Job Discussion Forums

[Linda467]

Hello,

To all of you veterans, could you please give your opinions ? I have been living in Saudi for two years and now I have two job offers, one in the Kingdom, the other one with IAT. I know the pros and cons of Saudi but not the Emirates and will very much appreciate any figures regarding cost of living, settling expenses, basic staples cost and any other information that you may deem helpful.

BTW, going there single but considering bringing the family next year.Thanks very much

[scot47]

Too many factors - including subjective ones - to give you an easy answer.

If accompanied what deal are you offered for education of dependent children ?

I would sooner have a good job in Jeddah than a dodgy one in Ras Al Khaimah.

[Linda467]

Thanks Scot, get your point, family package is pretty much the same both places. Understand also the subjectives such as driving, access to food(s) and other delicacies impossible to get in the Kingdom but my main concern is the time and $$$ that I will have to invest to get settled in the Emirates where I don�t have no cost of living to compare to (i.e. furniture, car, insurance, Internet, water, rent, the works).

The relocation allowance which is approx. 20,000 AED sounds to me a bit short when trying to furnish a family appartment, let alone utilities, other. Not sure if I am boring you, sorry. I just hate last minute surprises when it comes to my pocket and I�ve had my share already in the Kingdom so I�m trying to gather as much practical information as possible to be able to make an informed decision when the time comes.

Highly appreciate any feedback

[helenl]

Do a quick search on IAT - it will reveal some of the answers you are seeking.

[desertdawg]

20K aint over generous, but better than nowt.

Depends how quickly you need to have everything and how much energy you have for shopping around. For less than 20k you could be lucky and get a job lot of flat contents from a desperate departing.

If you buy new, again depends on how much you want to spend. White goods seem to be relatively cheap to me. Around 1k for washing machine and the same for a cooker.

Google the big supermarkets such as Lu Lu or Carreforre, they'll have UAE sites which'll let you let you browse online.

For more online window shopping, try IKEA and:

http://www.homecentre.net/

http://www.landmarkgroupme.com/retail/landmark-brands/q-home-decor/

http://www.lalsgroup.com/homesrus.htm

http://www.jumbocorp.com/promotions/sony_summer11.asp

Gulf News has classifieds for nearly everything. Go to the below link and you can specify your area and also what stuff or go to the icons at the top for employment or accommodation etc.

http://www.gnads4u.com/classifieds

Good luck.

[freesoul]

I would never hesitate to settle down for less in the UAE as long as my passport in my pocket. well, another subjective factor, eh!

[Linda467]

Thanks ever so much to all of you for your time and help with the very useful links and information, desertdawg in particular.

I�ll check them right away, good evening & weekend