Originally Posted by Shedsy_Moon

Hi All,

I've recently joined this forum and after reviewing a lot of the posts I was hoping someone might be able to provide me with some good advice?

I've been offered a job with the Dubai branch of my firm as a Financial Controller (step up from what I do now). The package is AED 33k per month and includes an accomodation allowance, flight allowance and healthcare etc. Does this package seem reasonable or should I go back and negotiate? How does the salary compare with the same position in the UK? It is always worth trying to negotiate more money.
The job I believe will be eventually based at Internet City, should the companies relocation go through ok, so I was looking to find a 1 or 2 bed apartment in or around this area (Dubai Marina I here is close by?). I realise accomodation is expensive and so I could be looking at paying over AED 16k per month (circa AED 200k per annum), so 50% of my earnings in rent gone. Is this the case and can anyone recommend any decent websites that I could research rents and accomodation? At least you have researched rental prices. Try Dubizzle, Gulf News for rents.
I also want my girlfriend to join me but I realise that unmarried couples living together is illegal. We've discussed marriage previously but wouldn't want to rush it just to make life easier in Dubai. If we were engaged would this make any difference to our legal standing in Dubai? I'm assuming not. It would make no difference whatsoever. If you are unmarried, then, you are unmarried

Finally, my girlfriend is extremely cautious of coming with me as she has no visa arranged, no job and also the fact we would be living illegal worries her. She is due to finish an Executive PA course in Jan-09 so would look for work in this field. Could she come out to Dubai on a Visit Visa (60 Days) and whilst here search for work? If she found work could she be sponsored by that company? Where would be the best place or websites be for her to look for work in this field? The best thing for her to do would be to come out on a vist visa and look for work. the visit visa can easily be cancelled and the residency visa issued (sponsored by her employer). My wife is an executive PA and found her position through Hays in Knowledge Village.
I appreciate there's a lot of questions in one post but hopefully someone can help!!

Thanks in advance.