rocha27

Hi all

As a new user of this forum, I would like to know as much as possible about moving to Dubai.

I'm an architect being interviewed for a couple of positions with companies operating in Dubai.

I have been trying to find out what's the best package I can negotiate, and one of my main problems is knowing what's the reasonable wage package for someone like me (by the way, I have more than 15 years experience). Does the package include housing or some allowance?

I also have a small family (one 2 year old a baby to be born in early November), so my family will only be joining me later on.

I'll need to buy a car, and don't mind going for a second hand...can anyone recommend a reliable car dealer? How much would I be expected to pay for a second hand car? Are japanese car (ex HONDA CRV) more cheaper than a US or european car (ex a JEEP CHEROKEE or LAND ROVER)?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks all

Blue Cat

hiya, as you can imagine we are asked these questions alot and we are all willing to help. Do a search on here and you will find loads of information.

You want to be looking at:

Basic Salary - see what they offer and get back to us
Housing Allowance - 180,000 dhs
Medical Insurance for the entire family - you won't get maternity cover at this stage but the Government hospital isn't bad and will set you back about 800 quid for the delivery and ante natal
Car - either they supply one or get an allowance in the region of 2000 Dhs a month, I am not very up on car prices but they are way cheaper than the UK.
Flights - return airfares to 'home' annually
Schooling - try and get school fees included in the package, my little one is 3 and is starting school this september - 26,000 dhs a year.

Good luck

rocha27

Thanks Blue Cat. I've been reading some of the post, and you are right...it seems to me th "million dollar" question.

I need to 'know' the extra costs, which you kindly mentioned...

I'll keep reading and asking as I go along.

Cheers

Raaj

Yes dear.

You must see wat package you are getting in dubai, cos you will not paid fully for the metrinity and all.
you can get a car but after getting driving lisence only.
that will cost your around not more than 4500 Dirhams.

rocha27

Hi everyone

My wife and I have agreed that she would only travel after having the baby...so, that seems to cover the maternity issue.

Thanks for all the other views.

To exchange my drivers license I have to pay 4500 Dhs? Is this correct?

Cheers

rocha27

Hi again

As for pay, the agencies that are handling my situation have mentioned pay to be around 33K to 35k a month. The thing is they also say that in these values they are are already considering living allowence a travel allowence.

I've asked them to break down the package so that I can figure out how much is how much, but no reply yet....

How far can I go with these values, considering I'm applying for a senior position?

Cheers

Inselaffen

that is the cost for taking driving lessons and taking a test. As a portugese citizen I think you'll just be able to fill in a form to get your local licence once you've got your residense permit. No test or lessons. takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Blue Cat

35k - rent will be about 12k a month if not more, car - 2000?? depends on what you get.

changeringer

It took me a lot longer to swop my UK licence for a local one in Dubai a week or so back. The ticket number machine wasn't working and no-one knew who was next in line and the ladies behind the counter were in no mood to help. Then the laminator jammed! But I did get the little plastic thingy eventually and otherwise relatively painless

rocha27

And how far will the aprox 21K (or slightly less) take me, considering that I still have to pay utilities, food & groceries, leisure, etc?

Considering that I'll be the sole bread earned as my wife will not be working.

Cheers

rocha27

Thanks for the info Inselaffen, but will I have to pay the 4500 Dhs? Or will the cost be more reduced?

rocha27

What can I get (apartment or villa) for 12k? And in which areas...bearing in mind that I'm looking at maps and things like that to orientate myself at the moment...

Bob

Can't help, but welcome to BE

Inselaffen

no you dont have to pay it! cant remember the cost. but think its only a couple of hundred dhs. think you'll also have to get your license translated into arabic

Blue Cat

21,000 Dhs a month is alot more than most people out here earn and they all manage. A three bed villa on the Springs are currently going for 170,000. A two bed apartment in Al Barsha area will cost approx 115 to 125k.