Thanks so much for your replies, they have been really helpful. We don't think that the housing and schooling have been capped but will check it out as you advised. Car costs are cheaper than we had hoped but summer DEWA costs are scary!! Do employment contracts usually include payment of the 5% fees for renting by the company or are we expected to pay them?

We have applied for schools for our 3 kids, the 2 eldest we have applied to JESS Secondary at Arabian Ranches, where we hope to live and they have taken the tests for JESS. My youngest will be in year 6 in September and Jess is full for year 6 so we have applied for DESS Primary School. I know this will be a long journey of around 45 mins to an hour? Can anyone clarify what the journey time will be from Ranches to DESS which is near to the Rashid Hospital please? It will only be for a year hopefully when he will transfer to JESS in September 2009. I am hoping to hear from the schools next week before they close for the summer.

What about broadband and TV costs? We have Sky TV in the UK and pay around £60 per month. What is TV like in Dubai and how much is a subscription to satellite TV? Also how much is broadband/phone costs? I have an iPhone, does anyone know if I will be able to use it with a Du simcard? It's not the same as other mobiles, if you unlock it illegally, next time you plug it into iTunes it locks again.

Thanks again for your replies, we really appreciate your wisdom!