every bit of research I've done on the place seems too good to be true anyone one know any different? please share your stories (no arab haters please!)
2007-11-03 18:40:21 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ United Arab Emirates
First you should know that while the government only admits to about 8% inflation, it's really over 20%, more like 25%, with rent increasing up to 40% and some even more, (although gas is still cheap). Although Dubai is still tax-free, there are so many fees levied on expats that they add up to about the same amount as an income tax.
Dubai is a boom town, which means everywhere is a construction site and this includes the roads. Be prepared for long hours in traffic – if you do not live where you work you could easily spend an hour or two or more in each direction. If your children’s school does not offer bus service, your wife will be on the road for twice that driving them to school and picking them up – and even more if she brings them to off-campus after-school activities. If she works, you will have the hassle of setting up some kind of transportation for them.
I would advise you to be very sure your job contract specifies that your company will increase the housing allowance in tandem with any rent increases. You should negotiate for a higher than usual salary because your company will simply not be able to increase it at the real inflation rate each year.
And try to get your children’s school fees included if you can (free schooling only for Emirati national children). If you can't, do some solid research into fees and when you negotiate your salary make sure you've got enough for schooling. Even if you manage to have the company pay, it's common for there to be many more fees after tuition has been paid - sports, extra activities, books, and charity drives in which participation is not voluntary. Your kids can have a good life as long as there is plenty of money and someone on hand to drive them everywhere, so I mention all this so you can try to arrange it.
All that said, Dubai is safer and cleaner than many Western cities, you will meet people from all over, and many - although fewer and fewer these days - people are able to have a higher standard of living than they did in their home countries.
I guess it depends on what matters to you - it's hot most of the time so apart from going to the beach you will spend most of your time indoors. I'd say a suburbanite would have an easier time adjusting than someone from a big city or the country - and I was raised in the country and spent my adult years in big cities so don't let my jaundiced view put you off! However, be very careful about the financial end of things, and good luck to you whatever you decide.
2007-11-03 20:35:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dear, i dont know what you have heard about Dubai, but if you are saying that it's too good to be true, then it's not true!
Life is not that beautiful here in Dubai. Dont think about relocating the family, cos you will never be able to own anything here. If you buy a property, which costs you a fortune, you will get the always renewable residence visa, but still you are not gonna be a part of the country.
People mostly expect to spend their life here just for a few years, only to work. If you are a single, you might be able to find someone here, get married and live together here as you both can work here. But if you are going to bring your family here, with no gaurantee that everyone will have job, I dont think it is a good choice. Life is expensive in Dubai and getting more and more expensive each day.
Whatever you will choose, choose carefully!
2007-11-03 20:02:57 · answer #2 · answered by BabyG 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mum just moved there to work from Australia. She is doing okay but there was alot of construction going on all the time. She had to lobby her employer to get it to stop They don't have the same rules we have here about when you can start construction. It was seriously going on all night right next to her building.
It's dry and dusty and hot hot hot!! Going into winter now I guess though. Things weren't as cheap as she thought they would be. Culture is very different - but Dubai is mostly modern. Also takes awhile before you can get a phoneline etc due to residency taking a while. She's been there almost 3 months and still no landline. But there's always internet cafes and mobiles!
Good luck with whatever you decide1
2007-11-03 18:54:18 · answer #3 · answered by arlia f 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The points system is a way that we ensure that we have qualified mid level people coming over to Australia. We dont want new university graduates, or people without sufficient experience. If you completed your degree when you were 19 and then have 4 years experience in one of the areas that is listed on the CSL then you have a chance - but if that 4 years is working p/t I dont think it qualified. Also communication - unless it is as an telecommunications engineer (working telephone poles etc) there is no listing for this, and it is unlikely there will be. Australia is only allowing skilled people like midwives, plumbers, doctors, maths teachers etc to qualify for migration. There is also a push, which has already happened with regards to the medical professions, to limit migrants to living and working in the bush/rural areas for a period before being permitted to move to a city. Doctors from the US are not given leave to work in a city for 10 years after they arrive- they have to live and work in the bush for that time. EDIT: The retiree visa is only valid for 5 years with no guarentee or renewal. you have to have an income of over 60K per year for an indivual and 500K in assets. you have to have health insurance and be of good character. That is one of the good things about Australia - being an island, we are able to moniter who comes to live.
2016-03-13 22:43:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will give you the bottom line.
If you are European and have the following family size:
2- Your gross salary should be US$12,000/month
3- Your gross salary should be US$16,000/month
4- Your gross salary should be US$22,000/month
Above is enough for you to break even.
Dubai will give you the best salary and packages you can have anywhere in the Middle East. But here is the catch, DUBAI will ensure that you will spend the same in Dubai as well.
2007-11-04 01:59:43 · answer #5 · answered by willie v 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think u have a good mixture of response here with all the negative and positive aspectes of life here . but if u like to know just the negetive let me list it out for u here .
1. too sunny in summer specially in peak july and august
2. too much traffic jams
3. inflation very high
4. no permanency in residence here
5. accomodation, schooling, very expensive
6. conservative culture but not very restrictive like other places
2007-11-04 01:11:33 · answer #6 · answered by sas35353535 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's good if you are single and like to party, but married with kids? No. Also you will never be a citizen and they can kick you out at any time. Plus you will never own property because it is way to exspensive
2007-11-03 18:47:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
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Good Bye
2014-07-28 09:48:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋