How much will £35K p/a in Dubai go?

[ucganka]

I have 2 interviews with 2 different companies lined for a position in Dubai. One is offering a Salary of £35k p/a and im waiting for what other benefits can be thrown in.

I want to know how much will £35k go in Dubai? Will I struggle for accomodation, bills etc? Is it actually a good Salary?

I know £35k in the UK will get you a decent flat on rent, food, bills - though you wont save much.

I have visited UAE for the past 5 years an noticed each year prices are spiralling out of control - especially in the housing market. Food is cheap as are public transport, phone, internet....

Would be interested to hear your thoughts from anyone who is on a similar salary - and what they think of it.

Cheers...

[Ogri750]

Depends on the housing you are after.

A 2 bed say in the Marina could cost you £20k a year to rent, whereas, if you went to Sharjah (if you want to sit in the car for hours) would be nowhere near that.

Not sure on the costs for fixed line internet, but for a usb modem for Etisalat will set you back 820Dhs, then you have a choice of packages......a 2mb allowance (then it's pay as you use), 10mb allowance (again, then pay as you use), or 10gb allowance (they take 460Dhs off your phone credit for this). I know as I am using that method until I get a landline and broadband.

Bear in mind, your £35k is pre tax in the UK, here you get it all.

[ihatejam]

Rent is paid up-front for a year!!! - In Mirdif, £20k just recently got us a 3 bed villa (unfurnished) with a shared pool. You can pay the rent in one go or in two cheques - i.e. £10k now + £10k six months later. The estate agent will want an additional Dhs7000 (about £1000) commission when you sign the contract.

To set up your utilities (DEWA), you will need Dh2000 as a deposit. Typically you will incur a few hundred pounds of costs towards arranging your visa, etc.

hope this helps...

[ucganka]

Thankyou very much for your feedback everyone.

I have been to Sharjah/Mirdif a few times and love the place. It is much quiet and not too far from Dubai. Of course I need to dodge the traffic!!!

With £20K (British Pound Sterling) I have been offered apartments in Dubai to Buy/purchase. Thats right!!! Not RENT - BUT TO BUY!!!

There was a Dubai Home Exhibition in London earlier this month and here were the offers: 1 bed (£20K), 2 Bed (£30k) or 3 Bedroom (£40-50) apartments.

If I can buy a property outright I would, otherwise I will have to rent.

[Elphaba]

A 1-bed in Dubai for sale at GBP 20,000 ?? That doesn't sound right. Are you sure it is in Dubai?

[Geordie Armani]

that's Ajman

[sgilli3]

Originally Posted by Geordie Armani

that's Ajman

Oh..you beat me to it.
NO way its Dubai....cant even rent a 2 bed for that.

[Geordie Armani]

yeah but the idiots at the property shows will be told that Ajman is in Dubai and half of them don't know what United Arab Emirates means!! infact they don't know what an Emirate is!

[Elphaba]

A fool and his money......



_

[ucganka]

Thats right Ajman - This is where the apartments are going for £20k-£50k. At the exhibition they show you the location of Ajman and where the flats are being built and then to the left of this is dubai......i think alot of people are getting fooled here.

How far is Ajman from Dubai......say Knowledge Village - by car?? 1 hour??

Having said that £20,000 (British Pounds) for an apartment is a damn good deal!!! You wont get that in the UK!!!