Advice needed for relocation

[Newbie from SA]

Hi all

Lets get down to it. I am a newly qualified CA(SA), and thinking of relocating to Dubai from January 2009 for a period of 2 or 3 years.

I have heard that there is not really a uge market for qualified accountants in Dubai - if there is somebody in a related field that could clear this up for me?

From reading ohter posts in the forum, it appears that you should pay for a years rent up front. Is there any way to get around this? I have some savings, but not that much! Especially as it appears that a studio appartment could set one back AED 90k to 120k.

No one seems to mention any public transport - I know that Dubai has a bus system from having visited there a couple of years ago. Is it so crapy that nobody uses it?

Last topic I was wondering about - how easy is it to find employment before ariving? I don't mind ariving and then looking around for a job for a month or two, but would obviously prefer the security of having everything settled before I arive. Flowing from this thouhgt is the question of how easy it is to get the 60 day tourist visa if I don't know anybody in Dubai to sponsor me?

Ok, thats the lot.
Thanks

[Maz25]

Welcome to the forum!

In regards to the transport system, I personally would not travel by bus for the simple reasons that I would not have a clue where to catch a bus and secondly, I do not fancy being leered at throughout the bus journey. The best way to travel is by private car - once you have your residency permit (issued after you've got a job!), you can rent one or purchase one. It will set you back around 2000 AED per month. You can also use taxis and provided you can wait that long, the metro system opens towards the end of next year.

Rent is normally paid upfront in one cheque. However, some landlords will accept 2 or 3 cheques, though will mean an increase in the price. You also need to add 5% agency fees and 5% deposit on top of the annual rent. Once you find a job, your employer will most likely offer you a rent loan, which you can use to pay your accommodation. This will be deducted monthly from your salary. Else, you can get a rent loan from the bank.

Personally, I would try and find employment prior to arriving in Dubai. Immigration is not keen on people coming to Dubai to look for work and since the rule change in Aug, it has become almost imposible to switch from a visit to employment visa, without first leaving the country. It is also illegal to work on a visit visa and if caught you face a 50,000 AED fine and deportation. You will only be able to get a 30 day visit visa. Your airline or hotel where you will be staying can arrange this for you.

[Newbie from SA]

Thanks Maz25! This really helps a lot with my planning and my to do list.