salary package
Discussion
A speculative question this one. I have an interview in the UK on Weds for an engineering role based in Dubai. I only found out about it this morning and haven't previously been looking for work over there so you could say I am somewhat unprepared...
I've just been given details of the salary package and just wanted to run a few things by you guys. These are as follows:
1] Is it common to have a bonus make up a large part of the salary? The role is a senior one but the basic pay seemed very low to me. There is a bonus of upto 50% which brings it up to what I'd expect [but still low for the region I reckon] but I have no details as yet as to what this is based on or how frequently it is paid.
2] There is a housing allowance of £16.5k. What isn't spent can be kept. How far does this go in Dub? [job is based in Jebel Ali]. I would prefer to houseshare, is this an option? Where's best to look for a rough idea of costs?
3] There is a car allowance working on the same principle, though I don't know how much this is. How much does it need to be to get something you'd be happy to drive on a daily basis? I doubt a new pony car or anything too exotic would be within my reach but i'd like something that embraces the availability of cheap fuel
On top of this, there's a flight allowance, healthcare & pension. no details of these either.
Is there anything else I need to be aware of?
If there's room to negotiate, what would you suggest I try to improve?
Also, what would the cost of living be in comparison to the UK? I'm trying to work out a reasonable monthly spend for a single guy who isn't bothered amount accumulating shiny toys. I have a UK mortgage on a house I can't rent out or sell [currently being renovated] and if I aren't saving a decent amount then I'm struggling to see the point of all this. If I didn't have the property issue I would be more enthusiastic but it's not looking all that appealing atm.
Any advice welcome.
I've just been given details of the salary package and just wanted to run a few things by you guys. These are as follows:
1] Is it common to have a bonus make up a large part of the salary? The role is a senior one but the basic pay seemed very low to me. There is a bonus of upto 50% which brings it up to what I'd expect [but still low for the region I reckon] but I have no details as yet as to what this is based on or how frequently it is paid.
2] There is a housing allowance of £16.5k. What isn't spent can be kept. How far does this go in Dub? [job is based in Jebel Ali]. I would prefer to houseshare, is this an option? Where's best to look for a rough idea of costs?
3] There is a car allowance working on the same principle, though I don't know how much this is. How much does it need to be to get something you'd be happy to drive on a daily basis? I doubt a new pony car or anything too exotic would be within my reach but i'd like something that embraces the availability of cheap fuel
On top of this, there's a flight allowance, healthcare & pension. no details of these either.
Is there anything else I need to be aware of?
If there's room to negotiate, what would you suggest I try to improve?
Also, what would the cost of living be in comparison to the UK? I'm trying to work out a reasonable monthly spend for a single guy who isn't bothered amount accumulating shiny toys. I have a UK mortgage on a house I can't rent out or sell [currently being renovated] and if I aren't saving a decent amount then I'm struggling to see the point of all this. If I didn't have the property issue I would be more enthusiastic but it's not looking all that appealing atm.
Any advice welcome.
shirt said:
A speculative question this one. I have an interview in the UK on Weds for an engineering role based in Dubai. I only found out about it this morning and haven't previously been looking for work over there so you could say I am somewhat unprepared...
I've just been given details of the salary package and just wanted to run a few things by you guys. These are as follows:
1] Is it common to have a bonus make up a large part of the salary? The role is a senior one but the basic pay seemed very low to me. There is a bonus of upto 50% which brings it up to what I'd expect [but still low for the region I reckon] but I have no details as yet as to what this is based on or how frequently it is paid.
Not in my line of work (banking). Salary is about 1.5 times that of my London wage, but with no tax, obviously
2] There is a housing allowance of £16.5k. What isn't spent can be kept. How far does this go in Dub? [job is based in Jebel Ali]. I would prefer to houseshare, is this an option? Where's best to look for a rough idea of costs? Your housing allowance will get you something nice in the Marina, say 2 bed apartment 15 mins or so away from JA. you could always house-share I guess, but I wouldn't!
3] There is a car allowance working on the same principle, though I don't know how much this is. How much does it need to be to get something you'd be happy to drive on a daily basis? I doubt a new pony car or anything too exotic would be within my reach but i'd like something that embraces the availability of cheap fuel
Well, to hire cars is expensive here. I was paying about 500 sheets for a honda civic! Hopefully the depreciation on the 4.8 X5 I now have will work out to be the same kinda cost (forgettting about the 3 grand I spent on it theother week)
On top of this, there's a flight allowance, healthcare & pension. no details of these either.
Is there anything else I need to be aware of?
If there's room to negotiate, what would you suggest I try to improve?
Also, what would the cost of living be in comparison to the UK? I'm trying to work out a reasonable monthly spend for a single guy who isn't bothered amount accumulating shiny toys. I have a UK mortgage on a house I can't rent out or sell [currently being renovated] and if I aren't saving a decent amount then I'm struggling to see the point of all this. If I didn't have the property issue I would be more enthusiastic but it's not looking all that appealing atm.
Any advice welcome.
Hello mate,I've just been given details of the salary package and just wanted to run a few things by you guys. These are as follows:
1] Is it common to have a bonus make up a large part of the salary? The role is a senior one but the basic pay seemed very low to me. There is a bonus of upto 50% which brings it up to what I'd expect [but still low for the region I reckon] but I have no details as yet as to what this is based on or how frequently it is paid.
Not in my line of work (banking). Salary is about 1.5 times that of my London wage, but with no tax, obviously
2] There is a housing allowance of £16.5k. What isn't spent can be kept. How far does this go in Dub? [job is based in Jebel Ali]. I would prefer to houseshare, is this an option? Where's best to look for a rough idea of costs? Your housing allowance will get you something nice in the Marina, say 2 bed apartment 15 mins or so away from JA. you could always house-share I guess, but I wouldn't!
3] There is a car allowance working on the same principle, though I don't know how much this is. How much does it need to be to get something you'd be happy to drive on a daily basis? I doubt a new pony car or anything too exotic would be within my reach but i'd like something that embraces the availability of cheap fuel
Well, to hire cars is expensive here. I was paying about 500 sheets for a honda civic! Hopefully the depreciation on the 4.8 X5 I now have will work out to be the same kinda cost (forgettting about the 3 grand I spent on it theother week)
On top of this, there's a flight allowance, healthcare & pension. no details of these either.
Is there anything else I need to be aware of?
If there's room to negotiate, what would you suggest I try to improve?
Also, what would the cost of living be in comparison to the UK? I'm trying to work out a reasonable monthly spend for a single guy who isn't bothered amount accumulating shiny toys. I have a UK mortgage on a house I can't rent out or sell [currently being renovated] and if I aren't saving a decent amount then I'm struggling to see the point of all this. If I didn't have the property issue I would be more enthusiastic but it's not looking all that appealing atm.
Any advice welcome.
I've tried my best, but others will be along shortly with more accurate answers!
The package sounds pretty good, depending on the salary of course. Rent the UK pad out and enjoy the sun for a while. All experience is good experience and all that!
Sorry, not too helpful am I?!
that, in effect, is the problem. salary is £29k basic, £45k with the bonus. before i got the details through i was thinking £60ish.
in the uk, they wouldn't fill that role for the money on offer. it's a step up careerwise for me at present, but the basic is a sizable step down. with bonus it's on the cusp but the tax free aspect is a draw plus being able to tonk around in a v8 and enjoying being an expat.
house is a no can do. needs either my evenings/weekends for the next 4-5mths or a big pile of cash throwing at it. i am investigating a 'sell-it-now' price.
basically, if you were me going to the interview weds, what would you be asking/pushing for?
in the uk, they wouldn't fill that role for the money on offer. it's a step up careerwise for me at present, but the basic is a sizable step down. with bonus it's on the cusp but the tax free aspect is a draw plus being able to tonk around in a v8 and enjoying being an expat.
house is a no can do. needs either my evenings/weekends for the next 4-5mths or a big pile of cash throwing at it. i am investigating a 'sell-it-now' price.
basically, if you were me going to the interview weds, what would you be asking/pushing for?
Push on the salary and see where they will go - if you don't ask you don't get!
Rents are cheaper now so as Chilli says you'll have your pick of decent apartments. House shares are technically illegal here but it does happen - I drew the line under that a few years back but I suppose its a way to meet people.
Ask if you get your accomodation allowance up front as if you do you can find a place where you pay the rent monthly (it used to be annual payment only! seriously!) and you've got yourself a bit of bunce up front for a motor.
www.dubizzle.com will be your new best mate. High turnover of expats means that you can pick up cars, furniture, electronics etc. pretty cheap.
Tax depends on your employer - I work for a UK firm so had to pay tax until I got my no-tax code through but if you work for a local firm you'll be paid dirhams into a local account - it's then up to you to sort out your affairs with HMRC. Tax free living is awesome - just take a look at your last P60 and think what all those deductions would mean to your mortgage payments and renovation costs.
My view of bonuses is that unless you are in sales they should be exactly that - a payment above and beyond a normal package for exceptional performance. The employment market out here has settled down now but the law is on the side of the employer not the employee so you need to look out for yourself - be very careful to ensure that you get what you need off them each month as who knows if they'll be in a position to pay a bonus at the end of they year or if they'll choose to get rid of you in month 12.
Good luck!
Rents are cheaper now so as Chilli says you'll have your pick of decent apartments. House shares are technically illegal here but it does happen - I drew the line under that a few years back but I suppose its a way to meet people.
Ask if you get your accomodation allowance up front as if you do you can find a place where you pay the rent monthly (it used to be annual payment only! seriously!) and you've got yourself a bit of bunce up front for a motor.
www.dubizzle.com will be your new best mate. High turnover of expats means that you can pick up cars, furniture, electronics etc. pretty cheap.
Tax depends on your employer - I work for a UK firm so had to pay tax until I got my no-tax code through but if you work for a local firm you'll be paid dirhams into a local account - it's then up to you to sort out your affairs with HMRC. Tax free living is awesome - just take a look at your last P60 and think what all those deductions would mean to your mortgage payments and renovation costs.
My view of bonuses is that unless you are in sales they should be exactly that - a payment above and beyond a normal package for exceptional performance. The employment market out here has settled down now but the law is on the side of the employer not the employee so you need to look out for yourself - be very careful to ensure that you get what you need off them each month as who knows if they'll be in a position to pay a bonus at the end of they year or if they'll choose to get rid of you in month 12.
Good luck!
Edited by Hitch78 on Monday 10th January 12:45
I moved over a couple of weeks before christmas, and moved into sports city, so very convenient for jebel ali. Should be working there soon myself too if the job starts!!
I pay 45,000 a year, so 630 quid a month give or take, for a reasonable sized one bed apartment, fully furnished and brand new- 2 plasmas, even utensils and crockery. It also has a pool, sauna, steam room, gym etc, and secure car park.
Its not too bad at all to be honest!!!!!
Car wise, im sorting something at present, but one of our guys here gets an allowance of 2000 a month which puts him in a honda civic.
Its a great place on the first months reflection, really enjoying it all at the moment
ETA- if you need lifts/collection from the airport etc, feel free to ask, im drifting around on my own most of the time anyway, and more than happy to help
I pay 45,000 a year, so 630 quid a month give or take, for a reasonable sized one bed apartment, fully furnished and brand new- 2 plasmas, even utensils and crockery. It also has a pool, sauna, steam room, gym etc, and secure car park.
Its not too bad at all to be honest!!!!!
Car wise, im sorting something at present, but one of our guys here gets an allowance of 2000 a month which puts him in a honda civic.
Its a great place on the first months reflection, really enjoying it all at the moment
ETA- if you need lifts/collection from the airport etc, feel free to ask, im drifting around on my own most of the time anyway, and more than happy to help
Edited by Emsman on Monday 10th January 12:49
Just seen your comment on the house - I was in the same position when I came out here and used my up front housing allowance to pay for someone to finish it and then got it rented. After two years of working on it nights and weekends it was nice to get it done.
Also - petrol is cheap as chips and insurance is far less than the UK so that V8 is well in reach!
Also - petrol is cheap as chips and insurance is far less than the UK so that V8 is well in reach!
As above, im in here, just to give you some idea of what you can get for your cash-
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/property-for-rent/reside...gte=0&bathrooms__lte=&furnished=&is_search=1&size__lte=&price__gte=&places__id__in=sports+city&places__id__in=&bedrooms__lte=12&keywords=diamond+building&size__gte=&is_basic_search_widget=0&price__lte=&bathroomsgte=
Its not too bad at all, and about 9 quid in a cab if yo uneed to get into town.
(it is a bit of a building site though at the moment!!)
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/property-for-rent/reside...gte=0&bathrooms__lte=&furnished=&is_search=1&size__lte=&price__gte=&places__id__in=sports+city&places__id__in=&bedrooms__lte=12&keywords=diamond+building&size__gte=&is_basic_search_widget=0&price__lte=&bathroomsgte=
Its not too bad at all, and about 9 quid in a cab if yo uneed to get into town.
(it is a bit of a building site though at the moment!!)
salary will be critical unless they job spec improves. not a fantastic one at first reading. is there a minimum contract length the employer will tie you into?
the illegality of housesharing is annoying. i would be treating any time in the UAE as bit of a 'student living mk2' and sharing a villa with pool with 3/4 others was appealing. i suppose you'll be telling me i can't have a hand shandy in public next
on dubizzle atm. '67 stang for 37k dhs looks a good buy.....
hitch: i've been in the house 4yrs. complete strip back to bare walls & floors, everything [and i mean everything] has been replaced. its the only thing tieing me down and i can't bloody wait to get shot.
the illegality of housesharing is annoying. i would be treating any time in the UAE as bit of a 'student living mk2' and sharing a villa with pool with 3/4 others was appealing. i suppose you'll be telling me i can't have a hand shandy in public next
on dubizzle atm. '67 stang for 37k dhs looks a good buy.....
hitch: i've been in the house 4yrs. complete strip back to bare walls & floors, everything [and i mean everything] has been replaced. its the only thing tieing me down and i can't bloody wait to get shot.
Emsman said:
As above, im in here, just to give you some idea of what you can get for your cash-
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/property-for-rent/reside...gte=0&bathrooms__lte=&furnished=&is_search=1&size__lte=&price__gte=&places__id__in=sports+city&places__id__in=&bedrooms__lte=12&keywords=diamond+building&size__gte=&is_basic_search_widget=0&price__lte=&bathroomsgte=
Its not too bad at all, and about 9 quid in a cab if yo uneed to get into town.
(it is a bit of a building site though at the moment!!)
that looks ok - what's that - £8k ish a year? http://dubai.dubizzle.com/property-for-rent/reside...gte=0&bathrooms__lte=&furnished=&is_search=1&size__lte=&price__gte=&places__id__in=sports+city&places__id__in=&bedrooms__lte=12&keywords=diamond+building&size__gte=&is_basic_search_widget=0&price__lte=&bathroomsgte=
Its not too bad at all, and about 9 quid in a cab if yo uneed to get into town.
(it is a bit of a building site though at the moment!!)
hmm, that's my mortgage paid for the year with the savings...
not going to think about it too hard now until the interview. i having a bit of a career epiphany at the moment and don't want to let £££ rule any decision.
Is this "bonus" gauranteed? Is it written into your Contract that you will get this "Bonus". As a rule, Bonuses are not mentioned in Contracts, only that "any bonus given will be at the discretion of the Management (which is todays market means you get feck all)"
This sounds very fishy to me. When you say "Engineering" position, are we talkign Construction or something else and in your line of work, is it common to have a Bonus in your Contract.
Sorry, but unless it clearly written, then its an excuse to get you here on a low package with promises of large wads of cash in the future which will not materialise.
Other than that, your housing sounds like a pretty good deal. A 2 bed apartment in Motor City (unfurnished) will set you back AED7k per month, so you are quids in there.
Oilydan leases a Lumina SS (6.0l V8). The Stealership were doing a deal not long ago for AED3000.00 per month, fully inclusive, all you had to do was put petrol in.
Emsman - that deal in Sports City sounds awesome. How far away is it from Spinneys at Motor City.
This sounds very fishy to me. When you say "Engineering" position, are we talkign Construction or something else and in your line of work, is it common to have a Bonus in your Contract.
Sorry, but unless it clearly written, then its an excuse to get you here on a low package with promises of large wads of cash in the future which will not materialise.
Other than that, your housing sounds like a pretty good deal. A 2 bed apartment in Motor City (unfurnished) will set you back AED7k per month, so you are quids in there.
Oilydan leases a Lumina SS (6.0l V8). The Stealership were doing a deal not long ago for AED3000.00 per month, fully inclusive, all you had to do was put petrol in.
Emsman - that deal in Sports City sounds awesome. How far away is it from Spinneys at Motor City.
its not construction. it's a senior mech. design role. Oil/gas is where i want to be longer term.
bonus schemes are only common insofar as every other industry. in my last permie role we used to enjoy an 8% quarterly bonus until it was cut in austerity measures.
i fully intend to question the bonus and try and shift much more of it onto the bottom line. i don't much care for thing that are intangible.
i guess there are lots of threads on this, but how does dub rate socially?
bonus schemes are only common insofar as every other industry. in my last permie role we used to enjoy an 8% quarterly bonus until it was cut in austerity measures.
i fully intend to question the bonus and try and shift much more of it onto the bottom line. i don't much care for thing that are intangible.
i guess there are lots of threads on this, but how does dub rate socially?
shirt said:
its not construction. it's a senior mech. design role. Oil/gas is where i want to be longer term.
bonus schemes are only common insofar as every other industry. in my last permie role we used to enjoy an 8% quarterly bonus until it was cut in austerity measures.
i fully intend to question the bonus and try and shift much more of it onto the bottom line. i don't much care for thing that are intangible.
i guess there are lots of threads on this, but how does dub rate socially?
So, let us get this right:bonus schemes are only common insofar as every other industry. in my last permie role we used to enjoy an 8% quarterly bonus until it was cut in austerity measures.
i fully intend to question the bonus and try and shift much more of it onto the bottom line. i don't much care for thing that are intangible.
i guess there are lots of threads on this, but how does dub rate socially?
Basic is AED13,500 per month (GBP29 x 5.6/12)
Housing is AED16,500 per month
Car Allow is AED5,000 per month (I assume this)
The Basic has a "Possibility" of being AED21,000 per month "if" you get a Bonus.
I have never come across a Package here where the Allowances are 50% more than the actual basic salary.
FYI - if you are here for longer than two (2) years, the Company has an obligation to pay you a gratuity for each and every year that you work. Normally this is calculated at a set number of days per year x your monthly salary. If you are looking long term working here, then your "gratuity" will not be good (its a small but important point to note).
If I was you, I would ask them to do away with the bonus and pay you AED21,000 in salary and AED21,000 in allowances, plus flights, medical.
How often are the flights i.e. every 6 months / yearly / every two years?
I just don't like the way the package is set up.
UAe can either drain your cash or you can save. It has pubs/clubs/cinema's/shopping malls/ etc.
yorky500 said:
So, let us get this right:
Basic is AED13,500 per month (GBP29 x 5.6/12)
Housing is AED16,500 per month
Car Allow is AED5,000 per month (I assume this)
The Basic has a "Possibility" of being AED21,000 per month "if" you get a Bonus.
I have never come across a Package here where the Allowances are 50% more than the actual basic salary.
housing is AED7700 / mth [(£16.5k/12)x5.6]Basic is AED13,500 per month (GBP29 x 5.6/12)
Housing is AED16,500 per month
Car Allow is AED5,000 per month (I assume this)
The Basic has a "Possibility" of being AED21,000 per month "if" you get a Bonus.
I have never come across a Package here where the Allowances are 50% more than the actual basic salary.
still, i do like the way you put your argument.
Emsman said:
Yorky- 5 minutes in a car, and 2 of those is getting out of the carpark.
It's on the roundabout- got a large rectangular glass top on it.
Not the best view, but cheap, new, and furnished.
I arrived with f
k all so is ideal!!
will have to meet up then, as I live behind said SpinneysIt's on the roundabout- got a large rectangular glass top on it.
Not the best view, but cheap, new, and furnished.
I arrived with f
k all so is ideal!!shirt said:
yorky500 said:
So, let us get this right:
Basic is AED13,500 per month (GBP29 x 5.6/12)
Housing is AED16,500 per month
Car Allow is AED5,000 per month (I assume this)
The Basic has a "Possibility" of being AED21,000 per month "if" you get a Bonus.
I have never come across a Package here where the Allowances are 50% more than the actual basic salary.
housing is AED7700 / mth [(£16.5k/12)x5.6]Basic is AED13,500 per month (GBP29 x 5.6/12)
Housing is AED16,500 per month
Car Allow is AED5,000 per month (I assume this)
The Basic has a "Possibility" of being AED21,000 per month "if" you get a Bonus.
I have never come across a Package here where the Allowances are 50% more than the actual basic salary.
still, i do like the way you put your argument.
As said above, you are single so AED7700 should see you right for a 1 bed plus pay all the utility bills and the like, but still, the remainder is a bit "thin".
On that basis, I go with Chilli, ask for AED35k all in and none of this Bonus BS.
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