Shall I move to Dubai ?

Question

I'm thinking of giving it all up in the UK and moving to Dubai, finding a job when I'm there. Is this a good idea ? Would love to hear from others that have done this...

I'd just like to thank all of you who responded to my question and has given me some good advice and spurred me on. I have decided to go for it. I have a brother who lives there so I can stay with him for a couple of weeks and I have already started to get interest regarding my CV, its looking positive. Thanks again x

Answer 1

Hi... I wish you provided more details about what you'd like to do in Dubai. I could have better helped you. I'll do my best.

I lived in Dubai for a year after earning my MA from the University of Singapore. (I'm a US citizen, born in NY). I fell in love with Dubai on my first visit. I stepped out of the airport in the early morning looked into the sky and saw a bright orange Sun rising and a full moon setting. It was one of those "Zen" moments I'll never forget.

The city is dynamic, it's growing, and I'm sure in ten years it will have a skyline on par with NYC.

It's a place, if you have the entrepreneurial spirit or artistic talent, you can make a name for yourself and some money. I know a few people who gave it all up in their home country and are doing very well…one even became a millionaire. However, don't be fooled or lured by all the bright stories and lights. I know a few who are just making it and some who gave up and went back home--me included. I don't want to discourage you from going to Dubai. I lived three years in Southeast Asia and a year in Dubai. Starting over somewhere new is exhilarating and I encourage you to pursue it. Think first and prepare yourself so that you have a good start.

Some pointers:

1. Dubai is an expensive city. The boom is driving prices up. Three years ago you could rent a one bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood for $600-$800 USD. Now expect to pay over $1000 USD.

2. Having a car is a must. The city is spread out. There are several downtown areas. Public transportation is available, but it's slooooooow, doesn't necessarily take you where you want to go, and most Westerners wouldn't be caught dead on public transport. Walking any distance is tough. The morning, mid-day, evening heat will leave you drenched if you walk a few blocks.

3. You're a Brit. This will give you an advantage in the job market. In Dubai you'll find a company or a section with in a company dominated by one nationality. In many cases it's British. And many people will hire people who are of the same nationality. Check the Khaleej Times at www.khaleejtimes.com. It has an extensive job and housing listing.

4. If you know someone in Dubai ask if you can spend a month or two with them. People do it all the time. They stay with a friend while they look for a job. You should know in a month or two if you're marketable.

5. Get out and socialize!!!!!! This is key. You're more likely to find a job through your social connections. Have an interesting story to tell about yourself. The best part of moving someplace new is that you can re-invent yourself. You want to distinguish yourself from the 1000s who pop in Dubai looking for a new start.

I hope this helps. Best of luck.

Answer 2

You need to know that accommodation is extremely difficult to obtain. I have known friends and work colleagues who have stayed in hotels for months on end because of the lack of accommodation. The only time that they were successful was when they paid key money for an apartment. A one bedroom rental can average £1500 - £1800 per month and a three bed villa anywhere between £3500 - £8000 per month. Over and above that there is a maintenance fee of 5% based on the value of the property. Flats are like hens teeth!

Remember that 80% of the population are expats of which 80% are Indian or Pakistani. The majority form the basis of the labour force and earn pittance. Therefore, you can find six men sharing a room.

The place is like a construction yard, with buildings going up everywhere - therefore the need for such a big expat labour force.

The traffic has become unbearable and the roads are absolutely jam packed, over and above the fact that all road users drive like there is no tomorrow.

Now, having said all of that, if you are able to secure a good position with a company, with a good salary and accommodation (guaranteed for your contract period!), then it is a point of nothing ventured and nothing gained.

I would strongly suggest that you do not just throw in the towel and head out into the wild blue yonder. It will be cheaper for you in the long term to go out there and have a look for yourself.

What a lot of people do not know is that you have to have a blood test to determine whether you have HIV/Aids etc before you can secure work. The red tape to go through is a nightmare and it is far better to be appointed by a company first, have a blood test before you leave and then let the company assist you in the application process in the country. If you fail your blood test, you get deported immediately.

Don't be mislead by comments that you will earn a fortune. The employers are generally not interested in your wellbeing. If one of their employees leave, they replace with the same salary as was paid previously. There are tons of well educated staff from the Phillipines and India who work for £400 -£500 per month - Accountants etc. They also know that UK staff demand higher salaries and if they like you, they will pay more. It really depends on what skills you can take to them. A salary for a GM is around £4000 per month. Now think about all your living costs and see what you would live on.

The royal family do not disclose what the rate of inflation is but I read a survey that was conducted last month which revealed that it was running at 30% per annum with salaries increasing on average at 15%. That's pure madness. Salary increases are not a given either and I had staff that had not received increments for 8 - 10 years!!!!!

You must negotiate a hard deal before you go anywhere - trust me, I have the t-shirt.

Oh yes, 50 degrees celcuis and 100% humidity in Summer is not pleasant. Winter is fine.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Hi Hayley,

I have done this and the worst thing that can happen is that is does not work out, you learn something and you come home!!!! A bit of advice:-

First - Ask yourself what are your reasons for going and what you want to achieve

-Further your career?
-Lifestyle change?

Second - Dubai is an expensive place now, you really need to do your research(detailed) before you leave - so you have realistic expectations.

I have lived in 3 other cities - Dubai is like any other place in the world, it has it pluses and minuses. I believe you need to find out what they are before you leave!

I like Dubai but all that glitters is not gold!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Ive been hearing alot of positive issues in Dubai specially now it is one of the booming city in middle east. there were lot of people moving and find their luck in that city. People [Filipino (the conversion rate is 25x bigger than the regular rates here in the Philippines)] say dubai is a nice city to look up to since they really give a thumbs up salary to among job seekers. so, why not give it a try. but not to the extent leaving UK just for Dubai what I am saying is.. give it a try for a couple of months once you meet your luck their then, continue to conquer your dreams. if not - go back to your own country and go on. Good Luck!

Answer 5

For me Dubai is an Amazing Place I am earning 2x bigger than my salary in Philippines and I also enjoy the place there are lot of beautiful places that you will extremely enjoy there are a lot of police anywhere you are very secured in dubai .. Just be ready your journey will start here ..Hope you will Enjoy Dubai.

Answer 6

Yes not a bad idea. Just make sure u get a decent job and a good accomodation package because rents are flying high in Dubai.

Answer 7

Entirely up to you.

Think it would be a good idea to find out re working visa requirements before you buy your air ticket and sell up - you may end up with egg on your face. Based on this information then you can make your choice.

I have only visited Dubai, quite possible all those who have done what you are considering have not lived to tell the tale.

Answer 8

u can surely move to Dubai!
there are a looot of business prospects out ther
and they pay u toooo well!!
my friend's dad works ther and he earns i dunno what a beeg amount!!!!!!
and its a developd place like UK,
and u will like it ther.
ppl of Dubai are also equally nice, and ull adjust there very well.
i hav not exactly dun this coz iv not reachd the age of working but it is not a bad idea since u kno and are assured that u wont come back from Dubai with a sad face....
Best of Luck!

Answer 9

do it, if that what you real want to.
Pros.
Fun night life, jobs, warm weather.
Easy to get around by taxi that is.
Shopping festival my fav.


Cons.
Remember the rent is higher,
Will need a visa and something leave after 6 month or so depend on what visa you have.
Traffic is worst most the time duing rush hour. Shiek Zayer is worst of all highway i been on.

Answer 10

Get Januarys edition Of National Geographic.There is a good article about Dubai.This may help you