"Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Hi,

On the forum we get a lot of questions whether a package will be worth it to move to the UAE or Qatar.

Every situation is different of course, so to try an assist with people wanting to work out "Is It Worth It" I put together this spreadsheet (with help from other posters here).

It's not going to be definitive or 100% accurate always - though it should help you with some of the usual costs, how things work and useful links for more info.

Feel free to download and use it. Read the notes in the welcome tab.

If there are any suggestions - please post them here.

If there are any updates to the file they will be posted in the replies below in this thread.

Hope you find this helpful to consider your move to the UAE / Qatar.

Cheers,

Auto

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Stuck this up top as it's really helpful.

There's some finance info in the wiki - http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Catego...nancial_Topics

Which I'm sure needs updating.

DXB - http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Dubai_...s_and_Packages which I added a link to the previous thread on this.

Qatar - http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Catego...nancial_Topics There wasn't any info, but I linked to the old thread.

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Hey my friend,, just a 'newbie' and would really appreciate any advice you could give me on the following :

I am a UK based 'technician plumber' and i am looking for work the middle east,,Doha, Dubai etc...basically looking to make money...
would you know if there is a demand,, avg salary conditions etc...

I have been looking through most UK based online agencies for a while but none of them look the most trustworthy.

I would appreciate if you could even point me in the right direction, i.e. websites, agencies, forums etc...

Read your "Is it worth it", very good and informative, thankyou

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Most MFP work is done by subcontinentals and Filipinos at wages that would make you choke on your sandwich (and not in a good way).

There's a small trade for western MFP specialists actually getting hands on, but for the most part, you'll be looking at management level stuff if you want it to pay well.

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

You may want to change your job title to 'hydraulic dynamics specialist' or somesuch...

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

hi i work saudi doha dubai india oman as a site manager. i came here over 3 years ago. love the life style, its crazy hot in summer time working out side but you get 6 months of great weather witch ways up the hot times.

its very hard to get work in most the areas out here now+ they want degrees docs stamp by Embassy and at least 5 year experience. but get a flight out with hotel you as a british passport holder you can stay for 1 month and after that cross the boarder to oman and turn around and head straight back in for a further month bus goes that way most day for all the other people who do that.

apartment prices range from 35,000 - 500,000aed a year for rent you can look on Dubizzle for a room share.

And the information in the above thread is correct all works are carried out by indian and filipino worker only on around 600aed to 3500aed a month they live in a camp and get food provided. management jobs are normally westerners

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Hi All,

I am considering applying for a job in Qatar

The package includes, £5300 per month pay on a three year contract, free accommodation and health care and flights to England and back each year and a bonus on completion of the three years.

Do you guys think this is worth it?

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Sounds OK to me. Do you fancy the job? If so, take it. Doha's improving, and yes it's odd at times, but if you want a go at it, take it!:)

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

thanks :) its the same job as what i am doing in London, but much better paid in Doha, so I am seriously considering it!

What is there to do in terms of entertainment in Doha?

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

It's not going to compete with London; It's insular , but get within the group of people, then, in it's own way , you will have a great time. Doha's odd, but it does'nt take agreat effort to get within a posse,

As I said, if you're prepared to be a bit outgoiing, then the long termers, if you;re outgoing , will adopt you.

I know that might be a bit negative, but long term Doha-ites are usually outgoing. and welcome Newbies

Best of luck, but dive in. Doha is odd but welcoming!

You'll never regret it, I went there in1982. and yes, it's not Dubai, but the friends you make will be forever.

Ignore the naysayers! Go for it!!

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

hi there! i have another is it worth it, or even is it possible?

I am being flown out to dubai this weekend for a final interview. I work in marketing and the package offered is as follows:
240,000aed plus 1 month accommodation flights out there and a bonus (no idea what yet).

It would be just me flying out, so no dependants and I would be looking to flatshare somewhere in the marina so say 5000aed on rent.

Is it possible to live out there, save and experience everything on this salary. I have low outgoings, just the basics. No car - would use public transport (I assume this is possible).

Am quite anxious as have never lived abroad but I think stepping out my comfort zone would be good for me.

Ideally I would like to negotiate the following package with them

240,000aed
bonus
2 months accommodation
1 flight home a year

Opinions, thoughts, ideas would be most welcome. Ideally, I would like to be able to save as I am living so that I can travel and save for a deposit on a house back home in the UK

Cheers

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

:thumbsup: we will be there in 3 weeks,flights booked etc. I can't wait. GO FOR IT I say...you only live once.

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

That's great! Make the most of it and enjoy it! Yes there will be some early hassle, but put it down to experience!
Wish you well!

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

AED 20k per month is enough have some left over each month to save if you have no dependants and no other financial committments anywhere else (mortgage, credit cards, etc in the UK).

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Interesting hbow things change. When I first went to the Middle East in 1970 there were loads of British "tradesmen" ie plumbers, electricians and joiners.

These guys have now been priced out of the market by Filipinos and others from Asia.

A similar process can now be seen in IT and accountancy. "The Decline of the West" !

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Here in Dubai, we have entertained three separate visitors from the UK in the last fortnight......... all three found the place 'horrendously expensive' (or less polite words to that effect).

They are right of course - but this has serious implications: all three returned home saying how much they enjoyed seeing Dubai - "but I won't come again". How is this going to help the place meet its new overly-ambitious tourist/visitor plans, which it desperately needs to achieve to have any hope of economic prosperity........ :(

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Really? Where did you take them? I reckon you can spend a great dale, but you don't have too. Taxis are cheap, there are lots of offers for eating out and for trips you can use, so it depends on what a person wants to do. I really don't think Dubai is any more expensive than London on balance.

And they wouldn't come back to see you? :confused:

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

We spent some time with them, of course, but largely left them to do their own thing........ they may have strayed into the most expensive coffee shops, sandwich bars, etc........... it is expensive though - even visitors from London say so. And you wouldn't eevn want nightmares about buying electrical goods here.......... (and don't get me started on DDF).

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Hi All,

I'm new to BE and I will be moving to Abu Dhabi next year.

I just wanted to confirm the prices on the sheet is still accurate. I would more specifically like to know if the water and electricity along with the car insurance is accurate.

Thanks for the creator of the spreadsheet it is really useful and very much appreciated.

Thanks Again!

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Autonomy, thanks this is useful. What about Al Ain? I've had a teaching job offer to move there and I'd ideally like to try and save a little bit of money/go travelling in the holidays. The deal will be approx 14,000 AED/month. I'm outgoing, would like to get involved in sport and would probably try and go to Dubai once/twice a month if possible. Accommodation provided. Any advice much appreciated! I've spent time abroad before but mainly volunteering so I'm not sure how negotiation would work - any advice much appreciated!

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Hi All,

Bit of feed back and advice please -

I have been offered a package to relocate just me for now to Dubai, I do have a family but the initial role only comes with an allowence suitable for an individual.

Having worked out what I need to send back to replace my current wages plus a bit I will be left with around 100,000 AED per annum/ 9,000AED per month.

Is this sufficient for a decent 1 bed apparement in say Motor City and general living costs? I am in my 40's and past the party stage, but I'm not dead yet! My down time is generally spent training as I'm into Martial Arts or in front of the TV with a bottle of wine, generally go out once a week.

On top of the 100,000 AED I do get a fully funded Car as I will be traveling around a lot, to refineries etc - woould get full medical and £4,000.00 a year flight allowence.

All advice appreciated.

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

All, please forgive my utter ignorance but in potentially moving to Dubai or Qatar with mu current employer (a Global Professional Services Firm), am I right in assuming that I can "Negotiate" at least my UK Salary (tax free), plus an allowance for housing and school fees for my children (aged 5 and 2). Is that a reasonable request? I fear that if I cannot at least get that package is simply isn't worth the move as I will still have expenses here in the UK to maintain, not least my house and my elderly mother.

Grateful for any advice/ feedback you can all give.

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Hi guys, have now read the spreadsheet calculator which is very similar to my personal scenario alveit I only have two kids. Inthink it still looks marginal, esp when I would expect 20,000Dhs per month just for housing - is this really reasonablebor am I being greedy? Id also neeed two cars and wantnthe lifestyle to be able to go out to dinner with my family as and when I choose. However, I'm likely to have circa 5,000Dhs costs in the UK which I simply cannot get out of, so I'm really asking for asvice as to what housing and schooling package I can bargain for at the negotiating table?

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

hi guys, I'm currently a traffic engineer working for a large consultancy in Scotland but I'm very much interested in working in the middle east (dubai, abu dhabi, qatar). It seems most jobs out there require a lot of experience, I currently have 3 years experience here and just looking for any advice anyone has on the best way to find an opportunity out there? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Post is very useful, thanks

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Im puzzled by your electrical goods statement Dean? Are you refering to the cost as in general i think electrical goods are cheaper than the uk right? Apple products are definitely cheaper and my Samsung 55" was the equivalent of £2000 here yet £2500 in the uk. Of course the weakening of the £ over the last couple of months hasnt helped but in general it seems the same cost or cheaper for electricals.

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Hi, where is there an athletics/running track in dubai and how much is it use and is there an indoor track for the summer season

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Hi Guys,

I've been following some other threads on this forum as well regarding legal jobs in UAE. Below is what I have done in a nutshell:

- Pakistani Matriculation 66% (Pathetic)
- A-Levels (BBC) grades
- HND Merit/distinction profile
- First Class Degree after Top Up from Herriot Watt Dubai.
- GDL and LPC from Nottingham Trent Uni
- Got LLM as well after clearing some other exams etc.
- Have experience of different jobs, lived in Dubai for sometime.. know culture, some Arabic as well - but NO legal experience.
- I tried pretty hard to get a Training Contract in UK but no joy, especially I was an International Student and required a different Visa to work in UK I had quite less time to get a TC and it just didn't work.

I now moved to UAE with my brother and although I am not worried about living costs for now, I still need some job obv. So the thing is my academics are not awesome and I have genuine reasons for that, took gap years to save and pay for my fee and currently have some debt as well.

Q: Now to actual question:
I have applied to certain firms etc. for legal positions and I understand that I won't be paid a really good salary because I don't have any experience or completed a training contract either. So, when I go for interviews and they ask me about the expected salary -
What should I say? What do you guys think will be good enough or a justified salary considering the academics, work experience etc. and my nationality (Pakistani) ? I know that people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. get paid lesser salaries than their counter parts from UK, US, Canada etc.

It's just the way it is.. so it is an important factor as well.

Any helpful answers or suggestions will be highly appreciated.

Thank you everybody!

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

hi-what is Kuwait like for living in for welsh guy?> I am hoping to have a skype interview for teaching pilates and mobile personal training.

I'd need as much info as i can get please:):amen:

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

There may not be enough sheep...

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

And probably not enough alcohol (as I understand it, precisely zero) to warrant living there....

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

There's always enough booze about in Kuwait. It's just that it's not legal, and sometimes expensive for branded stuff.

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Hello All,
Well i have read the forums downloaded the is it worth it spreadsheet, and really i am none the wiser! i guess i have cocked it up somewhere! Anyway, it seems that it is a little out of date and i was wondering if anyone had any idea on how skint i will be if the following were my offer and i moved my family to Abu Dhabi this year,

Salary 29, 492 AED per month
Rent 150,000 AED per year paid to landlord
Car Loan 150,000 AED over 2 years interest free loan
Schooling 35,000 per child I only have one teenager in school

I have to send around 5500 AED per month back to the UK

I dont have an extravagant life style and although my wife will be coming she doesnt have any major qualifications having worked as a secretary/ receptionist for most of her working life, and so i am not sure how easy she will find work. Any ideas or suggestions (clean ones please!) welcomed.

I will continue to scan the forums and see what else i can find. Thanks in advance

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

By my calculation, you'll be able to afford a take-away curry once every three weeks.............

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Thanks The Dean thats all i need! i should have made it clear really that the rent is paid for by my employer and not me as is the childs education so i only have the bills and car loan etc to take out of the monthly salary.

While i am replying to the reply, i have also been told that i get a governement discount card does anyone know what gets discounted with this? and to what percentage?

thanks

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

You should be fine darling..everything is paid by the company..not sure about rents in AD..sounds like a 1or 2 bedroom apartment type money..others will come on after the weekend and advise about that... but you have the equiv of slightly over 5000 pounds a month..utilities and food etc will be about 500 (2800dhs) pounds, you have to send back 1000 pounds (5600dhs) that leaves you with about 3500 pounds (21,000 dhs)... you will be fine..enjoy xx

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Just a note : Im ex Dubai, well still in the process of relocating. Dubai is in the upturn back to the crazy heights of the mid 2000's before the crash. Rents are going up by (so i've been told 40%) be careful not so go on a tight budget because next year and the years up to 2020 will be crazy!

Ensure that you employer covers ALL the rent and don't forget school fees they are extortionate in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

I know so many families who are relocating back to the UK, the states, Oz and NZ because the prices of living are so mad, and I live on a budget. If you want to go and live a 5 star lifestyle and don't pocket any savings then go... but to go and save.... forget it!

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

6 long years between now and 2020 mate, the bust'll happen long before the expo.

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

The excel sheet "Is-It-Worth-it-UAE-Qatar-Expenses-vs-Package.xls" is brilliant....any updates on the expense changes

Re: "Is It Worth It" - a guide to costs vs income for the UAE & Qatar
 

Do you have any updates bro?