jimic

Hi,
I'm a qualified architect hoping to relocate from UK to Dubai and am looking for employment and a change of scenery. I'm moving with my girlfreind and who is a graphic designer and is also looking for employment. How easy is it to find work as an architect/designer/project manager in Dubai and what is the best way to go about this. Also how does the work, hours and pay compare to the uk?

Any info appreciated.

jimic

Come in Dubai...... Any architects out there?
If nobody replys soon I'm retraining as a plumber!

Desert Dweller

Tough. Stick to putting your arm round u-bends.

From what I gather most architects are Egyptian and the large projects are done by architects out of UK, US etc. There are quite a lot of good interior design companies though if you can diversify a bit.

freckle

Thanks for the reply and the info. Inferior design comes a close second to plumbing.

If anyone has any contacts in Architect/Interior Design or Construction- it would be appreciated.

Cheers

Jezza

Hello there.

There are various employment agencies which you should study the website of. Try some of the following:-

www.budgerecruitment.com
www.ashbrittle.org.uk
www.hillmcglynn.com
www.buckleyprichard.com
www.clarendonparker.com

Many others but there are many 'naff' ones out there which it's not worth wasting time to poll.

You could try to contact some of the Architect/Engineering companies who are in Dubai (SOM are involved with the Burj Dubai project for example).

I have been looking for work for a while as Commercial Manager/Financial person involvde with very large projects and whilst I haven't quite made it to Dubai yet, I still hope to soon and things are now moving faster now Ramadan and Christmas are over.

Good luck

freckle

Cheers Jezza,
the websites listed are all very good and I have registered my cv with a few.

As a general question to anyone out there, I was informed by a freind that accommodation for example a 1 bed apartment cost 45,000 dhs per month- and up to 80,000dhs in a good area. My maths isn't too good but with 6dhs to £1 this equals over £10,000 per month, is there a zero in he wrong place here?

Any answers welcomed.

Jezza

Yes, you have a problem houston.

The sums quoted in Dubai are usually annual rents. The sums you talk about are certainly annual rents so divide by 12 and you get the monthly sum.

I am budgeting about GBP1,000 per month for a 2 bed small villa.

You should start using about 6.8 to the GBP now as it's already there and may stay like that for a while.

I hope to be there soonish as it's so cold in Paris.

philipz

Dubai is going alot of real estate development and I think architects would be in demand, but would advice checking with some of the real estate related companies like Al Nakheel or Emaar. Graphics designers are plentiful, but if your wife has a good portfolio, then getting a good job would be quite easy. Check my signature for some good job resources.

jimic

Thanks for the useful links, its a different angle on things. The websites show some pretty glossy images of apartments, villas etc. It looks a lot more appealling than rainy Oxford right now!

Thanks

Jonny hH

Lots of major practices in Dubai, both UK and Internanational. Try the British Business Group's web site.

Lots of competition so salaries not brilliant, but offset by no taxation. Projects are frequently of high value and architecturally challenging, as each client tries to out do his mates. If you have been there, you will see that almost anything goes (just don't point the loo at Mecca).

Working week in Dubai 45 hours,but expect to do more in Senior position. They like their pound of flesh.

Hope this is of use.

istara

An acquaintance of mine whose UK architect husband does now have a very good, very senior job here, said it was very difficult to find a job, especially one with enough pay to support a family/rent a villa, etc.

jimic

Low pay and long hours are standard in architecture, don't ask me why. I still think the pay in Dubai compares favourably to the UK if you take the tax into account.

Also I figured Dubai would have demand for architects just because of the amount of construction work,

I live in hope.

pbellisario

Hi, I am an Architect in the US who was surfing the web for information on Dubai and came across your message on this web site. I am not a Brit.

Our firm is in the process of staffing an Architectural office in Dubai for a potential project. Can you send me your resume so that I may share it with the Partners of this firm?

We are pursuing residential and hospitality projects and we will need qualified architects to work in our Dubai office.

Please send me your info. I look forward to hearing from you.

Paul Bellisario, AIA

Alpschorsch

Hi,

I am a young architect from Germany.
I would work also very gladly in Dubai.
Your progress would interest me very.
Perhaps we can exchange information.
I try to find information for a while.
Can you name me addresses of architects in Dubai?
Or web pages!
Did you send already application?
Whom did you send your application?

Greeting Alpschorsch

Who architects for Dubai seeks can send me a mail I will send you my application!

[email protected]

alister

Hello Dubai Architects

I am a UK based designer in the process of launching a new company. I am also interested in setting up offices in Dubai. We design and fit feature staircases and balustrade, specialising in glass, stainless steel and aluminium. We also have a range of architectural fixtures and fittings.
I am looking to establish a number of good contacts before visiting Dubai with sample products and company portfolio.
If these services are of any interest, or you know someone who would be interested, please forward me some details as I would love to get in touch.

Alister