Job Discussion Forums

Tara nz

I have been offered a job in Ras Al Khaimah. The salary would be 6300dh per month and accomodation would be provided.(Annual salary of 75600dh) My intention is to work in the UEA to save some money. This salary does not translate very well into my own currency and I am on significantly more at home - but am wondering what the cost of living is like in Ras Al Khaimah? Approx how much would the other basic nessisities of life cost per month? (Food, toiletries, travel etc)? The school has claimed that teachers can save up to $15000 US in a year - is this realistic?

Also any comments/advice/tips on Ras Al Khaimah would be greatly appreciated. (Particularly what it is like for a single women)?

Cheers

turtlepi1 · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 94

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The salary is way too low. Sure you can save a lot if you don't spend any money, but you can do that at home.

turtlepi1 · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 94

younggeorge · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 350 Location: UAE

Salary's borderline manageable if accommodation includes utilities, but electricity and water would knock a hole in it if you have to pay for them yourself. RAK's very small: I'm not sure what your idea of a social life is, but I doubt if you'll find many other single European/Western/Australasian girls around. If you find yourself going to Dubai for entertainment, your savings will soon disappear.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Tara

It is really hard to say if the salary is 'too low' or not because we don't know your experience/education or what the job is.

In comparing salary back home and in RAK, you also have to look at taxes. I'm assuming that NZ has a system that allows expats to avoid paying taxes under certain rules. I also assume that taxes are high in NZ, so to compare the two salaries you need to look at your take-home pay after taxes. There are no taxes in the UAE.

RAK is quite small and very quiet. If you are young and need a big social life, it may not be there. It is pleasant, but rather boring to some. Very Happy

I know some single women who happily live/lived there, but they are older and making more than double that salary. I do hear that the place has a bit more life these days and they are trying to cash in on tourism with a big new 'resort.' But, in general, it is safe with a minimum amount of common sense.

A car is essential. To go to work or shop will be difficult if you have to rely on taxis or friends. So, you also need to factor in these costs. Walking is not really an option. Mass transit is minimal.

Hope all this has helped you.

VS

turtlepi1 · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 94

well-travelled · Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 97

Dunno - but even taking into account all the above sensible points, Dhs6,300 is a low salary - and RAK is not the most attractive of places - unless you have a 4-wheel drive to get you out into the mountains & over the border into Musandam (which is as beautiful -stunningly so - as it gets in Arabia).

But that's my personal viewpoint of course.

But the salary is still low, low, low ..........'

well-travelled

Tara nz · Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 5:33 am Post subject:

Thank you all for your advice. It is very helpful and definately food for thought. My situation - I have a masters degree in Anthroplogy and am a fully trained secondary school teacher. I am not trained as an ESL teacher and would like to teach in an International school - preferably as a Social Studies teacher. I only have one and a half years experience in teaching - but plenty of life experience if that counts for anything!

I am in my early 30s so am not so concerned about having a huge social life but am very interested in experiencing a completely different culture and always very keen to have a travelling adventure and see whats around...but also money (or lack of it) seems to be increasingly important in my life and is a major motivator at this stage.

Ummmm - what to do, what to do?

younggeorge · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 350 Location: UAE

Going to RAK would definitely give you the "different culture" experience, possibly the adventure element as well. If potential lack of social life is not a problem, I'd say give it a try and you might find that other, more lucrative, opportunities present themselves while you're there. As for money, I doubt if you'll be any better off in RAK than in NZ, but probably no worse either.

If you've got time to extend your search a little, you could try some of the schools listed here:
http://www.theemiratesnetwork.com/dir/Education/Schools/

but I suspect that it's getting a bit late for that.

turtlepi1 · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 94

New information new list of suggestions. Smile

Have you tried Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong?
I don't know about other countries but I have friends working at international schools (in these countires) and they are making more than the amount that everyone is concerned are quite low. (I think it is on the low side as well)

I say this because you say a new/different culture not specifically the Gulf.

But in the end if you choose to come here if it is good experience for your resume (and yourself) then that is a consideration as well. Everyone says life is short, but really life provides many opportunities if we are willing to take them.

Tara nz · Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 6:26 am Post subject:

Have you tried Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong?

I have thought about this but have done quite a bit of travelling in Asia and would like to experience another part of the world. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Everyone says life is short, but really life provides many opportunities if we are willing to take them.

I totally agree - some are better than others though! Am usually more than happy to throw caution to the wind but want to be sure of my facts first this time.

As for the social life or not so social life - thought that my guitar playing might vastly improve...

Cheers

hithesh · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 10

Hi Tara,

Will you give me a brief description of RAK? Weather, Living expenses, Accommodation etc..

Thanks in advance

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

Based on my 7 years' experience in the UAE (albeit in Dubai and Abu Dhabi), I think as a single person with free housing, you should be able to get by comfortably on DH.2500 a month. Of course, that is AFTER you buy your car. But I am including petrol, insurance, food, utilities. It does NOT, however, include habitual weekend trips to Dubai. That leaves you with 6300 - 2500 = 3800 or just over US$1000/mo, i.e. $12,000 per year.