Potential move to Dubai

KB99 · #1 (**permalink**) 17th June 2008, 08:37 PM

Hi everyone. I am going through the process of interviewing for a position with an American company at our office in Dubai (we are Americans, from Chicago). I am not concerned about the package that would be offered as it should allow us to be reasonably comfortable from what I have seen, but I am looking for information/opinions on what it is like to bring a family (wife & small child) to Dubai? We have never visited the region and we are a bit apprehensive. I have done some reading and perused this board, and it looks like a great place to spend a couple of year stint, but how have your families adapted to life in Dubai? Sorry if this has been posted again and again, but thanks for any info you can provide!

sgilli3 · #2 (**permalink**) 18th June 2008, 05:05 AM

We have moved twice to Dubai. The 1st time with 2 kids, the 2nd time with 3 kids.
Each time, we havent had any problems. Children tend to be more adaptable than adults, when it comes to change.

By moving here, our children have been exposed to a culture they would never have been if still athome. We have all embraced the culture here, and love it.
We prefer the older areas of Dubai and other emirates rather than the "new" areas...)

Living here, means we are so central to a lot of places to travel to.
Coming from Oz meant that everywhere was such long flights (excep NZ !!)
We have been able to take the children to the England, Scotland, Europe, other ME countries and India.

If coming here for a short time, make sure you get out and about and try something different each Fri.
(go for a drive through old Dubai, drive to each emirate and explore it, take up arabic lessons, go to the Sheihk Zayed Grand Mosque in AD...etc etc)

We have enjoyed our time here, but it is make you make of it.
(I think that also you realise it can take a looong time to settle in, then you will be OK..its normal to have doubts, even for the whole of the 1st year !!!)

Antunes · #3 (**permalink**) 18th June 2008, 06:11 AM

I agree i think for the children it is easier for them to settle in. From the point of view of the schools what i have seen they have great instalations for the young ones.I live in the springs area and ii is very nice. Lets see what impact the metro will have in Dubai. One advantage is that their area many foreigneres so that helps a lot.

margwarrior · #4 (**permalink**) 18th June 2008, 05:39 PM

hi there

can you help to advise what is the pricing for rental for a bedroom (not an apartment)...just a bedroom maybe someone is already staying there & I am sharing?

near to dubai financial centre or dubai festival city?

hear from you soon....

thanks so much for your help

warrior

chiquita · #5 (**permalink**) 19th June 2008, 12:29 AM

hello fellow chicagoan!
i'm considering a move there, too. but i'm single with no dependents but a cat.
i want to move there period, still looking for a job out there. no leads yet.

sgilli3 · #6 (**permalink**) 19th June 2008, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by margwarrior

hi there

can you help to advise what is the pricing for rental for a bedroom (not an apartment)...just a bedroom maybe someone is already staying there & I am sharing?

near to dubai financial centre or dubai festival city?

hear from you soon....

thanks so much for your help

warrior

Sharing an apartment is illegal (no subletting allowed), though if you have a great landlord, he/she may write a clause in the contract to allow sharing.
Otherwise a studio apartment may be your best bet.
you can try dubizzle.com There are lots of people looking for people to rent a room.(people do it...just dont get caught !!)