Meow

The theory seems to be that at least half of Western expats leave here no better off than when they arrived, at least that's what my colleagues and I reckon and we have a fairly good handle on these things.

School fees are the killer and not enough people do sufficient research when planning to move to the UAE. And it's not just the school fees, it's the add-ons for children, clothing, activities and the expectations. Fewer and fewer companies are offering all-in packages to middle range staff.

There are also plenty of people on good incomes, saving decent amounts, but you don't hear from them as they just get on with relatively normal lives.

scrubbedexpat141

Meow on the money again.

I know plenty who are worse off.

That being said, depending on your status and stage in life, the money isn't everything. When I moved here having just turned 23 the old man said; if you come back in 3 years with no money saved but have had a ****ing ball then it will have been well worth it.

Millhouse

I'm sure that this is what they tell you.

DXBtoDOH

So you think they aren't telling the truth and are exaggerating their situation?

I consider myself better off but I'm always mindful of potential opportunities costs. I think many don't factor in those as it's quite often difficult to do so.

iggle

Of course they moan, its passive aggressive way of getting the rent/fees down or maybe its just an excuse for failing in life?

Millhouse

Both. I rarely trust what anyone in the UAE tells me. Especially on these matters.

scrubbedexpat141

I get your point but when they ask to borrow money, you know they're struggling.

Millhouse

Hope you say no.

iggle

HELL YEAH!!!

First month of moving here, so many people were asking me for money (i am tight as F anyway so there was no chance) My boss said this to me "If you give people money, usually they are asking everyone and about to run away"

Millhouse

Millhouse credit department has strict rules on lending money:

1) To those I have sex with (in which case I do not expect it back)
2) To my team assistant as she would rather die than not repay me (and so far has always borrowed from others)

So given this strict underwriting criteria, I do not lend money and have no opportunity to lend money.

DXBtoDOH

Ouch, mate. Sorry to hear about your sex life

scrubbedexpat141

Only once said yes.

A month or so ago, because if he's asking, he's tried everything and has no other option.

He's now chasing me to pay it back - I'm just being belligerent about going to get it in cash because I want it transferred to my account so I don't have to go to a bank.

If 99% of people I know asked, it'd be a flat no.

Inselaffen

school fees, brunches, expensive cars etc.

we made a decision to downsize to a smaller apartment when we moved from Singapore to Dubai. I avoid brunches as I work Fridays and although I have a fairly nice motor I paid cash for it.

5 years in Singapore basically killed my savings after losing my job 6 months after moving there (2008) and taking a crappy replacement job. building them back up here.

scrubbedexpat141

2 nights out and 3 days in Singapore emptied my savings.

Dubaiexile

Orchard Road, Four Floors???