slpears3

I have been offered a job in bahrain but the salary is a substantial drop from what i am coming out with after tax in the UK. I am a biomedical scientist working in the NHS, and was wondering if anyone had any kind of idea what the going rate is, so to speak in the middle east. I've been offered £1600 per month and free accomodation, so would appreciate some advice.

Also does anyone know anybody who works at the American Hospital in Dubai as ive applied for a job there as well, are they a good employer etc?

Thanks

Modernian

I know nothing about your particular area of expertise but it sounds as if you are well-qualified/educated so that money is a complete turn-off.

In my line of work that monthly figure is junior/assistant status, in any department.

Bahrain is a fun place but only if you can afford to participate. The free accom helps but that doesn't increase your spending power per se.

I'd say no.

American Hospital in Dubai would probably pay better than that but I could be wrong.

slpears3

thanks for that advice, ive got a degree in biomedical sciences and a masters in pathological sciences, but dont let that put you off replying! so im pretty qualified i really want to move over preferably dubai as ive got a mate there so think i may have been a bit eager to take the 1st opportunity, im not making the move to slog my guts out i want to enjoy a better lifestyle.

can you give me some kind of idea about comparable salaries, i know you dont really know what i do but i earn just over 40k in england so what kind of salary should i expect?

Rog_Rams

Why would you take a drop like that? It would seem as though they are trying to get you on the cheap and I am sure that you will resent that in the future.

If I recall correctly, you originally posted on here some months ago.

I do know a little about the place you have been offered a job and while it's not appropriate to discuss it in an open forum, you may send me a personal message if you'd like some honest advice.

Meow

Why move overseas for any less?

SAINTHAVOC

Do not accept this salary , you can get a better salary in UAE . as for the american hospital in Dubai , I worked for them before in administrative job . they will certainly give you more than what you have been offered in BAHRAIN . the head of pathology there is of egyptian origins, and the hospital is owned by a famous business man in UAE , Named Buti al mulla.as an employer he will suck you dry. though named as american hospital , the senior management is predominantly british.
the hospital is located near a notorious night club in Dubai (Cyclone) and the whole area around the hospital is rampant with gays and hookers all night.
If you are a female I would not recommend it for you , as there is talk about female british secretaries who get harassed by the indian financial controller who is the (real) CEO in the hospital .
I think it is a good hospital , but do not expect it to be american.

NorthernLad

Not true. Took the wife there on Saturday night, but it's closed down.

Had to settle for the (very good) Indian restaurant, Khazanas, next door.

MataHari

ohhhhhhh...yes, been there, it's very good indeed...

Also don't agree with the description of the area...even before the Cyclone closed down...it's lively because of the Al Nasr leisure complex but I wouldn't want to make it sound like some downtown slump area...

Blue Cat

I agree it is a lively area yes but I wouldn't class it as seedy - it aint SOHO!!!

Norm_uk

Free accomodation is a big perk these days in Dubai but in your field you should be looking at a bit more as a salary.

Of course salary is a personal issue but as a base in any job less than two grand a month isn't worth coming over for anymore. You sounds qualified so you should make them a counter-offer and see what they come back with...

A lot depends on how you are with money. I know people who can barely survive on three or four thousand pounds a month here and others who live on GBP1500 and manage to save.

Good luck whatever decision you make. The American Hospital is a pretty good employer from what I hear.

N.

lionheart

Oih..my secretary's cousin twice removed is married to the Indian FC of the hospital...expect to be hearing from his solicitor any time soon.