Job Discussion Forums

xckute · Joined: 29 Oct 2010 Posts: 5

Does anyone have any details on the average cost of living in Al Ain?
I'm wondering if it is possible to survive (and possibly save) on a monthly salary of around 23,000AED with a family of four.

Thanks in advance.

TABING · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 123 Location: right behind you

Yes, and yes.

If your children's school fees are covered by your employer, and you don't go "pubbing" every night, and don't eat out every night, and don't take too many extravagant holidays, you could save at least 10,000 a month.

You can have a good lifestyle and still save money on that salary. Many people new to thee middle east go crazy spending and making fancy trips as this is probably the first time they have had considerable discretionary income.

As a former financial advisor, my recommendation is to "pay yourself first". This means set a a reasonable savings goal and stick to it. A lot of people leave the middle east after years of toil and have nothing to show for it, (other than a damaged liver). Others leave with a house, car, etc. paid in full in their home countries and some money in the bank, equities and/ or an annuity on the balance sheet. It's your decision which one you'll be.

No matter what your job, you work hard for your money, just being here is enough trauma without even going to work. So don't waste the opportunity to leave with something.

Avoid workplace politics, keep your mouth shut and put you money in the bank.

Good luck. Al Ain is a nice place because you can usually find a parking place.

Gus Barkley · Joined: 26 Aug 2010 Posts: 78

I live in Al Ain. I don't have a family of four but I might be willing to adopt them for 23,000.

Well, not really, but if they are offering you that salary you will be fine. (Assuming you don't have to pay for education, housing, etc.)

So what place is offering you such a meager salary? Not that I'm looking, but... um, it's for a friend...

xckute · Joined: 29 Oct 2010 Posts: 5

Thanks for the info and advice Tabing. Just out of interest, what kind of "trauma" might I expect to encounter (assuming I keep my head down in the workplace)?

Gus - adopt them? I'd willing pay you to take them off my hands.... Very Happy

Actually the salary includes a housing allowance, so it's even more meager than you assumed.

Still scope for saving on this kind of money?.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed

xckute · Joined: 29 Oct 2010 Posts: 5

Nice! And Trauma outside the workplace?

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 7:58 pm Post subject:

SaharaDesert · Joined: 05 Nov 2008 Posts: 260

This sounds like the IAT/Kaplan job they are advertising right now....

xckute · Joined: 29 Oct 2010 Posts: 5

And if it is... is there something I should know?

TABING · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 123 Location: right behind you

Trauma may include, but not be limited to:

Insane drivers, (mostly young locals with expensive cars and no brains).

Dealing with any bureaucracy, like getting drivers license, registering a car, getting electric, water, telephone, gas hookups.

Needing a letter of permission from your employer to get drivers license, register a car, get electric, water telephone hookups, open a bank account. (Always bring something to read at these places, as you will be waiting). The idea of queuing hasn't reached this part of the world, so be prepared for people, especially locals just going to the front and pushing you aside.

Dealing with repairmen who usually do more damage than fixing. The one tool they always have is a hammer, then they'll ask you for the necessary tools, as well as ladders, buckets, mops etc. to clean up the mess they make.

Third country nationals, (TCNs) who will tell you what they think you want to hear regardless if it's true or not.

And I'm sure the other seasoned muddle eastern expatriates can add examples infinitum.

Regardless, never lose your temper or your patience. You will lose "face", and "face" is very important in Asia.

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

TABING · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 123 Location: right behind you

The qualifier was "at least".

I'd save 18,000 on a 23,000 salary.

SaharaDesert · Joined: 05 Nov 2008 Posts: 260

At IAT there is no furniture allowance or housing.
Only a housing allowance.....

hamergirl · Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 32

If housing and educational allowances are not on top of the 23,000 it's not worth it. You won't be able to save anything. You may not even be able to break even. Housing/education are HUGE costs.

Everything has gone up considerably in the past 2 - 3 years. I was shocked to come back over the summer and see my grocery bill is at least 25% more - and that's for basics. Inflation is out of control.

Iamherebecause · Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 1:04 pm Post subject:

Without school fees? depends how old your children are.... at Al Ain English Speaking School fees range from about 17000 per year for KG through to over 30000 per year for upper secondary. No I'm not recommending the school, just giving an idea of costs.