Re: Is it enough?
 

I don't think it's enough, you will have to watch your money, we're on more than that and are not going out as much as we'd like, nor saving very much and my DH is pretty good at the budget. That said our rent is higher because we live in the city, but we do send home a little bit less than you're anticipating.

In my view if you're not saving it's not worth the hassle

Re: Is it enough?
 

Your circumstances aren't that different to ours and we're finding that in the long run it'll be worth it so it comes down to your lifestyle, objectives and how long you'll be here. I'm not working yet and we don't have kids. We arrived in Abu Dhabi in Jan / Feb this year, my husband is on a bit more than that but we don't get flights. Nor do we get any allowances at all. We're here to get our debts paid off asap and then start saving. We now have all the essentials for our 2 bed apartment which has taken a big chunk of cash over the last few months but we've also managed to pay extra off debts in that time (probably what you send back for your mortgage) and treat ourselves to nice experiences and we do eat out / drink a few times a week and have a car each. We're not extravagant. Neither of us are into designer gear or driving top of the range cars, we don't do expensive brunches every week or buy all our furniture from Marina (unfortunately...). We just remember why we're here and balance things accordingly. From next month we can start paying even more off debts and so if we're here for another three to four years we'll be debt free and have a hefty deposit for a nice place back home in the UK (if that's where we decide to go). In my opinion, you'll need a few years here to feel the benefit financially and as Meow has stated, everything depends on your UK residence status anyway. There are plenty of places to live near the airport - we're at Al Zeina in a lovely apartment for just over 10k a month. I think you can manage fine on the salary you state if you're not 'spend spend spend' kind of people. You can still save / send money back and have a nice lifestyle, as we do. And remember the ladies nights - I still can't quite get my head round the fact that a night out is so cheap - for seven quid (the taxi home) I can drink as much free cava or red wine that I like, all night in a lovely bar. A night like that at home would cost the best part of a hundred quid.

Re: Is it enough?
 

I get where you are coming from Raining, we came here 4 years ago in the exact same boat as you're in now, however, I was working and on a good salary up until 9 months ago, so now we've lost a hefty chunk of income and that was basically what were saving each month, so now with the cost of living here we've actually come to realise that if I could go back home and get back to work, downgrade the accommodation here just for him we'd be in a far better position than we are now.

We only have our mortgage back home now, the Uk flat is rented and looks after itself and the only other thing we have to pay out is our Uni fees for his masters and my degree, no debt here whatsoever, car is paid, never ran up any credit card debt at all, but saving only very little now.

Re: Is it enough?
 

You'll be fine on that I think. Minus the 10k you need to send back to the UK (also beware, if you've converted it from the GBP amount, exchange rates can fluctuate - although it hasn't much in the last 3 years - 5.5 to 6).

32k - round about what I'm on ignoring bonuses, I've got the wife, one baby and one on the way.

Scamps numbers are about right, for 2,500 you'll get an OK rental or a new/second hand car and some fuel money in change. It would also pay the finance/insurance and fuel for a new pajero, or a better brand second hand car, or a cheap and cheerful second hand fiesta with a lot of change.

If you are staying beside the airport, Al Reef will get you a 2 bed villa for 80 or a 3 bed for 100. He can taxi on the days you want the car and vice vera. Even if he took a taxi 5 days a week both ways it'll only cost 1500AED.

Utilities, 1500 a month in Al Reef for a 3bed (we're in one), that's water, leccy and internet/Phone and the top OSN TV. Less if in a 2 bed.

Food, you'll eat well for 2,500 a month with red meat and chicken, less if your a weirdo veggie.

Going out is a difficult one, it's easy to go out and blow 1k on a meal with a couple of bottles of wine, but if you use the entertainer vouchers, a meal with a bottle shouldn't hit you for more than 500 AED, so I'll factor in once a weekend in the below.

By the way, Al Reef is a little out of the way, but if I've understood correctly you are both in your later years so you may be quite happy piddling away at home until your Husband comes back, it's the only one I can be confident about the prices about.

So, based on a 2 bed;
Takehome 42k
- send home 10k
- rent 7k (rounded up to factor deposit and 5% commision)
- utilities 1.5k
- car and fuel (rental) 3k
- if taxi to/from work 1.5k
- food 2.5k
- going out for a decentish meal once a week 2k
Out: 27.5k
Disposable: 14.5k - around 2.5k GBP

You'll likely get a better rent in Al Reef now, car rental is high, and if you were to get a sensible rate for Al Zeina/Bandar/Muneera, then your Husband would definately only be paying 20dhs a day for his commute.

If you pick up something workwise, it's all in the bank!

Go for it!

Re: Is it enough?
 

Thank you everyone for all your input - it really is appreciated and the comments have all been taken on board - yes even the one about being in our later years and being happy piddling about during the day!!!! Not sure what age you regard as 'later years' however we are still young enough to enjoy ourselves and I will certainly not be happy just 'piddling' about - :rofl:
I will need to find something to do to keep myself busy - like 'Raining' I am not into designer stuff and the like - am more into keeping myself (and others - which is a job I hope to be able to get into over there - fit). I have heard that there is a need for fitness instructors/personal trainers so will be making some enquiries at a later stage.
Hubby is being pestered to sign his contract today :eek: We have to make the decision real soon but is really a no brainer seeing as in a few months he will be out of work and we all know the state of the job market here in the UK.
Watch this space - we may be adding to the AD expat numbers :thumbsup:

Re: Is it enough?
 

There has been a flood of P/Ts over here in recent years, some ( not all) of them are either fitness instructors or 'Gym enthusiasts' and NOT certified PTs. There will be new regulations soon to make sure all P/Ts are certified and registered.
There are lots of gyms that you can apply to, as to their level of professionalism you will have to be the judge. Or you can 'freelance' and either use clients homes/gyms or a park.
If you need some advise let me know, although I am based in Dubai so not sure about the AD gyms.