Dubai - Do we or don't we?
#31
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,553
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).
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).
#32
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,502
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.
100-110K will certainly get you a pleasant if modest villa somewhere.
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?
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?
#33
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Location: UK - UAE - Qatar
Posts: 16
Re: 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!
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!
#34
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
what made you leave then Zohan? Oh it's OK I just read your reply on another thread. You left with debts eh?
Last edited by Patsy Stoned; Jul 27th 2009 at 4:56 pm.
#37
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 15
Re: Dubai - Do we or don't we?
Had an offer, folks.... details to follow....
#39
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Location: England, UK
Posts: 143
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
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
#40
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5
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.
Hope this is useful.
#41
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 61
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!
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!