FingFang

I have been given a job offer which will pay me 16,500 dm per month.

This includes an accommodation allowance of 3500 and transport 2500.

Would this be enough to live on in Dubai? I'm struggling to find cost of living for one person, is there such a thing as room shares / flat shares in Dubai or would I need single accommodation for myself.

Thanks for any help anyone can give.

Eeyore

Sharing accommodation is illegal in the UAE (unless you are related to the people you're sharing with), but people do it anyway. If you're a white Westerner, nobody will ask any awkward questions.

As to whether your salary is enough to live on, it all depends on what sort of lifestyle you want. A studio flat in a non-swanky area of New Dubai, like Discovery Gardens, will cost you roughly 4000 AED per month in rent (but you typically can't pay monthly), so you'd have 12,500 AED left for everything else. How does that compare with what you earn now?

FingFang

The wage is similar to what I earn now, but I'd be saving money because its tax free.

I didn't realise sharing was illegal, thank you for mentioning that. If this is the case then how are the hospitals allowed to house their staff in single shared accommodation - this is where I'd be living.

Johnnyboy11

It might be tax free if you complete a full tax year and limit your visits to the UK, so that's 6th April 2016 at the earliest.

Also be mindful that you typically get no employment benefits in the ME, such as pension, sick pay, private healthcare, redundancy payments etc. Your Sponsor will happily hire and fire you on his/her whim and there's nothing you can do about. Don't underestimate your pension needs (rough guide - halve your age when you start and save that as a % of your gross salary e.g. 15% if you start saving at age 30). Boring, I know, buy make sure you are properly rewarded during your working years in the ME and don't waste them.

Eeyore

Purpose-built company accommodation for staff is permitted. It's residential property on the open rental market where sharing is illegal.

My company pays all of those except for pension. I thought I read that the labour law provides for compensation in the event of redundancy (as opposed to termination), but maybe not.

Most people we know here can't save 15% of their salary - but then, we mostly know people who have kids and who have to pay for everything out of their own pocket.

FingFang

Thank you for all of the replies, they have been helpful.

I'd like to try and save a good amount of my salary (don't we all). I don't have a husband or children to relocate with me so won't need to pay for a large house, car or schooling. I think I'd happily live in a small flat or studio apartment so I could save as much money as I can.

Inselaffen

there are lots of people sharing accommodation. as a western expat you will not really face any problems unless you do something to annoy your neighbours.

Tramps_mate

Did I read somewhere about problems renewing work permit/visa if you dont have a tenancy agreement with your name on? as in you may not if you are flat sharing etc!

norsk

that's only if you are sponsoring someone, ie your wife/kids..