Notts_bloke

Hi all,

I am currently thinking of applying for a job as an Urban planner in Dubai, and was hoping to get some general feedback on what its like to live/work in Dubai. I am currently living and working in Sydney but to be honest whilst I like Sydney I am now ready to move on to pastures new. Working as an Urban Planner over here is not ideal and the wages are fairly low and I want advance my career.

Can any one help?

Inselaffen

Think the only urban planning here is to steal land of current legitimate owner and give to well-connected local owned developer so they can make a fortune!

The things to watch out for here are housing and schooling costs wwhich are both very expensive. Otherwise the cost of living is quite low.
Traffic can be horrendous. the summer is very hot.
but a good life can be had here (so i'm told)

The Dean

I'd endorse what Inse says........ although I'm not sure there's much left in Dubai that's 'low-cost'........

Like him though I'm more interested by the sort of work you are looking for - 'urban planner'? Are you applying for an actual vacancy you've seen advertised? Who's the employer?

A quick look around Dubai will confirm that nobody has EVER worked under the title 'urban planner' so you will be the first.

Tell us more about the job - or are you just making general approaches?

lionheart

The grass always looks greener...but don't you believe it...I would kill to be in your shoes over in Sidney.

Inselaffen

you are not the only one! not many possibilities over there in my line of work though

The Dean

You boys would rather be in Sydney than in Dubai??? Go and lie down in a darkened room...... the feeling will soon pass.........

IndieG

I loved Sydney!

You're right there is nothing low cost in Dubai any more.

Extortionate Rents
Extortionate School Fees

Groceries, Petrol - cheap (actually anything would seem cheap compared to rents!)

My maid pays AED 1500 a month to live in a tiny room she shares with her spouse and kid.....

lionheart

Are you serious? Dubai is a mess in comparison...

Inselaffen

rents and school fees (not a problem for me) are expensive, but what else is?

petrol, cars, groceries, eating out etc are all cheap!

Inselaffen

agree with you there!
I'm thinking 1-2 years here max before moving on. Possibly Hong Kong, Singapore or maybe Geneva.

Notts_bloke

Funny you should mention Geneva. Thats another potential location. Sydney is good for a short stay but I soon got bored, there isn't the culture, architecture that Europe has. Doesn't really help either that my line of work is poorly paid in Oz.

My plam was to spend sometime working overseas make some money and then had back to Europe, Oz doesn't have enough to keep me here forever. Not that I am slagging Oz off its a great place, but not really what I am after from life.

Patsy Stoned

what exactly is an "urban planner"?

Inselaffen

I've heard mixed things about Geneva. Supposed to be a little bit dull.
But my French isnt too shabby and there are lots of big commodity trading companies with their shipping departments there.

Notts_bloke

lol here you go http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_planning

Patsy Stoned

Sustainable development has become some sort of a 'buzz-word' in the planning industry, with the recognition that present ways of consumption and living have led to problems like the overuse of natural resources, ecosystem destruction, pollution, growing inequality in cities, the degradation of human living conditions and human-induced climate change. Planners have, as a result, taken to advocating for the development of sustainable cities

You are going to be kept busy here then!