New kid questions

[James Raeburn]

Hello

i have just been offered job in construction industry in Dubai. Very excited as scale and ambition of developments in UAE is unmatched.

I have few questions if anyone can help me with would be much appreciated:

What are the medical requirements for work visa?

My girlfried will be joining me later inthe year. She has no job secured. Can she come over and is it easy to find general, reasonably paid office work in Dubai?

Finally, do the possitives outway the negatives living and working in Dubai....from what i have read people either tend to love or hate life in dubai. Bad traffic, very hot summers and soulless versus good climate (bar summer), good lifestyle (earnings permitted) and safe.

Thank you.

I apprecaite these questions probably get posted allthe time so apologies for covering well worn track.

cheers!

[Elphaba]

Hello James

Well yes, similar questions have been posed numerous times. Please read the sticky threads at least.

You usually just require a blood test for a residency visa (required in order to be employed), although sometimes a chest x-ray is also done.

Not all of Dubai is souless - not where I live anyway. I find it bizarre that so many choose to live in new Dubai on a 'Truman Show' housing estate, or in identical blocks in the Marina & then claim there is no soul to the city. Life here is what you make of it - your attitude is everything.

As I have said many, many times, it is illegal to co-habit if you are not married. You cannot sponsor your girlfriend and if you plan to live together, the tenancy can only be in one name & you'll have to be discrete. Much general office work is poorly paid as it is done by workers from the Indian sub-continent - bear in mind that India has many highly-educated graduates. It really depends on what she wants as there are opportunities.

[James Raeburn]

Hi Elphaba

Thank you for replying.

I assume blood test is to test for any form of chemical dependancy?

I am going to get gf to email CV to dubai based recruitment agents- if anyone can recommend one?

Is there an older more traditional part of Dubai to live in?

THanks again.

[Elphaba]

The blood test is for HIV Aids, Hepatitis etc

Not tradional as such, unless you can afford the ridiculous rent on a large villa, but there are areas where there are not just expats - outside the bubble so to speak. Where you live should be dictated largely by where you will be working. Do you know where this will be? What is your budget? Let me know this & I can give you some pointers.

[Shauny]

hello there how you doing, thought id write you a quick message coz i come out here 3 months ago and im working for a construction company and its all good mate, honestly you wont have any problems, your g/f will be fine, if she aint got a job for a while she will just have to pop out the country to renew her visa, i liked your description of chemical dependancy though!!!, if ya want anymore advise let us know and good luck

[RPG]

Hi Elphaba,

Read your reply to thread, and would seek your advise if you would be so kind.

I am due to move out to dubai early sept 08 and shall be based mainly in Business Bay.

Where would be a good place to start looking for accommodation near to here. Budget would be around 150 to 200K per annum and would like 2 bed apartment / villa which is less 'Truman Show' as you quaintly put it.

Would also prefer gym / Pool nearby.

Any ideas?

[Maz25]

Originally Posted by Shauny

hello there how you doing, thought id write you a quick message coz i come out here 3 months ago and im working for a construction company and its all good mate, honestly you wont have any problems, your g/f will be fine, if she aint got a job for a while she will just have to pop out the country to renew her visa, i liked your description of chemical dependancy though!!!, if ya want anymore advise let us know and good luck

Just be aware that as from this weekend (if my memory serves me right), you can no longer do visa runs! Normally, your girlfriend would have just needed to nip across the border to Oman, Bahrain, etc and then re-enter Dubai on new visit visa. From now on, she would have to go back home or somewhere thereabouts before she can get a new visa. The law changes all the time in Dubai so it might be worthwhile enquiring with the UAE embassy before moving to Dubai.

In regards to her finding a job, google is a good way of finding which recruitment agencies specialise in her field of work. She can then work on her CV and tailor it to the positions that they have on their website. It might be worth mentioning that she will be in Dubai and would be available for interviews. It would also be worthwhile to contact employers directly and follow-up on any applications (if she hasn't heard anything) when she gets to Dubai. I believe that sometimes, being in Dubai and being available for an interview, can work in your favour.

Best of luck!

[Maz25]

Originally Posted by RPG

Hi Elphaba,

Read your reply to thread, and would seek your advise if you would be so kind.

I am due to move out to dubai early sept 08 and shall be based mainly in Business Bay.

Where would be a good place to start looking for accommodation near to here. Budget would be around 150 to 200K per annum and would like 2 bed apartment / villa which is less 'Truman Show' as you quaintly put it.

Would also prefer gym / Pool nearby.

Any ideas?

Try bhomes.com if you are looking for accommodation. I've heard that dubizzle.com and Gulf News are also good. Sorry can't really advise you on where to actually live! A lot of apartments however have a community pool & gym!