uk+kiwi

For a lot of people it is good.

But essentially it depends on what you do, how long you've been doing it (experience) and how good you are. And where, especially if they are high risk locations. A specialisation also adds to the pay level.

uk+kiwi

Sorry, that's what I meant. And exactly, good plan.

Thanks for the replies everyone

AD James

Although not overly experienced with the place, I've just moved out to Abu Dhabi (about a month now) with my wife and kids and so far I think it's got the potential to be a really good place to live although as most others have suggested, I think your husband will need much more in the way of salary as well a very generous housing allowance & expat benefits.

The biggest challenge I am facing is finding a nice, modern villa for under 200,000AED - oh and places in British schools seem to be very limited.

Other than that, the cost of living seems relatively low - cars are cheap as are utilities etc.

From the people I've spoken to out here, the lifestyle is good, especially for families once you're settled...and of course the climate is excellent for 8 months of the year.

Once I've battled through the initial headaches I'm sure our family will be very happy. (I hope!)

uk+kiwi

Thanks for the reply and good luck.

Have you managed to secure places at the British School? I was wondering how difficult that is. We have friends who have just moved to Singapore, but delayed it by almost a year until school places came up for both their children at their school of choice. Luckily it was an internal transfer overseas so the job remained open. Most people wouldn't be so lucky so would face home schooling, a potentially poor school or living apart in separate countries for a while. Non of which are really ideal, especially for families with young children of pre-school or primary school aged children IMO.

Hope you enjoy AD.

The Dean

The GBP salary you mentioned was just an initial 'stab in the dark' to see if you/your husband were stupid enough to accept it. Employers do this, so do headhunters. It's rather disparagingly known as 'Indian money' (don't worry about that expression - you'll soon get used to the fact that this region is one of the world's leading racism hotbeds, second only to perhaps Japan).

If the job itself seems OK, go back and ask for a lot more. Try AED 60,000 per month (everyone talks in months out here), and if they say 'yes' tell them you've just been offered 75k per month in Dubai (they hate losing out to Dubai in competing for staff).

Dig your heels in - if they think you're worth employing you'll find they will knock on your door eventually.

AD James

Hi there,

I only have a 'potential' place at one of the new british schools for one of my children...the other who is 4 cannot even get on a waiting list because its so big!

It's been very difficult to be honest with you...but not as difficult as the accommodation search !

If all goes well in the next week or two I will bring my family out here otherwise I will have to call it a day and try again next year!

ADJ