20 k per month offer in Abu Dhabi
 

Hello all,
I've done a bit of reading of the forum already and I get a sense for some of the likely answers but I want to hear it direct before I do anything rash like turn this offer down.

I've been offered 20k per month to work on Abu Dhabi island; the first month in hotel is free, one flight back a year, but apart from healthcare (they pay 90 percent of bills) no relocation benefits or allowances whatsoever (not even accom).

My reasons for coming would be to save some money, I'd like to save about 25 percent a month. I am aged 29 and currently in Midlands, UK.

I have no children but my girlfriend would come out for the first month or two to see if she could get a job. She's been looking for jobs as a tv director/ assistant producer but so far found none. She worked as a teacher in japan for 3 years a long time ago so could try to get that kind of work.

1) For her, how easy is it to get jobs teaching english, speaking no arabic.

2) Is my salary enough to support both of us? if she can't get work.

3) Assuming she didn't stay because she couldn't get work, is my salary enough for me to save say 25 percent a month living frugally (in a style closer to a UK pensioner than an Arab sheikh)?

Cheers

Re: 20 k per month offer in Abu Dhabi
 

She doesn't have to speak Arabic to get to get a job teaching just needs the relevant qualifications. I think if she could get a job and contribute into the pot then you may well be able to do it. What sort of work is it that you are considering? Your biggest stumbling point in this is going to be renting somewhere. I am a bit out of touch with AD rents but someone will tell you what they are. Do a search on dubizzle.com, they have an AD section.

They have to provide health care, it is the law.

Re: 20 k per month offer in Abu Dhabi
 

[QUOTE=Blue Cat;8954702]She doesn't have to speak Arabic to get to get a job teaching just needs the relevant qualifications.

Hi Blue cat, she has an English degree but no formal teaching qualifications (only that three years experience for Nova i mentioned 15 years ago)

I would be working as a newspaper reporter. The one that publicly disclosed their salaries once already ;)

Re: 20 k per month offer in Abu Dhabi
 

[QUOTE=abadabadoo;8954727]so you're joining the National, got a few friends on there, and one who recently left. You need bits of paper here to get your visa, she would definately need to be a qualified teacher to get sponsorship

Re: 20 k per month offer in Abu Dhabi
 

[QUOTE=Blue Cat;8954839]Thanks Blue Cat - she tells me she does have a TEFL qualification but not sure if that is sufficient; any ideas?

Funny you should know people on the national; do they recommend working there? My job would be in business section

Re: 20 k per month offer in Abu Dhabi
 

[QUOTE=abadabadoo;8961340]it's the best newspaper in the UAE, you will enjoy it I am sure. As for the girlfriend I am sure she will find something.

Re: 20 k per month offer in Abu Dhabi
 

Hi.

Expect to spend 15,000 DHS for rent each month, and thats for a reasonable place (not a depressing bedsit type studio). Plus living expenses like going out and socialising. The UAE is not a cheap place to live.

If you want to save 25% of your monthly salary then 15,000 will leave you very little to get you by. If the job was in Dubai and taking into account the constantly dropping rental rates I would say "Go for it".

In any case I would recommend going to dubizzle.com and having a look at prices, perhaps calling a few agents beforehand.

Re: 20 k per month offer in Abu Dhabi
 

A 24yr old Brit expat who works for me (on 12K a month) has just moved into a reasonable 1 bed apartment in KCA @ 60K per year, split over 4 cheques, so if you're not bothered about living in the city centre, it can be done on your budget, albeit with not much social entertainment.