British Expats

British Expats (https://britishexpats.com/forum/)
-   Middle East (https://britishexpats.com/forum/middle-east-60/)
-   -   Dubai - Do we or don't we? (https://britishexpats.com/forum/middle-east-60/dubai-do-we-dont-we-622181/)

The Dean Jul 26th 2009 6:35 pm

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).

Ethos83 Jul 27th 2009 4:23 am

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?


Zohan Jul 27th 2009 4:35 pm

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!:)

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)

Patsy Stoned Jul 27th 2009 4:53 pm

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)

what made you leave then Zohan? Oh it's OK I just read your reply on another thread. You left with debts eh?

Zohan Jul 27th 2009 5:34 pm

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?

Cheeky :sneaky: I had some problems due to a dodgy, robbing employer yes. Upto u if u go or not, good luck!

Patsy Stoned Jul 28th 2009 12:37 am

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!

errrrrrrr.........I have been here for 5 years??

fourfoot Aug 5th 2009 10:18 am

Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
 
Had an offer, folks.... details to follow....

Zico2009 Aug 5th 2009 10:25 am

Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
 

Originally Posted by fourfoot (Post 7814613)
Had an offer, folks.... details to follow....

Try to smile even through the dissapointment.:blink:

Amnesia180 Aug 5th 2009 11:52 am

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:

London Lad Aug 5th 2009 1:07 pm

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.

I would agree with this 'painful' but 'logical' option. We are doing the same thing. I am in Dubai already and my wife & 2x Daughters are still in the UK. For us it was time for me to get settled into a new job and time for my 7-year old to reach summer holidays. They are visiting me for a few weeks and will be arriving tomorrow. The plan is that they will return back to the UK when school starts as we dont want to loose her place. Then in December we make a more longer term (a couple of years) move.

Hope this is useful.

mrskpd Aug 6th 2009 11:56 am

Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
 
My 2 cents worth - I agree with all those saying girl stay put while boyfriend moves out to test the waters. Dubai is not to everyone's taste and things are very uncertain here for a lot of people. Just last week half my company was made redundant and the other half had pay cuts - again. I would at least wait until probation period is passed. Try and get company to fly you out here for interview so you can see the place.
What field does the lady work in? At the moment it can be pretty tough to get work in Dubai in certain fields, and not working in Dubai for long periods of time can also be pretty tough!
If the boyfriends package extends benefits to spouse, definitely consider getting married before you come. We did and it was the best move as my husband is completely covered by my work. No insurance and no visa can be problematic.
When doing the numbers, be aware that pay cuts are common at the moment so factor a few in and make sure you can still survive.
On the housing front, you don't necessarily have to be in a villa to have a dog. We live in Old Town - look it up on Dubizzle - and have 2 small dogs in an apartment with a large, secure garden. All the ground floor apartments have gardens of varying sizes and most will allow dogs. The location is much more central than the Springs and can be a good starting place in Dubai. At the moment ground floor 1 beds are going for around 85,000 in multiple cheques. Try and get the company to pay the rent up front but make sure that in case of redundancy or resign, the lease and associated payments reverts back to the company. If it is in your name and you leave early they may want you to come up with the remaining payments on the lease which will cost you big time.
Good luck!


All times are GMT. The time now is 5:40 pm.

Powered by vBulletin: ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.