happy man

I'm thinking of moving from the UK to Abu Dhabi. I know that this issue has been raised many times in this forum. I just want to know how much to ask for taking into account any updates on the rent situation. I'm marreid with 2 kids. I want to make sure I'm getting a good offer and at the same time I want to ask for something reasonable.

I would appreciate if I can get your views on this matter.

Shadya

AED50,000 per month plus free housing, school fees, medical insurance and flight allowance should be enough.

Blue Cat

are you having a laugh!! 50K plus everything !!! don't think so

happy man

I also thought this is too high. Shadya, could you please explain this further?

Is it more realistic to ask for 50000-60000 dirhams per month + flights + medical?

Blue Cat

what line of work are you in?

happy man

civil engineering, with 7 years experience and masters degree

Blue Cat

there are a few lads on here who are Civil Engineers, it is Friday and a bit quiet - leave it til tomorrow and see what replies you get then. I really am not sure what CE's get paid.

Jeeper

Civil Engineer here......you chartered?

ex reg

As a Chartered Civil Engineer, when I first went to Oman 32 years ago my salary was £8000 pa.

Has it increased?

Oh accommodation included in a 6 man mess.

happy man

Not yet but I'm working towards it. I recently completed the ICE training agreement, so my next step is to sit for the professional review.

Jeeper

Sounds like you're about 28-30? I reckon your salary per month in dirhams would be between 25 and 35k a month+med insurance. Doubt you'd find much over 35k until you're chartered or have some professional membership.

More if you work on the contracting side - less in consulting.

Actually - just noticed you are married with two kids.....you do get extras in the packages sometimes to cover the extra rent and school fees but it's rare now that they are paid in full and to be honest.....most companies looking for grad engineers will hire single ones as they are cheaper to keep happy.

C350AMG

I would say 25-30k AED (i get that in Pounds) per month plus 3 bed flat or allowance of 200k AED per year plus 36000 AED for primary education allowance and 46000 for secondary education allowance+ flights once a year+private medical insurance + car+ petrol card+ 45k relocation allowance+ 10% gratuaty every year

Thats what I get in Abu Dhabi I have BEng in Mechanical and 10 years exp in UK of which 18months is in Construction industry.

the big nowhere

we were looking at dubai & abu dhabi and had a couple of offers with large PQS's.........i was offered $68,000 per month with a review in march ( 6 months in ) with flights,medical etc etc + 15% bonus yearly....but i had to pay school fees & accommodation.....we decided it was not enough even though we were not looking to save any money......i think 68-70,000 a month is a minimum...we were a family of 4 with 2 young kids....ended up taking an offer in vancouver offering $205,000 canadian dollars p a and feel this should just about be ok.........

busybee2

yep agree under 50k only people that have over 15 years of experience will be getting that.

happy man

Thanks for all the responses so far. It seems that there is a big variation in offers and that's probably why people have different views based on their different circumstances.