Living and working in Dubai
Discussion
My son is looking to work and live in Dubai,he is an aeronautical engine maintenance, and repair technician.
My concern is, Dubai, and all the UAE countries, cost a fortune to live in, although they pay more in salary.
I cant work out, what would be the point in earning more to have to pay out more to live there.
Also, my other main concern is they are all wealthy countries,because of being oil producing countries, with the price of oil, falling through the floor, would, or is this going to have an effect of him living and working there in the future,i.e will the falling oil prices impact on the jobs market across the board.
Anyone who lives or work there,could possibly help my head on the fact that my 24 year old, only child is making a mistake, or the move of a lifetime.
He is already working in this field and has a well paid job, but in this country.
If I have posted this in the wrong section I apologise.
My concern is, Dubai, and all the UAE countries, cost a fortune to live in, although they pay more in salary.
I cant work out, what would be the point in earning more to have to pay out more to live there.
Also, my other main concern is they are all wealthy countries,because of being oil producing countries, with the price of oil, falling through the floor, would, or is this going to have an effect of him living and working there in the future,i.e will the falling oil prices impact on the jobs market across the board.
Anyone who lives or work there,could possibly help my head on the fact that my 24 year old, only child is making a mistake, or the move of a lifetime.
He is already working in this field and has a well paid job, but in this country.
If I have posted this in the wrong section I apologise.
I moved there at in 2008 at 24 and it was the best thing I ever did. Yes it's expensive and no it's not perfect - there are definitely pros and cons. I'm actually moving back end of the year.
At a young age I think it's a great idea as it's an opportunity to use the place as a base to travel the world as asia and beyond just become so much more accessible.
At a young age I think it's a great idea as it's an opportunity to use the place as a base to travel the world as asia and beyond just become so much more accessible.
Let him go.
He's obviously already educated and qualified, he's 24 and appears to have a good father who, i assume, could help him if the s
t hit the fan and he had to come home.
Add to the above, that travel and getting out of the town you were born in is far more valuable than anything he is likely to miss at home for a few years.
He'll meet intersting people, well connected people and have a chance to impress possibly some of the best guys in his industry.
He'll earn plenty, party plenty, experience new things and new cultures. It's a no brainer assuming he finds the right position for himself in the UAE. Just remind him that Dubai and the UAE isn't all lambo's and supermodels - it's a seedy, hot, expensive and often bonkers nation with regards to rules, regulations and laws. Not to mention Ramadan and all the other muslim holidays that impact he western expat throughout the year.
He's obviously already educated and qualified, he's 24 and appears to have a good father who, i assume, could help him if the s
t hit the fan and he had to come home.Add to the above, that travel and getting out of the town you were born in is far more valuable than anything he is likely to miss at home for a few years.
He'll meet intersting people, well connected people and have a chance to impress possibly some of the best guys in his industry.
He'll earn plenty, party plenty, experience new things and new cultures. It's a no brainer assuming he finds the right position for himself in the UAE. Just remind him that Dubai and the UAE isn't all lambo's and supermodels - it's a seedy, hot, expensive and often bonkers nation with regards to rules, regulations and laws. Not to mention Ramadan and all the other muslim holidays that impact he western expat throughout the year.
Assuming he doesn't join ISIS, he'll be allowed back in the UK if he doesn't like it & he'll still be young with qualifications etc. so his career wouldn't be over.
I'd be quite chuffed (as well as being nervous) if my son was considering doing something similar when he gets to that age.
I'd be quite chuffed (as well as being nervous) if my son was considering doing something similar when he gets to that age.
Thank you for the replies, things have moved on he goes for his first interview tuesday..
My son will, if he gets the job, be moving out on his own,no partner, wife.
He knows some people already working out there,he went for two weeks as a holiday, just before christmas,I'm posting as a dad of one,who wants to know the nitty gritty part of living there rather than the 24 year old's version of a two week holiday, doing brunch,going to golf tournaments, getting happy,but not working.
My main concern is health..what happens god forbid if he was taken ill,accident or something like this,what are the hospitals health care like,we are not just around the corner to visit, or help, how is the health care in Dubai compared to the UK, for someone on their own.
Do you rent or buy accomodation there, how do you go around doing it.
I know I sound a bit clingy,but my son is giving me the its all good dad, don't worry..
I'm not trying to stop him going, I just want him to look at the full picture and facts, and also for my peace of mind.
Can you please give me your thoughts,and experiences, thank you
My son will, if he gets the job, be moving out on his own,no partner, wife.
He knows some people already working out there,he went for two weeks as a holiday, just before christmas,I'm posting as a dad of one,who wants to know the nitty gritty part of living there rather than the 24 year old's version of a two week holiday, doing brunch,going to golf tournaments, getting happy,but not working.
My main concern is health..what happens god forbid if he was taken ill,accident or something like this,what are the hospitals health care like,we are not just around the corner to visit, or help, how is the health care in Dubai compared to the UK, for someone on their own.
Do you rent or buy accomodation there, how do you go around doing it.
I know I sound a bit clingy,but my son is giving me the its all good dad, don't worry..
I'm not trying to stop him going, I just want him to look at the full picture and facts, and also for my peace of mind.
Can you please give me your thoughts,and experiences, thank you
Health care is now mandatory with employment so no worries there. It's all private of course, but I haven't had to use it so others may give you first hand experience.
Living is expensive, but rents are currently falling slightly. Still I wouldn't want to pay mine myself as compared to the UK it is insane. However compared to London perhaps not but be ready for a shock if he is footing the bill.
However, it is quite normal for employers to offer accommodation as part of the package. If he doesn't get this he will need to pay either 6 or 12 months rent in adance which is standard here. That can be a major shock/hurdle when coming in. Then of course you need to ensure you accumulate the rent over that period to do the same next year and not spend it all on brunches and golf tournaments 😀
Tax free living is one of the big pulls here, but be aware that the oil price drop is forcing a change in policies for the UAE and its neighboring gulf countries. Fuel subsidies were abolished last year, and VAT is being introduced in 2018. These are both well, well below the UK but it is a trend to be aware of as I would guess it's just the start.
The above is the boring part of weighing things up, the other is of course the standard of living. It depends what he wants to do but you mentions golf so he can do that year round which he can't do at him. Of course the summers are hot but I really don't buy into the living like a hermit scare stories you will hear. I managed to cycle 700km during August last year for example by being sensible about your approach to the weather. There are of course religious holidays, Ramadan being the big one, but the UAE markets itself as a tourist destination and so McDonalds continues to server Halal burgers and the bars cold beer throughout.
Its not perfect, it's can be challenging and frustrating and there's parts I don't like but that's the same anywhere. As an experience at 24 years to have and at the same time further a career; as long as the offer makes sense he should try it.
Living is expensive, but rents are currently falling slightly. Still I wouldn't want to pay mine myself as compared to the UK it is insane. However compared to London perhaps not but be ready for a shock if he is footing the bill.
However, it is quite normal for employers to offer accommodation as part of the package. If he doesn't get this he will need to pay either 6 or 12 months rent in adance which is standard here. That can be a major shock/hurdle when coming in. Then of course you need to ensure you accumulate the rent over that period to do the same next year and not spend it all on brunches and golf tournaments 😀
Tax free living is one of the big pulls here, but be aware that the oil price drop is forcing a change in policies for the UAE and its neighboring gulf countries. Fuel subsidies were abolished last year, and VAT is being introduced in 2018. These are both well, well below the UK but it is a trend to be aware of as I would guess it's just the start.
The above is the boring part of weighing things up, the other is of course the standard of living. It depends what he wants to do but you mentions golf so he can do that year round which he can't do at him. Of course the summers are hot but I really don't buy into the living like a hermit scare stories you will hear. I managed to cycle 700km during August last year for example by being sensible about your approach to the weather. There are of course religious holidays, Ramadan being the big one, but the UAE markets itself as a tourist destination and so McDonalds continues to server Halal burgers and the bars cold beer throughout.
Its not perfect, it's can be challenging and frustrating and there's parts I don't like but that's the same anywhere. As an experience at 24 years to have and at the same time further a career; as long as the offer makes sense he should try it.
It sounds a specialised area he will be working in, providing he doesn't do anything to mess up once moved here im sure he will be fine.
The experience of living/working here will set him up much much better than people a lot older than him who have never left the UK for example. His ability to deal with, work through and ultimately get along in life will be hugely enhanced, that's experience you cannot buy and even if he moved home after 2 years in the same financial position he left then hes still better off.
Its not a bad place, as mentioned it isn't perfect and he will have to respect local rules/cultures but the majority of the city is western populated. I moved here at 28, moved alone and ive only been back to the UK once, much prefer it here.
Plus you will have a cheap holiday destination for winter sun
The experience of living/working here will set him up much much better than people a lot older than him who have never left the UK for example. His ability to deal with, work through and ultimately get along in life will be hugely enhanced, that's experience you cannot buy and even if he moved home after 2 years in the same financial position he left then hes still better off.
Its not a bad place, as mentioned it isn't perfect and he will have to respect local rules/cultures but the majority of the city is western populated. I moved here at 28, moved alone and ive only been back to the UK once, much prefer it here.
Plus you will have a cheap holiday destination for winter sun
zoom star said:
a two week holiday, doing brunch,going to golf tournaments, getting happy,but not working.
it's exactly like that, just x26healthcare is generally first rate and easily accessible. employer should provide full insurance as part of the package, it is very expensive if not [£50 just to see the GP for example. My last trip for a thorough checkup and some jabs was north of £500].
given he is young i would recommend getting on dubizzle and looking at the rooms to rent section. living in a shared flat/villa can be a varied experience but will be sub AED5k a month including all bills. a 1 bed flat in a reasonable area starts around 90k at present.
ignore everything you read or hear about dubai. everyone has a story, most people have several, very few fall foul.
can you tell us who he is working for? this is a major factor.
for most single people on a first time expat gig year 1 is usually spent being highly social and buying shiny things. year 2 you get bored of that and use the spare money for hobbies, holidays and a little future planning. year 3 on you start saving decent wedge. other than the money, job progression is usually a lot faster here and responsibility given early. doubly so if he has non-expat management as they won't have much of a clue themselves.
i didn't really want to come to dubai but have done 5yrs now. its far from paradise but probably one of the easiest lifestyles going and i wish i'd come out earlier. for your son the easy money days are long gone, but given a choice between being in the uk doing the same old s
t earning peanuts or sitting in the sun in one of the largest aviation hubs on the planet chatting up air hostesses on tinder, its an easy choice for a 24 year old.Thank you for the replies.
I won't say who he works for, as it's not for me to say,however he works for a massive,global company.
Since posting, I have had a chat, and he has divulged more information, have you tried nailing down a young 24 year old..haha
He has his health package with the company, which i'm more happy with.
The company pays for all sorts of expenses, i.e accommodation,health,pension.
Dubai, or Doh Far, will be his main base, basically the position is a sort of glorified RAC man, he will fly to air craft which has an engine problems and decide if it can be fixed on the air craft,"on wing" or it has to be returned to a factory.
He will very much be a person, who flies a lot, the middle east and asia will be his area,he will fly from one country to another, maybe staying a day or two or four or five weeks,all this is expenses paid by the company.
With your comments, and what he has told me I am a little more happier.Thank you, for taking the time to reply.
I won't say who he works for, as it's not for me to say,however he works for a massive,global company.
Since posting, I have had a chat, and he has divulged more information, have you tried nailing down a young 24 year old..haha
He has his health package with the company, which i'm more happy with.
The company pays for all sorts of expenses, i.e accommodation,health,pension.
Dubai, or Doh Far, will be his main base, basically the position is a sort of glorified RAC man, he will fly to air craft which has an engine problems and decide if it can be fixed on the air craft,"on wing" or it has to be returned to a factory.
He will very much be a person, who flies a lot, the middle east and asia will be his area,he will fly from one country to another, maybe staying a day or two or four or five weeks,all this is expenses paid by the company.
With your comments, and what he has told me I am a little more happier.Thank you, for taking the time to reply.
I have a couple of clients who do basically the same thing.
Its hard hard work, 24hours on call, worrying how many aircraft seem to develop issues and the clients demands especially if its the private jet sector are a bit eye watering if they do get stranded.
However it will be great experience, im sure the package compensates accordingly so I cant see it being a bad move.
Providing hes based Dubai and travels from here he will have a blast.
Its hard hard work, 24hours on call, worrying how many aircraft seem to develop issues and the clients demands especially if its the private jet sector are a bit eye watering if they do get stranded.
However it will be great experience, im sure the package compensates accordingly so I cant see it being a bad move.
Providing hes based Dubai and travels from here he will have a blast.
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