soukie

Even 20,000 seems too low - UAE is expensive!

Prince_Charming

I would stay in the UK for the time being.

20K is not a great package for your work and there is still huge uncertainty in the market here. If you were to lose your job here - you have no social security protection.

The GBP to AED rate is now changing and potential savings will be less as the pound gains strength against the dollar.

Living in the UAE is expensive - it is a playground for the wealthy for sure; but for the rest of us it can be challenging.

If your motives for moving are to gain some foreign experience and have a bit of an adventure - it is worth considering. However, if you are happy where you are - £42K is a decent salary in the UK and you have far more social benefits to support you if the worst happens.

Zico2009

I recently moved to the UAE, my situation was this, take from it what you will.

I worked for an Investment bank, in London, for 3 years on a contract market at 550 per day GBP. An offer came from Abu Dhabi National Bank for my Murex services (is a niche market trading application) to implement Murex in the UAE for the first ever time. I wanted 35KAED - They offered 24K + 20-30% bonus and 34K (one off payment)

I had to decided - I'd fallen in love with Dubai in 2004 - and always wanted to work here, it was within my specialist field also, my contract could not be confirmed to go beyond Sept 2009.

The rest is history - It is true that the salary is not comparible to my UK salary, however the UK market will take longer to recover, NBAD is secure, Abu Dhabi is secure. I can gain further experience here and my EU rate will be 550 - 700 GBP on my return.

However, it is very expensive here, I had 50K GBP savings to bring over which helped pay the annual rent in Dubai Marina, rent the car, pay for furnishings, going out.

Without the savings or at least 30K AED a month salary, I think it would have been next to impossible.

Although, we live and learn by our own mistakes, this can break you(me) or make you(me)....I took that gamble - but in the murex game, the world is open to me...Insh'allah it will pay off.

The very best to you and I hope it helps to ease your mind at least.

NickLess

Its too much low.

edinburger

I have been working with Big 4 firms here for a number of years now and that is the going rate for someone at newly qualified/Senior Consultant level. It would be best to try to negotiate a position at Asst Manager level if possible, if not do 2-3 years elsewhere and then look to come over at Manager level. Big 4 are very rigid in their pay structures so you may find negotiations will stall and offer will be withdrawn. A good idea would be to look at the industries you have experience in and try to land something in Industry & Commerce as they will pay better wages. I think you would struggle to save anything on that salary unless you will be flat sharing in a less desirable part of town. You will enjoy a reasonable lifestyle in Dubai but if you want to save then UAE isn't the best place, look at Kuwait or Saudi if you want to come over for a few years and save some cash.

954RR

Do not get sucked in by the possibility of overtime if you are already going to be working 10 hours per day.
I am working 10 hrs/day and once you factor in driving to and from your place of work there is not much time left to do overtime.
On the plus side you save money as there is only spare time to go out at the weekends

shiva

if you say "same same", "backside of", or any other non saying I'm going to give you a virtual slap

Zico2009

shiva - I take it you're Indian - It gets my goat when people come out with these shiite lines too, give the boy a slap anyway, perhaps backside of.

shiva

look at the avatar

expat.brat

Ah, you must be English..

Zico2009

arent we all.....

shiva

no

Zico2009

D'oh

Sorry to hear that!!!








Only joshing with ya.

Mischief Queen

Put it this way... I'm a PA and I'm on 16k per month before allowances and I get accommodation provided foc. (with allowances c.23k). So I would definitely not come out for that paltry amount!!

spart

Its a reasonable amount for a graduate. Why would I pay for a fresh grad, when I can get a qualified accountant with 10 years experience from the subcontinent for 15-18K.