I was hoping someone could give some advice- my husband has received a job offer finally after 6 months and now we need to decide if it’s really worth it and could potentially work! I think like most people he wants to take the job as it’s an experience but also the benifits to potentially save some money- but I’m starting to think If it’s even possible after many reads on posts (other than having an experience out of it).

He will be the main main worker, (job sports scientist) with the view that I would eventually find something (I’m a swim teacher) but that’s a question of how longs a piece of string. The plan is he would move for his probabtion and then myself and our daughter who is 5 would follow on once his completed that probabtion time.

The job job will be based in Al Ain which we are aware is quiter and cheaper rental.

The job job package is monthly 22,000Aed which includes basic, housing allowance and supplements.

In addition health insurance for the family, return tickets Home annually for all and 10,000Aed per year towards education for our daughter, as well as relocation tickets for us all there and back!

We are waiting for some answer back regarding shipping (if any), accommodation on arrival!

Is this sum even livable there? Do people have experience of Al Ain?

Im very much up for an experience with my family but I don’t want to go and struggle in a place we barely know!

Thanks in advance people 🙃

Are you a qualified PE teacher, or a swimming coach?

Thanks for your reply, the plan would be that I would eventually work but I don’t know how easy it would be to find a job and if the pay would be any good.
From looking most swim teaching jobs are based in Dubai and main Abu Dhabi, which would mean another car as well as someone to then look after our daughter if I am working the same time as my husband.

Ive looked at schools online and can see that we would need to top that up to pay for a decent school and that’s my worry I wouldn’t want an awful education for my daughter but then if we are paying loads more out of the salary it seems like we won’t be saving anything.

Im quote amazed that we are questioning the salary as here in England to have that amount available after tax is a good wage, but I’m sensing that things are a lot more expensive.

The company have come back and said that no shipping is included and that there is no budge on the offer!

I just don’t know what is best, as I really don’t want to struggle while there, the whole point is to have an experience and enjoy the time and save a bit of cash, The thought of not having money to experience life there and no be in any better position is ludicrous thinking!

I’m level 2 swimming teacher and specialise in baby and toddler!
I wish I was a PE teacher! 👎

Echo what others have said .... it’s a low offer for a family and however you spin the figures my view is that you will be short of money and end up unhappy. If a sport scientist is a desirable occupation here then why not apply for other roles and see if he can get a better deal ? However much detail you work out the finances before you arrive you will always end up spending more. Also don’t overlook that you need a reasonable amount of cash to set yourself up with various deposits, fees and anything else you need to spend personally.

thanks for your reply, your basically saying what I’ve been thinking! To put out so much before doesn’t settle well with me!

What do people think a good minimum a month salary is? That’s going to pay most thigs let you have a little bit of a life and maybe set aside?

Difficult to accurately answer without knowing a little more about your expectations and lifestyle ...... if you would be leaving behind a 3 bed house it’s no good budgeting for a 1 bed flat here (choice of property will impact your monthly costs a fair bit), choice of school, what sort of car will you be happy with, what do you typically do in your spare time, hobbies, sports, eating out, socializing etc I know it sounds obvious but all of these can have a huge impact on what you spend here. What are your expectations on savings, these differ a lot from person to person ? I’m sure you get what I mean :) .....

I lived in Al Ain about 5 years ago and still visit occasionally. It is a decent place to live and work, no high rise buildings, the population is about 500,000 now I believe. Everywhere is about a 30 minute drive once you know your way around.

You MAY be able to get some sort of job with swimming, in the same school as your child would be ideal, but not guaranteed and the pay will not be a lot for the hours expected of you...think 7am-2pm minimum and very demanding parents.
School fees for a reasonable school for your child’s age are about 25,000 a year, I don’t have children but they would expect each terms fees to be paid up front. Same with rent for a house/apartment, the annual rent paid up front. A basic decent 2 bedroom apartment in Al Ain could be found for about 60,000 upwards.
After all school/house/tax/utilities/car/fuel etc etc the 22,000 will not last long. I don’t think you will save any money.

Hi Paul

Thank you for your reply, im finding the whole process quite frustrating as everyone’s opinions are so different! A lot of people are echoing what you are saying but his potential boss is also saying the salary is liveable and thinks there would be a good sum left over monthly as it’s so much cheaper in Al Ain. But I expect it doesn’t matter what part you live in food and drink will be the same price a bit like here in England north or south food is the same price!

My worry is that it’s being said to get my husband there and the reality is the wage isn’t liveable and we’re be in no better position than we are here, it would just be a change of scenery 😩

Thank you helps a lot!
A lot of people are saying the same that it’s not really a good wage! On paper looks good but reality I think is it’s not workable