Possible move to Dubai...but are our skills good enough?

[Jax]

My partner and I are seriously considering a move to Dubai, as he has family living there and we would love a chance to try a completely different lifestyle.

However, after many hours of research, I have doubts about our work skills.

My partner comes from a retail background, including Visual Merchandising and Shop Management. I come from a call centre and admin background.

Will we be able to earn enough in those trades to continue the standards of living we are used to? Our joint income is roughly 40k per annum in the UK, would we be able to earn an equivilant or higher amount, and would that afford us the same things as in the UK?

Hope that makes sense and thanks for reading

[Elphaba]

In all honestly I seriously doubt it. These type of jobs are usually done by people from the Phillipines and India for a lot less than you would work for. With respect, the jobs in Dubai that pay well are those of a more professional/skilled nature.


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[Geordie Armani]

tell your partner to try M.H.Alshaya Co - The Middle East Leading Retailer and for yourself could you adapt to an Admin Manager or Secretary?

[McBook]

There are definitely opportunities in visual merchandising but as elphaba says, the pay isn't likely to be great. That, coupled with the high cost of accomodation in Dubai would probably mean you wouldn't be able to expect the same standard of living as you do in the UK. But I'll end on a positive note, if you're looking for a change and haven't got any ties/committments at home why not give it a go and see what happens! What is there to lose?

[Jax]

Thanks for all the replies they are really helpful

I suspected that this was the case. I can easily move into admin management or database programming even, and my partners niche is definitely more towards the VM side of things.

We do have an advantage that his brother already lives there and we are going to stay for a few weeks soon to check it all out, if we do decide to make the move we can either stay with him while we look for work (with a time-limit of the 2 months visiting before quitting and coming back) or try to find work before going over - even if it is low pay to begin with we are both confident we have the skills and motivation to work our ways upwards.....I guess it all depends on how possible that is. We will rent out our house here in the UK for a year and if we stay in Dubai, maybe sell it then.

We are willing to take the risk if it leads to a better life....and if it doesnt....what an adventure!

It is great to hear opinions from people who have been there, done that, etc etc....so all comments even the negative are most welcome. Thanks again