Moving to AD?

[strain]

Recently spent a few days out in AD for the F1, SIL lives there currently (Khalifa city) and its something the wife really wants to do (currently a teacher)

Her sister was explaining her package, basically for us her work would pay for a 4 bedroom apartment and both kids education and healthcare for all of us, I would have to find a job (marketing / UX) but we would only really have bills of cars / electric / aircon / food & drink

It didn't appeal to me but after visiting it is something I would consider, A read of these forums show people moving away?

I think it would be a 4 year deal for me, renting our UK home out and taking benefit of her work package would mean we could easily save 20-30k PA, add that to overpayments on the profit on renting our house out would make us mortgage free by the time we return

(very early thirties with an 8 & 4 YO)

[jontysafe]

Would you be happy living in an apartment? I certainly wouldn't with an 8 and 4 year old.
We've recently moved to Dubai from UK and costs for first three months are eye watering. AD is more expensive. Will certainly help if you are both working though.

[strain]

that is one concern, 4 bed detached to an apartment would be a change for us, but having looked around the complex I think it would be ok, kids aren't too loud and having pool / kids areas etc would be ok.

What sorts of costs have you had in moving out to Dubai - how are you finding it?

We did go into AD for a night and thought the costs where reasonable, meal for 4 at a Lebanese kebab house was 150, full tank of fuel 80 (dirrums) so if her package had housing it does make financial sense for me

[jontysafe]

Can’t you specify a villa? Or put a little of your own cash to it? That’s what we ended up doing.
Think of a figure and double it basically!
PM me if you like.

[shirt]

What does your sister in law do and at what level? It’s pure fantasy to suggest that kind of package would come with a teaching job.

Expat packages are slowly dying. Business is tough and has been for years, and there is much more white collar competition from countries from which talent is cheaper to employ.

I wouldn’t be hanging my hat, and those of 2 young kids, on the back of what you’ve been told so far.

[Porridge GTI]

Sad to say I agree. The best time to come to the UAE was 10-20 years ago, for those planning to stay for a while and amass large savings. Life here is expensive and only the few with old-fashioned (now extinct) all-in packages can realistically expect to return home minted.

[jontysafe]

Only way we’d amass savings is by living in an apartment which with kids is a no no for us.

Strike that, wife would spend it coming back to Uk.

[Porridge GTI]

You definitely need to be a working couple. Non-working spouses have nothing to do all day here so it’s a huge error not to have two incomes, assuming the point of coming here is to save.

[strain]

Thanks for the reply's

Yes both worked, OH is a teacher and struggling to work here in the UK, add in crap wages we're only living off my wage here.

Basic idea is 4 years in an apartment (work package) with my hopefully jumping up a level in my career, live off her wage and bank mine returning to the uk better off, renting the house out whilst we are away.

How do people rate the schools out there? I have an 8 year old who is pretty settled but would be ok with the move, little lad starts in September so would try and do it before he starts.

Wife has tickets to go visiting in April!

[jontysafe]

no Experience of schools in AD. All the schools will offer tours, make sure you go in term time when the kids are there.

[GT03ROB]

I don't know the teaching situation in UAE, but whilst in Kuwait it was clear that most of the UK expat teachers were young as in, in their twenties & single. Overhearing them talk they also did not have the greatest of accommodation, good when young & single. I cannot see teachers getting 4 bed apartments, family medical & kids education, unless she's very senior & specialized.

I could be wrong on the above but the UAE has long since stopped being the golden goose.

[strain]

SIL is currently a teacher over in AD, she has an apartment paid for, it's in Kalifa city with security on the gates and each building, 1 bedroom/bathroom utility with guest toilet and balcony, she is the one telling us of packages she knows people have so would have to check our own package, wife is newly qualified and struggling to get a job in the UK, each job has over 80+ applicants but know lots who move over after a quick interview

[shirt]

What is it that you do?

Forget the teaching as a route to the lifestyle you think you can attain here. Ain’t gonna happen. Aim instead for discounted schooling through the wife’s employer and the additional income.

Uae can be a great lifestyle for those with young kids and fledgling career. You might not save a huge amount but it’s way way easier than the equivalent UK lifestyle. You all need to be On bird tho.

[strain]

On Bird?

I'm in UX (User experience) basically product design, web design etc, currently mid level but hoping to progress to a senior level / managing a team. Been doing in nearly 10 years

[shirt]

On board. Typo.

Ux is a growth area but still niche enough to command a good salary if you’re good enough. Certainly even mid level your package would far outstrip that of a teacher.

I would recommend talking to a (good) UK based recruitment outfit before getting too carried away.

[strain]

noted thanks

Not going to get carried away thankfully, lots to consider, wife has just started a 3-4 month contract but she's over in march to see the sights.

Hoping I can get a decent enough package, I have been looking at jobs which I could do with my eyes closed, spending the next month or so improving some areas where I could be better so I could become more senior, basic idea is live off the wife's wage and mine would become a fund for a nicer life back in the UK.

thanks for the input!

[thb]

I'd suggest looking at discovered.ae for roles for you - expat-run recruiters who understand the tech space and value talent from the UK/US. Don't even bother attempting to apply for anything you see listed on LinkedIn as your profile will get lost in the 500 or so that'll come it every day from every profile under the sun.

If you're able to get a 4-bed apartment covered by your wife's job that'll sort you out, but really check the realities of that as seems like too good to be true.

Factor in a lot of money to be spent on outings and activities for the kids, not to mention schooling and extra-curricular activities that you'll be pressured into signing them up for.

[strain]

thanks THB, I have registered, just need to update my CV, been 7 years since I last used it but feel the time is about right!

It looks like most tech jobs are in Dubai - does anybody do the AD to Dubai commute? seemed to be 40(ish) minutes when I was there but it wasn't rush hour so would be interested to know if its sustainable

[shirt]

It’s 45 minutes from jbr to yas island with cruise control set to 140. Downtown to downtown is pretty much double that before allowing for traffic.

[strain]

Thanks, Looking around around Khalifa City sort of area dont want to go too far into AD,