage.

pauldxb

Part time work in DXB is that possible ? If so can that get you your visa ?

Blue Cat

no but you will get her a visa you get job then you get residency visa, then you sponsor her and the kids. She gets a part time number (if she's lucky) and then you give her a no objection letter to work. Her employer gets her a labour card.

Eva

As I qualified-p/t not the norm in AD-presume same same in DXB???
Suspect these 'part time' positions are intended to attract housewives- with relevent experience- in AD on husbands visa.