new member seeks advice!!

[jamiet]

Hi

I'm currently considering a job offer to come over to dubai from England with my partner and wonderful 9 week old twins. Me and family are very keen to do it and I've read so much about Dubai that my head may explode so i'm hoping that someone with a little local knowledge can offer some assitance on a few of my key points?;

Cost of rental accom seems very high. Is it viable / cheaper to live outside the city at a more reasonable price ( Sharjah etc?)

Are there any definate places to "stay away" from?

Social Scene? Is there a good expat social network?

Any other hidden problems that I should know about?

Many Thanks

Jamie, Sam + little Archie and Ella

[Geordie Armani]

accom is very pricey! make sure you get a good package, commuting from Sharjah is out of the question. where will your office be?

[Elphaba]

Where you live should be, at least in part, dictated by where work is. The city is big & it can takes ages to get across it at peak times.

I'd avoid living in Sharjah too - social life cannot be a patch in Dubai as no booze!

[jamiet]

Thanks for advice. package is 35000 dhms per month. Was hoping for a villa with 3 bed minimum. But dont want to spend all salary on Rent, hence looking to live further out. Not sure where office is yet. I Have emailed requesting the address. how far is sharjah from dubai? only looks about 10-15 miles!

[Geordie Armani]

about an hour in the morning, if not longer. It just isn't worth it. Find out where the office is then get something more local. International City is a good option if you don't want to pay crazy rents, but it has a reputation for being near the sewage works, but the last time I was there I couldn't smell a thing. I know a couple of girl living up there and they are quite happy.