Information that everyone needs about Dubai. Updated July 2009. Read before posting.

[Whitedove]

Thanks Elphaba for this useful info, I have some questions though about this Maid hiring thing, we are still debating wether to hire one locally and then sponsor her or go through an agency.
So my question is: I heard that we are supposed to pay only about 200 or 300 to process the immigration paper for the maid or is that fee only special for the locals.
Also if we hire a maid from Dubai let's say using some websites, do have to keep her passport as a guarantee she won't run away after we issue her a visa? or would you advice other methods?
Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[samiragz]

Hi
can you please let me know what medical conditions that are not allowed residency visa in the UAE,
Thanks Grace

[Sandmark]

Hi All - I went to Dubai last year to check a few things out and remain keen to work there when the time is right. What's your view re: the current economic situation - is the recession lagging the UK, or, is the recovery ahead of us?

I work in IT project management, particularly outsourcing and transformation.

Many thanks

Sandy.
PS apologies for using a 'reply' - new to this and haven't found the 'new comment' button !!!

[shazbagpuss]

Hi guys I hope you can help,

I am in the early stages of being recruited to work in Dubai, the prospective employer / head hunting company has asked what package I would want.
I have 2 children 13 & 17 years old who would require schooling and I understand a 3-4 bed property to rent and health care would be expensive. Could anyone please advise what a reasonable package would be and what sort of things would be reasonable to request or expect.
Many thanks in advance

[Moller]

thank you for the info, I guess u covered all I was asking about.
really thanks.....

[roger76navy]

Very informative, hope to see the updated one soon!!

[Abudhabi_wilkinsons]

Hi my names Rich. I'm 32 and a joiner, married with a little girl. I have been reading your articles and was wondering if you have any advice for us at all.
We are wanting to move to Abu Dhabi really. We really don't know anything about the country at all. And how good the wages are??? or even if Abu Dahbi is the best place for us to move to. Could I also ask, my wife has a criminal record in England. Of course this is in her past. And hasn't been in trouble for years now. But would this cause problems for us. For example. I'm completely clean record,never been in trouble with the police at all. I'm the one that will be working. But do you think that they will accept my wife and little girl, so they can live there with me???? and another thing is she is Dutch born, but resided in the uk since she was 2 years old. She's 26 by the way now. We are married though, but she still has a Dutch passport. Our child is English 2 years old as well. And the blood tests that you have to have does my wife and child need to have those as well. Can I ask why they do that. Is there laws that say you can't come in to the country if you have a blood disease or something??? or is it for screening for drugs or something like that. I don't have a clue my self.lol. I just really want to know exactly what we are getting our selfs in to before we make the big jump.
I am a joiner by trade,but have done allot of government projects as well as curtain walling(which I hear is big over there) as well as commercial glazing and house restorations. What type of salary do you get for that sort of thing???? or do you know of any sites I can look at to get some information about the sort of wages I would be looking at. I'm all time served with all the relevant certificates. With 17 years experience. I've had my experience in the management side of my work aswell for the last years. All I want is to move to a better country, with low crime ratings, and good schooling for my child. As well as to give my family a better life then in the uk. And where would be the best place for me to go to in the emirates??? for my type of work. And the best paid as well.
Thanks for taking the time to read my statement. Much appreciated if you could help me in any way at all.
Many thanks the wilkinson Family.

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by Abudhabi_wilkinsons

Hi my names Rich. I'm 32 and a joiner, married with a little girl. I have been reading your articles and was wondering if you have any advice for us at all.
We are wanting to move to Abu Dhabi really. We really don't know anything about the country at all. And how good the wages are??? or even if Abu Dahbi is the best place for us to move to. Could I also ask, my wife has a criminal record in England. Of course this is in her past. And hasn't been in trouble for years now. But would this cause problems for us. For example. I'm completely clean record,never been in trouble with the police at all. I'm the one that will be working. But do you think that they will accept my wife and little girl, so they can live there with me???? and another thing is she is Dutch born, but resided in the uk since she was 2 years old. She's 26 by the way now. We are married though, but she still has a Dutch passport. Our child is English 2 years old as well. And the blood tests that you have to have does my wife and child need to have those as well. Can I ask why they do that. Is there laws that say you can't come in to the country if you have a blood disease or something??? or is it for screening for drugs or something like that. I don't have a clue my self.lol. I just really want to know exactly what we are getting our selfs in to before we make the big jump.
I am a joiner by trade,but have done allot of government projects as well as curtain walling(which I hear is big over there) as well as commercial glazing and house restorations. What type of salary do you get for that sort of thing???? or do you know of any sites I can look at to get some information about the sort of wages I would be looking at. I'm all time served with all the relevant certificates. With 17 years experience. I've had my experience in the management side of my work aswell for the last years. All I want is to move to a better country, with low crime ratings, and good schooling for my child. As well as to give my family a better life then in the uk. And where would be the best place for me to go to in the emirates??? for my type of work. And the best paid as well.
Thanks for taking the time to read my statement. Much appreciated if you could help me in any way at all.
Many thanks the wilkinson Family.

Rich

At the risk of sounding harsh, I doubt that Abu Dhabi is the place for your and your family, considering your line of work. This type of work is largely done by people from the Indian sub-continent who will accept a much lower wage than you would consider, or could live. If you have management experience there might be opportunities, but these will be thin on he ground.

You say that you know nothing about the UAE, so I recommend you do some research before taking any further steps. Life here is expensive and rents are high (especially in Abu Dhabi which is much more expensive for housing than Dubai), there is no NHS and you have to pay for schooling.

Good luck, but do your research thoroughly.

-

[puredub]

Hi there just wondering if there are many jobs for swimming pool service technicians,i am currently in Dublin Ireland and looking for something in Dubai,can you reccommend a website or newspaper where i can check tech jobs,thanks

Originally Posted by Nickel

Awh, it really isn't so bad. Just think of the US about 15 years ago (in terms of the internet)!! Yup, utilities are paid monthly (I am pretty sure) as my company pays it for me and it is taken out of my paycheck. Presently, I have a large 1 bedroom flat and I think this bill is for May and it was for 180 Dhs (~$50 for water, electricity and sewer).

Download Skype before you come as you cannot access the download site here. I have also used Yahoo Messenger for calls (they have a call in and call out) and my computer has a US "phone number" so my family can call me without the overseas call rates.

Let's see - day to day living. Ummm........... Buy clothes you want while you are still in the States. Here - too expensive and downright ugly unless you are into designer stuff which will cost an arm and a leg. I also brought over Tylenol and Motrin in the big Walmart bottles - the 500 count ones. Don't have such large quantities here. Supermarkets -both large and small - are everywhere. If you bring over electronics, you can get the transformers to convert the electricity down to 110 here, so that isn't a problem.

My parents lived here in the '80's and there were many more Americans than there are now. But I just read an article that states there are about 20,000 here. Not sure where because I am definitely a minority where I work. But it is so fascinating listening to all the accents!!! They say I have an accent but that just isn't true!!

Do you know where you will be living? Anything else I can answer, just shoot the questions my way!

I love it here. Was here from Oct-Feb but got laid off. Came back in May hopefully for the full 3 years of my companies contract.

[Bassant]

Originally Posted by Dannysigma

I'm at the Sheffield Private School in Al Qusais

Danny, seen a couple of msgs about you teaching at sheffield. How is the school? my 8 yr old son is miserable and I need to find a new school that is somewhat balanced in academics, liberal education and activities. He is rather shy and does need hands on attention. Is sheffield a good option to consider?