RFI: Any PHers in Dubai

RFI: Any PHers in Dubai

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Discussion

fer

Original Poster:

7,734 posts

287 months

Tuesday 7th December 2004
quotequote all
Hi folks,
any PHers out there with experience of living and working in Dubai care to offer my some tips, either here or via email, on what sort of things I should be looking for, aware of, etc. I have purchased a copy of "Setting up in Dubai" but realise that there is no substitute for talking to people who have already gone through this.

The background is that I have been working on a freelance basis for a company out in Dubai, and they have offered me a chance at a job. I have a wife, kid and mortgage in the UK, and would like to bring up to two of these with me. What should I be looking for in terms of contract, salary, and should I pay the silly money to rent on the west side of the creek, against two hours a day commute.

I welcome any advice, comments, offers of chats over beers, etc. Thanks in advance,
Chris

AndySA

900 posts

270 months

Tuesday 7th December 2004
quotequote all
I have been out here for just over a year and love the place, send me a mail via my profile with all your questions. To start, rent is mad and increasing, but commuting accross the city is worse. It all depends on what your package will be, most important nothing less that 60 000 a year for rent, and I mean do not accept anything below this.

fer

Original Poster:

7,734 posts

287 months

Tuesday 7th December 2004
quotequote all
Andy, YHM.

Harris_I

3,237 posts

266 months

Tuesday 7th December 2004
quotequote all
Traffic is becoming a nightmare, so make sure you check out rental values on the "right" side of the Creek. Best to call a couple of local agents - try Better Homes and Asteco for starters (no doubt they will have a website so try googling them, else go to www.gulfnews.com and check out the classifieds).

Contracts vary enormously from industry to industry, from company to company and (yes) nationality to nationality. Don't worry on the last point - be thankful you're a Brit. Bear in mind, the dirham is pegged to the dollar, so imported goods from Europe and the UK are becoming expensive, and the general cost of living has risen due to the "Dubai factor" - more people arriving than leaving.

If "Setting Up in Dubai" is the thick blue book by DDIA, then that's an excellent summary to familiarise yourself.

Other than traffic in certain parts of town, and rising costs, I'd say that Dubai is a fantastic place to live.

fer

Original Poster:

7,734 posts

287 months

Tuesday 7th December 2004
quotequote all
Harris_I said:
If "Setting Up in Dubai" is the thick blue book by DDIA, then that's an excellent summary to familiarise yourself.


Harris, not sure about a blue book, this was bought at McGgrudys (sp) and is a part of the "Business Investor's Guide". If you recommend the other one please let me know any more details and I will try and track it down. Thx.

>> Edited by fer on Sunday 12th December 07:49