Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Hiya,
Newbie to site, still in UK, here goes: Boyfriend was made redundant a week ago, redundancy money not yet through, but will be used to reduce UK debts (related to university and starting up a home). He was earning £30k, working as a management accountant (with 10 years experience, although not yet fully qualified). I am on £23k and work in a specialist function for a bank that probably won't translate to the Middle East. Boyfriend has been approached by a headhunter looking for someone with experience in his field, and we are considering this, although I would have to seek alternative employment. His second telephone interview basically ended with a request for him to consider the sort of remuneration package he is looking for. We have never been to Dubai and have no idea as to where to pitch this - more from the point of view of getting a realistic perception about the cost of living. We have no kids and do not look to have any, but we do have a dog who we would bring with us, so we'd need a secure garden. We are both early thirties; have no savings in the UK, as we are trying to reduce our debts as much as possible, reckon they will be about £20k combined after redundancy money is through (not looking for advice on how this particular situation should have been avoided!). We also have a mortgage, but ultimately would look to sell up. One thread in particular mentioned it would be an idea to have at least £10k before making the move, but this is not an option for us. Our approach to this move would be to clear existing debt and create a decent savings pot. The flashy "look at me, I drive a Porsche I can't afford" lifestyle is not what we're looking for.... Given our circumstances, should we even be considering this? Any helpful advice would be most appreciated!:) |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by fourfoot
(Post 7785151)
Hiya,
Newbie to site, still in UK, here goes: Boyfriend was made redundant a week ago, redundancy money not yet through, but will be used to reduce UK debts (related to university and starting up a home). He was earning £30k, working as a management accountant (with 10 years experience, although not yet fully qualified). I am on £23k and work in a specialist function for a bank that probably won't translate to the Middle East. Boyfriend has been approached by a headhunter looking for someone with experience in his field, and we are considering this, although I would have to seek alternative employment. His second telephone interview basically ended with a request for him to consider the sort of remuneration package he is looking for. We have never been to Dubai and have no idea as to where to pitch this - more from the point of view of getting a realistic perception about the cost of living. We have no kids and do not look to have any, but we do have a dog who we would bring with us, so we'd need a secure garden. We are both early thirties; have no savings in the UK, as we are trying to reduce our debts as much as possible, reckon they will be about £20k combined after redundancy money is through (not looking for advice on how this particular situation should have been avoided!). We also have a mortgage, but ultimately would look to sell up. One thread in particular mentioned it would be an idea to have at least £10k before making the move, but this is not an option for us. Our approach to this move would be to clear existing debt and create a decent savings pot. The flashy "look at me, I drive a Porsche I can't afford" lifestyle is not what we're looking for.... Given our circumstances, should we even be considering this? Any helpful advice would be most appreciated!:) Housing has been covered by BC in another thread so you know what to expect there. Living costs can be high dependant on the lifestyle and convenience want. The biggest thing is the risk element. You have no protection here work wise, you can be sacked for any reason or even without reason. So, you should factor this into any salary package. However, as BF is unemployed anyway, it may just be worth the risk. |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
This may not be want you want to hear but, in your position, I would send boyfriend here for 3-6 months first (you can visit for holidays) and then, if everything looks hunky dory, you could follow thereafter with doggy. This has the advantage that you both remain in gainful employment.
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by fourfoot
(Post 7785151)
Hiya,
Newbie to site, still in UK, here goes: Boyfriend was made redundant a week ago, redundancy money not yet through, but will be used to reduce UK debts (related to university and starting up a home). He was earning £30k, working as a management accountant (with 10 years experience, although not yet fully qualified). I am on £23k and work in a specialist function for a bank that probably won't translate to the Middle East. Boyfriend has been approached by a headhunter looking for someone with experience in his field, and we are considering this, although I would have to seek alternative employment. His second telephone interview basically ended with a request for him to consider the sort of remuneration package he is looking for. We have never been to Dubai and have no idea as to where to pitch this - more from the point of view of getting a realistic perception about the cost of living. We have no kids and do not look to have any, but we do have a dog who we would bring with us, so we'd need a secure garden. We are both early thirties; have no savings in the UK, as we are trying to reduce our debts as much as possible, reckon they will be about £20k combined after redundancy money is through (not looking for advice on how this particular situation should have been avoided!). We also have a mortgage, but ultimately would look to sell up. One thread in particular mentioned it would be an idea to have at least £10k before making the move, but this is not an option for us. Our approach to this move would be to clear existing debt and create a decent savings pot. The flashy "look at me, I drive a Porsche I can't afford" lifestyle is not what we're looking for.... Given our circumstances, should we even be considering this? Any helpful advice would be most appreciated!:) you haven't got any set up money, you have debts already (worth the equivalent of around 120,000 dhs), you have a dog that needs to be shipped out (costs a few thousand pounds) and a house you need to sell to pay off the mortgage, where presumably you may take a loss, given the current state of the uk market... the likelihood of you saving enough money to pay off your uk debts is small, unless you both get jobs and are very careful about what you spend...it's expensive here, and although it's true that rents are falling, you will need a villa for your dog, which already bumps up the price... unless you get a job, you will not get sponsorship, so you will need to do visa runs which again cost money...and you clearly won't get any flights home, health insurance etc on your boyfriend's package...so you need to factor all that in too... all that said, until you see what package he is being offered, you can't rule it out entirely...! MM, xx |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
The ONLY way I can see this working for you is if:
Company PROVIDE the accommodation. Forget an allowance or a loan, you don't have the cash to fund upfront rent payments, 5% annual rent deposit, 5% agency fees, 2000dhs DEWA setup, etc etc. He needs to hit high on salary. He wants to be asking 25000dhs a month, PLUS accommodation as above. Sounds extravagant? Factor in buying furniture, white goods, renting a car, etc etc and first couple of months salary will be eaten pretty quickly. Plus if you are to make the move in a bid to pay off UK debt, the numbers have to work for you. As MM has already said, you should really stay behind for a few months before going to the cost of selling up and moving the dog out. |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Cheers guys,
Not looking to move to solve UK debt, that's being taken care of already, but would leave us with two loans to clear, one of which is through my current employer. None of this had even crossed our minds til he got a call from the headhunter, conveniently in the same week as we found out he was losing his job..... |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by fourfoot
(Post 7785310)
Not looking to move to solve UK debt
Originally Posted by fourfoot
(Post 7785310)
Our approach to this move would be to clear existing debt
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Apologies, BF had amended thread!
He'll be using his redundancy to clear most of his, my cards will be cleared by the end of the year anyway. My only loan is a staff loan through my employer, which no doubt would be subject to the usual rates should I cease to be employed by them, and is still serviceable. His loan would also still be serviceable. We were looking to start saving to get married, so clearing cards, etc was a priority before any of this came up, as we don't really want to get another loan to pay for a wedding! |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by lionheart
(Post 7785194)
This may not be want you want to hear but, in your position, I would send boyfriend here for 3-6 months first (you can visit for holidays) and then, if everything looks hunky dory, you could follow thereafter with doggy. This has the advantage that you both remain in gainful employment.
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by fourfoot
(Post 7785366)
Apologies, BF had amended thread!
He'll be using his redundancy to clear most of his, my cards will be cleared by the end of the year anyway. My only loan is a staff loan through my employer, which no doubt would be subject to the usual rates should I cease to be employed by them, and is still serviceable. His loan would also still be serviceable. We were looking to start saving to get married, so clearing cards, etc was a priority before any of this came up, as we don't really want to get another loan to pay for a wedding! Having just spoken with the headhunter, it seems that 25,000dhs per month PLUS accomodation allowance 'significant enough to cover a 2 bed villa in a nice area' is definitely on the cards...! Company car would also be an option. Plus usual benefits of: international relocation package; healthcare for me; annual ticket home plus 30 days holiday; it's not a fixed term contract either.... |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by lionheart
(Post 7785194)
This may not be want you want to hear but, in your position, I would send boyfriend here for 3-6 months first (you can visit for holidays) and then, if everything looks hunky dory, you could follow thereafter with doggy. This has the advantage that you both remain in gainful employment.
He can rent a studio / 1 bed . It's easy to find payments in more than 1 cheque so once the job seems settled etc you could follow, he can cancel his apartment lease and you both rock into a villa. During this time you are both earning....he's probably living relatively cheap compared to his salary...and you'll knock off a decent amount of debt in the process as well as feeling a bit more secure about the whole thing. I don't believe it has to be that expensive a process moving out here if you do it right. |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by fourfoot
(Post 7785388)
BF talking:
Having just spoken with the headhunter, it seems that 25,000dhs per month PLUS accomodation allowance 'significant enough to cover a 2 bed villa in a nice area' is definitely on the cards...! Company car would also be an option. Plus usual benefits of: international relocation package; healthcare for me; annual ticket home plus 30 days holiday; it's not a fixed term contract either.... |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by Blue Cat
(Post 7785448)
healthcare for you if you are married I think?
4foot's BF...........25,000dhs is ok but you need to know what the housing allowance is, plus will they pay this upfront or monthly. Also relocation allowance Make sure everything is sorted out, if you have to supplement your housing allowance from your salary then it gets difficult |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by Patsy Stoned
(Post 7785461)
BC.... it is the BF talking so he is saying healthcare for him not her.
4foot's BF...........25,000dhs is ok but you need to know what the housing allowance is, plus will they pay this upfront or monthly. Also relocation allowance Make sure everything is sorted out, if you have to supplement your housing allowance from your salary then it gets difficult Ultimately, I'm sure I've got to negotiate what I want, and this is the very first stage of the negotiations!! From what I've seen, I'd be looking for c120,000dhs to cover a decent 2/3 bed villa. Not sure how they would be looking to administer that sum... I assume 'annual upfront' in the form of 12 cheques would be ideal? |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by fourfoot
(Post 7785477)
BF once more:
Ultimately, I'm sure I've got to negotiate what I want, and this is the very first stage of the negotiations!! From what I've seen, I'd be looking for c120,000dhs to cover a decent 2/3 bed villa. Not sure how they would be looking to administer that sum... I assume 'annual upfront' in the form of 12 cheques would be ideal? 120,000 won't get you much in the way of a villa. Well you may get a small 1 in the Springs I guess. Look on dubizzle to give you some idea of prices. these will just be a guide, you can haggle now. Please make sure you look at everything and don't be afraid to ask questions. |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Thanks Patsy
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Speaking from experience me and hubby done this I went to Abu Dhabi and he stayed at home glad we did but I just had a bad experience in AUH all I can say is RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH I did but not enough sadly. However I wouldntbe put off and if anythign it made our marriage stronger he visited me and got a holiday but he didnt like it and we made a decision for me to come home.
We had our home to come home to I would advise not to sell until they 2 of you are 100% happy. Good luck! |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by marty&vonnie
(Post 7785587)
Speaking from experience me and hubby done this I went to Abu Dhabi and he stayed at home glad we did but I just had a bad experience in AUH all I can say is RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH I did but not enough sadly. However I wouldntbe put off and if anythign it made our marriage stronger he visited me and got a holiday but he didnt like it and we made a decision for me to come home.
We had our home to come home to I would advise not to sell until they 2 of you are 100% happy. Good luck! Realistic expectations, good planning, hard work and a little luck will help you avoid most of the pitfalls here. You sound like the sort that might just make a go of it. Just make sure you have an exit plan! :) |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by BurpusMe
(Post 7785627)
Given that you've likely heard the horror stories about conservative laws, debt prison, deadly traffic, unbearable heat, etc, etc, etc - I won't even go there.
Realistic expectations, good planning, hard work and a little luck will help you avoid most of the pitfalls here. You sound like the sort that might just make a go of it. Just make sure you have an exit plan! :) The current price for a 2BR is 95K AED. http://www.gnads4u.com/doc.html?_a=view&id=5972455 It'll be less in 6 months when you're looking to bring the wife and dog. |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Thanks, we are all too aware of the horror stories, that's why I wanted the opinion of people who are out there, and not just the Daily Mail readers at home!
All advice, anecdotes, pointers are gratefully received! |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by BurpusMe
(Post 7785634)
Oh, and there's nothing wrong with The Springs... those villas are well enough for a first home in Dubai.
The current price for a 2BR is 95K AED. http://www.gnads4u.com/doc.html?_a=view&id=5972455 It'll be less in 6 months when you're looking to bring the wife and dog. |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by Patsy Stoned
(Post 7785674)
yes but you couldn't swing a dog in those little 2bed places
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by Patsy Stoned
(Post 7785674)
yes but you couldn't swing a dog in those little 2bed places
I don't even want to know if you've tried :lol: He's a fairly small dog, but not a "rat on a rope". He's a bolter though, so our priority is a secure garden area. |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by BurpusMe
(Post 7785679)
You shouldn't swing dogs. It's inhumane.
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
I'll let him know! His furry good looks mean he's a hit with the laydeez.... :D
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Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by fourfoot
(Post 7785702)
I'll let him know! His furry good looks mean he's a hit with the laydeez.... :D
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by Patsy Stoned
(Post 7785706)
so..he has never been to bed with an old dog...but he has woken up with a few!! :D
I believe the productive portion of this thread has concluded. |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
I assume we're still talking about my dog, and not my boyfriend!
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Alas, Burpusme, I do believe you are right.
Thanks for all the help on here, folks. I'm off for a well deserved pizza :p Will check back in a few days for any other points |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by fourfoot
(Post 7785713)
I assume we're still talking about my dog, and not my boyfriend!
Sorry I am a bit bored tonight and just killing time before I go to bed and I don't want any remarks from conf about me being an old dog either!!! |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Some mostly sensible replies already - nothing to add to those, except to say that you certainly won't build up what you refer to as a "decent savings pot".
Nobody does that in Dubai, and you certainly won't on the sort of package you are talking about (I had to spend years in the Magic Kingdom to even come close to doing that). And you seem sensible enough not to be lulled into mistakenly thinking that "I don't pay income tax" means "I'm well off, and I'm going to buy a flash car, etc". Make the assumption that you WON'T get a job (i.e. his will be the only income), and see how the money looks then. If it all looks good, go for it, although shooting the dog might make things easier (more choice of where to live and how much it would cost etc). |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
I know people who have just rented 2-bed villas in the Springs for less than 100K, but you'd want to ensure that your housing allowance also covers DEWA (water and electricity).
100-110K will certainly get you a pleasant if modest villa somewhere.
Originally Posted by fourfoot
(Post 7785477)
BF once more:
Ultimately, I'm sure I've got to negotiate what I want, and this is the very first stage of the negotiations!! From what I've seen, I'd be looking for c120,000dhs to cover a decent 2/3 bed villa. Not sure how they would be looking to administer that sum... I assume 'annual upfront' in the form of 12 cheques would be ideal? |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by fourfoot
(Post 7785151)
Hiya,
Newbie to site, still in UK, here goes: Boyfriend was made redundant a week ago, redundancy money not yet through, but will be used to reduce UK debts (related to university and starting up a home). He was earning £30k, working as a management accountant (with 10 years experience, although not yet fully qualified). I am on £23k and work in a specialist function for a bank that probably won't translate to the Middle East. Boyfriend has been approached by a headhunter looking for someone with experience in his field, and we are considering this, although I would have to seek alternative employment. His second telephone interview basically ended with a request for him to consider the sort of remuneration package he is looking for. We have never been to Dubai and have no idea as to where to pitch this - more from the point of view of getting a realistic perception about the cost of living. We have no kids and do not look to have any, but we do have a dog who we would bring with us, so we'd need a secure garden. We are both early thirties; have no savings in the UK, as we are trying to reduce our debts as much as possible, reckon they will be about £20k combined after redundancy money is through (not looking for advice on how this particular situation should have been avoided!). We also have a mortgage, but ultimately would look to sell up. One thread in particular mentioned it would be an idea to have at least £10k before making the move, but this is not an option for us. Our approach to this move would be to clear existing debt and create a decent savings pot. The flashy "look at me, I drive a Porsche I can't afford" lifestyle is not what we're looking for.... Given our circumstances, should we even be considering this? Any helpful advice would be most appreciated!:) |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by Zohan
(Post 7788387)
NO NO NO! ride it out in the UK. If things got worse & least u wont get locked up. Dubai is VIIIILLEE!!!!! (lived there for a yr)
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by Patsy Stoned
(Post 7788439)
what made you leave then Zohan? Oh it's OK I just read your reply on another thread. You left with debts eh?
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by Zohan
(Post 7788539)
Cheeky :sneaky: I had some problems due to a dodgy, robbing employer yes. Upto u if u go or not, good luck!
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Had an offer, folks.... details to follow....
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by fourfoot
(Post 7814613)
Had an offer, folks.... details to follow....
|
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Just a word of encouragement more than anything else, from me:
I don't have any debts, so unfortunately, I can't advise on that front. But I've done an endless amount of research into relocating to the Middle East. Now, AED25,000 is £4.5k+/-.. per month? I should think, as long as you're getting your accomodation covered, that would be enough for a couple with their heads screwed on (which you two certainly sound). As you've said, you're not looking to have the Porsche, Boat and Helicopter out of your first years salary. Think how you would live on 4k per month in the UK... rather well I would imagine. The only consideration it looks like you'll have would be the upfront payments such as agent fees, DEWA, etc (already mentioned in this thread). Good luck, and looking forward to seeing the offer :) :thumbup: |
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Originally Posted by lionheart
(Post 7785194)
This may not be want you want to hear but, in your position, I would send boyfriend here for 3-6 months first (you can visit for holidays) and then, if everything looks hunky dory, you could follow thereafter with doggy. This has the advantage that you both remain in gainful employment.
Hope this is useful. |
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