Job Discussion Forums

[peripatetic_soul]

Check out these articles from The National (English newspaper of UAE) on the current stats of living in the Gulf and in particular, UAE:

http://www.thenational.ae/uae/uae-second-most-expensive-place-in-gulf-to-live

and

http://www.thenational.ae/uae/tourism/expatriates-should-beware-hidden-costs-of-living-in-uae

[veiledsentiments]

Basically both articles said that the biggest problem is education costs and rent. So, for those with no kids that don't expect to get a 3 bedroom villa, things are pretty much the same...

Friends there tell me that things are more expensive, but they are still able to save more than half of their take-home pay - if they want to... The key for most teachers to look at carefully is the housing package since rents are rising again.

VS

[tmac-100]

As always, it is not what you make, it is what you save.

Rents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are going up and there is a daily migration between cheaper accommodation (Sharjah and Ajman) and where the jobs are (AD and D). Traffic on 611 is increasing every morning/night with that migration. this is coupled with employers not meeting riising costs - except for those rare ones who provide accommodation - which is not always a good type of accommodation (wrt to location, condition, and maintenance).

Cheap drinks are no longer available in Dubai and frankly when a beer in D costs 45 + AED at a bar in Dubai while the same one in RAK is about 20, then looking at "ancillary costs" it is not hard to understand why folks are not able to save - especially when they want a night-life. You have to pay for parking in Dubai when you can find it and taxis are no longer inexpensive.

The frugal ones who manage wisely cn save over half their gross income, BUT don't expect a fun-filled glitzy life style. I was in Dubai last week end and my comments are supported by my "data collection" in Dubai and RAK over 3 days.

[peripatetic_soul]

Yes, as NS indicated, rent and education costs could potentially be the "double diggers" into your potential savings. Like VS, I cooked at home most of the time (quite healthy and affordably), avoided pricey golf and sailing clubs (and their pricey bars) and bought an economical, used car (from a former prof at our institution -- never would buy one on Dubizzle from an unknown driver) which I sold on departure for a decent return, and didn't spend weekends indulging in "do-buy" in Dubai. I was able to save 70% of my income but had no children, but pets (expensive in summer vacation to find a reliable sitter). Previously, a taxi was reasonable, if you could tolerate standing on a corner in the 120 degree heat. Some teachers in Ras al Khaimah who had moved out to condos by the marina in trendy Al Hamra have had to move again to smaller apts. in less upscale areas b/c of decreased housing allowances. Lots to consider in the package deal one is offered these days. It's always best if one can email a contact who is currently in the area to apprise one of prevailing cost of living along these various parameters. Regards, PS

[rdobbs98]

If you have children, I have four, you do not save much. Rents are no longer cheaper anywhere except for Ras Al Khaimah. Sharjah and Ajman are seeing 20% rent increases. Landlords try bypassing the 3 year rule for rents by forcing people out in Sharjah, happened to me.

If you want to save money go to Saudi Arabia. My brother in law has a villa for 1,500 SR per month and utilities around 300 SR. Same villa here in UAE would be around 6000 AED plus and that would be in Ajman. Utilities would be around 1000 to 1500 aed per month as well.

I am here only because I took a promotion into a better position otherwise I would go to Saudi Arabia too.