Are you moving to Dubai - this might help

[Geordie Armani]

As this forum is relatively new and people seem to be asking the same questions all the time I thought I would start this thread as I feel it is valuable information that is need.


Schools

BSME: British Schools in the Middle East - there are more but doing an internet search is a good way to find out information

Residency Visa

This is supplied by your employer, once you arrive the application for residency visa starts. You will need to have a blood test and in some cases a chest xray. This is organised by your Company. If you are a British Passport Holder you can stay in the UAE for 60 days without a visa, you can also exit and re-enter on two occasions before completing your residency visa.

In most cases you will need your residency visa to enable you to rent accomodation. Some however will take a letter from your Company confirming that they are infact going through the process of applying for your visa. Some banks will allow you to open an account without your visa but I am not 100% sure which ones. You WILL need a visa to obtain any credit and also to buy and register a vehicle.

Accomodation

Expensive! ensure that you get a big enough housing allowance to cover your rent. Rents for one bed apartments are starting in the region of 90k up to 120k and 120k to 150k for a two depending on the area where you choose to live.

Villas - 3 bed - 180 - 200K
4 bed - 220 upwards

The main European areas are the developments that have been built buy Emaar - The Springs, The Meadows, The Lakes, The Ranches, The Greens. There are however europeans living all over Dubai so don't isolate yourself to just one area. The best way to chose where to live is to live as close to your place of work as possible.

Traffic and the Roads

Horrendous - no other word to describe the standard of driving out here. You do get used to it. Cars are way cheaper than the UK and it cost me 10 quid to fill up the tank - that is the plus point of having to endanger your life every day!

I think that's it

[Stravinsky]

Thanks Geordie

I made it a sticky

[Geordie Armani]

my pleasure !

[freddy]

I have just accepted a job as Legal Cousel for one of the big property developers in Dubai. I will start in May. I would like to Buy in Dubai. I really like the Dubai Marina it is very close to my work. In the first instance I want to rent - which development in Dubai Marina would you reccomend - I want to rent for 6 months and am willing to spend £2 - 3000 per month, thats around 14200 - 21300 dirham per month.

[Geordie Armani]

I am not familiar with the Marina enough to recommend which building to rent in. Jumeirah Beach Residence seems pretty popular though. Were you thinking of renting furnished?

[hhhggg]

thank you Geordie,
hhhggg

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by freddy

I have just accepted a job as Legal Cousel for one of the big property developers in Dubai. I will start in May. I would like to Buy in Dubai. I really like the Dubai Marina it is very close to my work. In the first instance I want to rent - which development in Dubai Marina would you reccomend - I want to rent for 6 months and am willing to spend £2 - 3000 per month, thats around 14200 - 21300 dirham per month.

If you plan to rent for a limited period, just try to get somewhere relatively central, although much will depend on the availablilty of aprtments for rental periods of less than one year. There is bound to be plenty of apartments to rent in JBR.

I strongly recommend that you get to know Dubai a little before buying. I would also urge caution regarding which developer you buy from. Some have very poor reputations regarding build quality.

Buying in the UAE is different elsewhere, so do some home work. You may wish to have a chat with me if you need to raise a mortgage.

Good luck with the job.

[Elphaba]

Whilst GA & I, plus a couple of other experienced posters, are happy to give views on salary packages, it would make our lives easier if people would take the time to do a few things for themselves and take the following into account. Thanks

In no particular order:

1. Note the quoted going rates for accommodation. (AED 90K pa one bed, AED 145k pa 2 bed - approx)

2. Quote income on a monthly basis in Dirhams (AED) please

3. If you want to drive immediately, get a lease car, but obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country. That way you haven't got to worry about taking the time to get a Dubai licence during your first couple of weeks.

4. Yes, you can get pork & alcohol and no, women don't have to cover (although some respect for our hosts doesn't go amiss).

5. It is illegal for unmarried couples to cohabit.

6. If you want to know what's going on, get a copy of Time Out.

7. For information on how to get things done/deal with government departements/legal issues/etc, buy yourself a copy of Dubai Explorer - available from Amazon.

8. If you don't know already, learn a little about Islam. You will find it useful. And be aware that everything takes longer in Ramadan and certain restrictions apply.

9. The driving is bad. It is worse than you think & driving in various capital cities is not the same.

10. Get various documents notarised before you move to the UAE - marriage certificate, education certificates.

11. Voltage is 220/240v. Plugs are UK style 3 pin.

12. Summer is VERY hot and it can be chilly in winter, especially in the evenings. Bring a few jumpers.

[Antunes]

This is very helpfull for who is thinging of going to Dubai.

Continue the great work.

[EMAD75]

As so many have said already thank you very much to everyone, specially Elphaba and Geordie.

We've been considering a job offer in Dubai for the last month and I've found all the information on this forum extremely helpful with salary negotiations, what to expect, etc. As I think we all have very similar questions!

I'd recommend everyone thinking of moving to also buy The Complete resident's Guide to Dubai - worth every penny!