Vantage, Thank you for the reply. I am a chemical engineer with refining/ petrochemical background. I am currently in leadership role. The offer is from similar type of industry in UAE.

The monthly pay of AED 50,000 is more than what I make here, however, my wife also works. So...the gross of AED 50,000 per month is less than the gross we make here in US. The bright side is, if we can manage with this income then my wife doesn't have to work if I decide to move to UAE.

Take some time to understand what your tax liabilities will be and how you can minimize those while here. When you add in housing exclusion the limit can go well past the 95K FEI exclusion. Also things you do back home, keep/sell house (I take a loss on renting mine, which still benefits me long term).

There is no more 401K matching, so you need to account for that if you are currently receiving it. Finally, depending on how much your tax liability is you may not be able to contribute to an IRA, so no money into your Roth while here.

On 50K/month you can certainly afford to have the wife not work and even afford a housekeeper to help out so she can focus on the kids. Just be sure that you are sending enough back to the states to make the time here worth while

 

Thank you for quick reply. I approached my tax guy and he is not an expert in expat taxes. Is there a tax firm in US or UAE whom you may have used can help with understanding the tax implications/exemptions? Yeah....I have a townhome and if we decide to move then we plan on renting it out. Once again...thanks for your help.

 

Hello,

I'm offered 13k AED all inclusive, what do you think of it for a single, will I be able to save any?

 

It depends on how you live and how much you spend in housing, transportation and your life style.

 

Hello guys . I am totally new here. I got and offer from Cavalli Club Dubai ( Fairmont Hotel ) , to work there as a barback in a club, 8 or 9 hours working a day, 6 days off a month, visa, accommodation and flight payed, with 2500 AED salary and he told me that i will have around 1 or 2 thousands AED of tips. Also he told me that i will move after 3 months of probation work to the position of bartender or waiter. Is that good offer ? And i am also planing to come with my girlfriend, same club, she will be food runner. She have not got yet an offer.

I am hoping in a soon answer.

 

That's pretty low but then again I'm not sure bar staff be paid lots here.

 

Moving to Dubai October 2013 - Salary package

Dear Friends,

I've received a job offer to move to Dubai and I really want to know if I can have a good life and take care of my family with the conditions that were offered. I would really appreciate your help and experience.

My job offer include:

Base salary: 185000 AED per year
Accomodation Allowance: 33000 per year
Car Allowance: 18000 AED per year
Health Insurance: Around 4000 AED per year
Flyback to my home country (Europe): maximum of 12000 AED per year - paid at occurrence

With a monthly income of: 15416 + 2750 + 1500 = 19600 AED, can I have a good life (save some money) and raise my family? I have one wife (at the beginning she won't be working, just taking care of my kid), 1 kid (1 year old) and 2 cats.

I would really appreciate your help.

Thank you very much.

Kind regards.

NM

 

Dear Friends,

I've received a job offer to move to Dubai and I really want to know if I can have a good life and take care of my family with the conditions that were offered. I would really appreciate your help and experience.

My job offer include:

Base salary: 185000 AED per year
Accomodation Allowance: 33000 per year
Car Allowance: 18000 AED per year
Health Insurance: Around 4000 AED per year
Flyback to my home country (Europe): maximum of 12000 AED per year - paid at occurrence

With a monthly income of: 15416 + 2750 + 1500 = 19600 AED, can I have a good life (save some money) and raise my family? I have one wife (at the beginning she won't be working, just taking care of my kid), 1 kid (1 year old) and 2 cats.

I would really appreciate your help.

Thank you very much.

Kind regards.

NM

Hey mate, I don’t know what you’re making back home or anything about your lifestyle or what type of work you do, but I’m going to be brutally honest here and say that it’s a very low offer for a family man. The base is not so terrible but you will need 3x the accommodation allowance just to rent something decent.

 

Howdy All,

Quite a long story here but I'll keep it brief and stick to the details.

I've been offered a Job in Dubai as Director Of Operations for a new startup in the Fast / Prepared food and Coffee Industry.

I originally approached in December last year, with the view of starting in April. However, the project was delayed due to failing to obtain business permits and then Ramadan and the relentless heat slowed things down even more. We're now set to start at the start of October.

The ball is now well and truly rolling in Dubai and I've had a few Skype meetings with various parties and investors and it really is just around the corner now.

My frustration at this point is that I have nothing on Paper. I've had loads of conversations that have confirmed my Salary and Bonus structure and things like that but at this point nothing on paper at all. My main concern is the housing arrangements - as with the 4 cheques / 1 cheque thing. I dont have 3 months rent lying around. This has not been covered yet and makes me nervous to start arranging everything on this side of the water.

Of course, its very difficult for me to start taking steps towards such a large scale move and relocation within the next 8 weeks or so with nothing tangible in my hand. I have asked for a written offer and confirmation of my package a few times but have just been passed around. Its a huge frustration as the company is owned by 9 investors - all of whom have equal power, so there is no real leader or guy at the top.

I sent a fairly assertive email last week stating that I really need to see my formal offer - but its all quiet so far and no reply.

Is this normal in the Dubai job market? I would have really expected to receive this by now and am walking the fine line of being assertive - and being a pain in the ass.

 

Is this normal in the Dubai job market? I would have really expected to receive this by now and am walking the fine line of being assertive - and being a pain in the ass.

Unfortunately it is pretty common out here. Possible reasons could be:

1. They are just slacking. Happens far too often in practically every aspect of life here.

2. You mentioned 9 different investors, with no clear leadership role defined. The saying 'Too many cooks ...' comes to mind. It is entirely possible that the issue of your employment is still being / yet to be finalized among them all. In my current role, I deal with this situation (multiple partners across business entities, all having pretty much equal say. Rest assured, I know how much of a pain it is to get even the simplest things implemented/approved)

3. They might not be interested any longer. Probably not what you wanted to hear, but entirely possible.

Don't shy away from being assertive or even a pain in the a$$, it's not like you are planning for an expense paid vacation. If you don't hear anything from them in the near-term, might be best to not make any decisions back home (quit your current job etc..) and shelve this idea for a while ....

 

Thanks for your reply. Its nice to hear that someone else has been there and shares my frustration.

It pretty much echoes what I've been thinking. Just last week i received confirmation that I'll start at the beginning of October (again - far too vague, I need a date) and the company will launch in November. So I'd like to think that if they were no longer interested - they would have made this clear then.

The whole of this year has been geared around the move and relocation, so with it potentially around the corner now and being an organisational freak I'm pretty much pulling my hair out! 7 Weeks may seem like a long time for them - but to up sticks and say goodbye to everyone and everything I love is not long at all. Especially as my wife and I both have jobs out here. Even more so that I'm a consultant and take contracts as they come. When do I stop taking contracts??? Aaaaaauuuggghh!

I'll chase up with another email this afternoon and hope for the best.

 

Something else to keep in mind before you make your final decision and actually pick your entire life and move. What you see now is likely how things will operate with the company once you get here. So before making this big move, ask yourself are you willing to put up with a company that is run like this? If they are a start up, how likely is it that they will be successful? Do you trust that they will actually pay you on time and in full?

 

On a similar note if this is how they behave when them want you how will things be if it doesn't all go well and you have no contract?

 

Yeah - thats why I'm chasing a contract and written details.

I have great faith in the concept and think that it will do remarkably well. UAE is the fastest growing coffee market in the world at the moment, and this company has the right ethics and I believe in it.

As far as I'm aware - it really is a case of too many cooks in the kitchen at the moment - and a skype meeting I had with the Marketing Director confirmed that on Saturday. He told me that due to Ramadan and the relentless heat of the summer - a few of the 9 have been on holiday, on reduced hours ext and thus out of the loop. So decisions have been taking so much longer to get made as its rare to get all 9 in the room at the same time. The guy I spoke to is in the same level of seniority as myself so had no reason to spin me a yarn or lie to me. I was actually very relieved that he shared my frustration in their lack of urgency and indecision.

There are 9 investors at the mo - all of whom of course want a say in the set up. This will dwindle to a board of 4 or 5 once the business is up and running. So hopefully things will level out - and although there is equal share for the investors, in my experience the natural leaders step forward and things gain a structure from there. Some people are just cash investors and all they care about is the return on their money - others will be operating as a part of the business. So the hierarchy and structure of us all should become evident once all opening / operational decisions have been made and the business begins to run.

 

Accommodation provided/live out allowance

Dear all,

I am an Algerian hotelier willing to relocate in Dubai on the next September to look for a job in the hospitality industry Inshallah.

Since I am married (without children), my big worry is about the family entry and settlment of my wife in the case I get a job of course.

1- I read many articles on the net saying that the husband sponsor should earn at least 3000 AED if accomodation is provided and 4000 AED if accomodation isn't provided and This may have increased to AED 5,000 or 6,000 per month without accommodation since 2009. is it true? how it works ?

2- I read also an article saying that a law is to be settled by the immigraation dept stipulate that the tenancy contract should be provided for husbands sponsoring thier wives for family settlment. Is it true? how it works then ?

3- 90 % of hotels employers provide accommodation to thier staff line-level, in this case I want to know what do they provide for a married employee! do they offer a one bed room/studio for couples or give live out allowance

Many thanks for the responders

 

Dear all,

I am an Algerian hotelier willing to relocate in Dubai on the next September to look for a job in the hospitality industry Inshallah.

Since I am married (without children), my big worry is about the family entry and settlment of my wife in the case I get a job of course.

1- I read many articles on the net saying that the husband sponsor should earn at least 3000 AED if accomodation is provided and 4000 AED if accomodation isn't provided and This may have increased to AED 5,000 or 6,000 per month without accommodation since 2009. is it true? how it works ?

2- I read also an article saying that a law is to be settled by the immigraation dept stipulate that the tenancy contract should be provided for husbands sponsoring thier wives for family settlment. Is it true? how it works then ?

3- 90 % of hotels employers provide accommodation to thier staff line-level, in this case I want to know what do they provide for a married employee! do they offer a one bed room/studio for couples or give live out allowance

Many thanks for the responders

I guess it all comes to your employer: some will provide family accommodation for line staff (less likely) and others will require you come on single status..

My advice would be to negotiate negotiate and negotiate..bearing in mind you have the language asset...Look for employment in big chains as well -it is more likely they have their own staff housing and you can be lucky..

Good luck.

 

All
I was wondering if someone can advise me if there is a way i can get a sample expat contract to work in Dubai.

I posted a few days ago about my offer and I am in the 3rd round of negotiation phase right now. But since this company that I received an offer from, is relocating someone for the first time internationally (Dubai), they have no clue on allowances and other items built within a contract. As such,
1. can you advise me where i can get a sample contract or if i need to PM someone to get some info on a confidential basis?
2. Any information on tax for US expats in Dubai where i can play with some numbers and see what effects my numbers or is there a tax consultant you recommend?


Work Background: US Citizen - Applications Engineer 2005-2012, Branch Sales Manager 2012 - Present in Chicago for a commercial pump company
Offer Received to relocate to Dubai: The offering company is relocating someone internationally for the first time. Position title is International Regional Sales Development Manager. This position is responsible for growing business in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) and requires upto 50% travel.
Thank you!

 

Is the company in a free Zone? if so which one?

I am asking because usually company contracts here in the UAE (local contracts) are fairly the same and they all follow the labor law. You could find all the terms applicable in the labor law and regulation website.

Regarding allowances, My advice is to negotiate in a way to put as much allowances as you can in your basic salary, since the end service benefits will be based on your basic excluding allowances.

The relocation part is about additional allowances for relocation (in and outbound ). These costs are pretty straight forward as long as you discuss what you need : number of people to be relocated, container for your belongings if any , etc.

As per local regulation, you will be entitled to at least 1 return ticket to your home country per year. Some companies offer two tickets, but I would always advise to put that money into your basic salary, since the cost of the tickets will be considered as allowance.

Shout if you need more info. :bolt:

 

Hello all

Eid Mubarak,
So need some advice what kind of salary should a mid-senior(10 years experience) level in telecommunication industry expect and with what benefits. Thanks for your feedback.

Much appreciated

 

Have a read through this thread, and the previous 'part 1' thread.
Loads of info.

 

Canadian lawyer thinking of making the move

Hi all, I've looked through some of the info here and its so helpful!

I'm a Canadian trained lawyer with 10 years of experience (top tier firm and in-house) in regulatory law for financial services. I've done some lending work, not a whole lot but I could certainly do more. I've also done corporate work, corporate secretarial and M&A with a focus on FIs. I've also done some work for Islamic bank clients.

I've had friends whispering in my ears about how great Dubai is and how it can offer both a great salary as well as that elusive work/life balance. I'm single and don't have kids - and if it makes a difference, i'm a woman.

I'd be interested in getting your thoughts on the following:

1) wld my skills be valued in Dubai?

2) what would be a good package for a lawyer with this much experience. (With this question, of course, I'm trying to determine if the opportunities in Dubai are worth leaving my job with a large bank here and uprooting my life generally. Once I have this info I can figure out whether after factoring in accommodation and other expenses, I will be better off in Dubai.

3) what kind of hours do lawyers work (in-house and firm numbers would be good to know)?

4) anything else I should be thinking about?

Thanks so much!

 

Canadian lawyer thinking of making the move

Hi all, I've looked through some of the info here and its so helpful!

I'm a Canadian trained lawyer with 10 years of experience (top tier firm and in-house) in regulatory law for financial services. I've done some lending work, not a whole lot but I could certainly do more. I've also done corporate work, corporate secretarial and M&A with a focus on FIs. I've also done some work for Islamic bank clients.

I've had friends whispering in my ears about how great Dubai is and how it can offer both a great salary as well as that elusive work/life balance. I'm single and don't have kids - and if it makes a difference, i'm a woman.

I'd be interested in getting your thoughts on the following:

1) wld my skills be valued in Dubai?

2) what would be a good package for a lawyer with this much experience. (With this question, of course, I'm trying to determine if the opportunities in Dubai are worth leaving my job with a large bank here and uprooting my life generally. Once I have this info I can figure out whether after factoring in accommodation and other expenses, I will be better off in Dubai.

3) what kind of hours do lawyers work (in-house and firm numbers would be good to know)?

4) anything else I should be thinking about?

Thanks so much!

Researched somewhere where lawyers in The uae make around 2300AED per hour

 

Ex pat package

Hi,
I was recently offered a job as a restaurant
manager in Dubai. The package includes rent ,
Transportation, meals ( 5 days a week ), benefits,
And 1400$-2400$ a month. I have no idea what
To compare this with, any help?

Matt

 

Hi,
I was recently offered a job as a restaurant
manager in Dubai. The package includes rent ,
Transportation, meals ( 5 days a week ), benefits,
And 1400$-2400$ a month. I have no idea what
To compare this with, any help?

Matt

Be careful with language such as "package includes", as that usually means this benefits are paid as cash allowances in your total package. What you've written is a bit ambiguous, as you say "and $x a month".

If you have actual accommodation, transport and meals provided - $USD 2,500 p/m is do-able, but I wouldn't accept less than $USD 3,000 even with all that provided.

If it's not physically provided and these are cash allowances in your pay, I'd say a minimum of $USD 4,000 p/m is more realistic.

 

Hi,

I have been offered the below package in Dubai. Will i survive? I am from India and working in Healthcare IT Sector. Please help.

Salary 22,000 AED
Housing 5,000AED
Transportation 2,000AED
Phone - - -
Air Ticket - - -
Education - - -

and USD$5,000 for incidentals.

Thanks.

 

You left out a some important details like: marital status, no. of kids, age of said kids. Without that information, no one can give you an appropriate reply. For instance, the above package is fine if you are a bachelor, or even a couple without kids.

p.s: what does the - - - mean in your post ...

 

Thanks Saraswat.

Can you also help me out with what (on an average) will be the expense for a family of 3 in Dubai. Please take into consideration the components like Utilities, gas, electricity, food expense, dining out once every week(medium hotel),internet, cable etc

Can i have you email address?

Thanks.

 

Hi All

I have a job interview as with emirate group as EK.07 Im not sure what this grade means and what type as salary I will receive..they advise me to say how much I expect but I havent reply yet..Please advise.

Challah

 

Is it an IT position? When is your skype interview? Grade 07 is about 15K Dirhams including transport and accommodation... that is what I have heard.

 

Hi there, I'm 19 year old, female, single..
I am a qualified swimming teacher and have had two Skype interviews with a new fitness company that is currently being set up and should be open in September.
The centre will be based in Jumeirah Beach area.

I haven't been told what my salary will be yet, that will be next time i speak with her.
However she has said that accommodation and transport isn't included.
She has said that my visa will be sorted by herself, I could be working 40-45 hours a week over 6 days. I'll get 21 days off a year and one trip home paid for..

What sort of salary should i expect or want to be able to live comfortably?

Many thanks

 

Yes and it is Senior position, do you think it will make different if I have UK qualifications and citizenship and 5 years experience cause I have asked more than that and they have said if they can afford then they will come back and say but it has been a week since I replied and my interview this Sunday on 18th so may be they have agreed or they would come back and say NO or negotiate..Im not sure whats going on but I hope they will Skype me on Sunday...

 

Well, just wait it out till Sunday, and see how it goes. Good luck, keep us posted.

 

ok thanks but actually they said if they cant afford my xpectation..so this silecce mean is good answer or something else..lets see what they are going to say I will keep posting...

 

Guys,

Need your help urgently

I have declined the offer given to me by a Healthcare IT company in Dubai(As shown below).

They have replied back to me seeking my expectation.

Now here is the issue. This company does not divide the package as components

such as educational allowance, relocation allowance etc. All they have is 2 components ie Basic and House allowance. They said that what ever the amount is agreed upon will the divided into these 2 components and a formal offer will be prepared.

So my question is how much will be an ideal package in this case. Note that what ever the montly salary is, i need to cover up all my expense in that ex rent, education, utilities, airfare to hometown, transportation etc and yet should be able to save say 15K- 20K monthly.

What should i quote here. I have Close to 8 years of exp in Healthcare IT and married. Having a 10 months old kid. My wife wont be working. I am planning to rent a 2 BHK furnished apartment in or around Dubai Internet City (here is my office). I have also pasted below my previous posts for reference.

Also they have agreed to provide medical insurance for me and my family. So what all stuff get covered in the company provided insurance. Any thought?

Please Help.




####################################
Hi,

I have been offered the below package in Dubai. Will i survive? I am from India and working in Healthcare IT Sector. Please help.

Salary 22,000 AED
Housing 5,000AED
Transportation 2,000AED
Phone - - -
Air Ticket - - -
Education - - -

and USD$5,000 for incidentals.

Thanks.


Sorry. Here are the details.

I am married with a 10 months old kid.

My wife is working currently but if i happen to move to Dubai she will not be working.

---- was part of the offer which i assume to be NIL.

Let me know if you need any other info.

Also if this seems to be less, then what would be an ideal qoute?

What other components should i ask for.? Please suggest.

Thanks,



Thanks Saraswat.

Can you also help me out with what (on an average) will be the expense for a family of 3 in Dubai. Please take into consideration the components like Utilities, gas, electricity, food expense, dining out once every week(medium hotel),internet, cable etc

Can i have you email address?

Thanks.

 

if you read this thread (and salary thread no.1, it will tell you the cost of living, including accommodation in all areas, + groceries, transport, DEWA, etc. Add your savings aspirations, and that is what you think you need.
Ask for it, and if you don't get it, seriously consider your position.

 

As regards medical cover, you'll to ask for a copy of the policy. Every company as a different policy, and many have tiered policies, dependent on seniority. Sad but true.

 

Standard Secondment Packages to Dubai

I'm a 31 year old single male from Ireland and I have been offered a secondment to Dubai with my current employer. I will be having a discussion with our HR department shortly regarding the secondment package and I'm looking for some advice on what I should be negotiating for. I have been told that accommodation will be taken care of and international health insurance but what else should I be looking for. I am with the company for many years and I'm very happy with them but I just want to make sure I have a reasonable standard of life when I make the move. Our offices are based in internet city. Any advice on what package I should look for would be appreciated. Secondment to last 2-3 years

 

Guys,

Any Updates here on my query above? Please help. Kind of Urgent.

Thanks.

 

Dear Friends,

I've received a job offer to move to Dubai and I seek your expert advice, If the following compensation look good for my qualification & experience? can I take care of my family with a quality life with this salary? I guess this way below the standard...can anyone please suggest an appropriate salary range to negotiate with the employer. I think they are testing the water . I'm currently enjoying top grade salary in india with 40% higher compensation package above the industry standard .

Experience:
I'm a Lifescience sales & technology support expert with a Genetics PhD degree, MSc. in Biochemistry & 8+ years of sales/marketing/ product support experience with top brand global organisations. Working experience from India only.



Employer: Reputed supplier of Biotechnology & Analytical instruments with HQ in Dubai.
My Role: Technical Product Manager to support sales team, Marketing & presentations, sales forecasting
My job offer include:

Base salary: 60,000 AED per year
Accomodation Allowance: 48000 AED per year
Car Allowance: 24000 AED per year
Travel allowance:12,000 AED per year
Health Insurance: included
Flyback to my home country : maximum of 1700 AED per year - paid at occurrence
21 Days annual leave after 6 month probation

Bonus : upto 30,000 AED per annum

TOTAL: 174,000 AED per annum
Travel: Need to travel to MENA zone more than 50% time in a month.

With a monthly income of: 5000 + 4000 + 2000+1000 = 12000 AED, is this possible to have a good life and raise my family? I have one wife (she won't be working, No kid).




I would really appreciate your help if you can guide me with a reasonable salary range which i should accept to enjoy a quality life with some saving.

Thank you very much.

Kind regards.

Parichay Gupta

 

Dear Friends,

I've received a job offer to move to Dubai and I seek your expert advice, If the following compensation look good for my qualification & experience? can I take care of my family with a quality life with this salary? I guess this way below the standard...can anyone please suggest an appropriate salary range to negotiate with the employer. I think they are testing the water . I'm currently enjoying top grade salary in india with 40% higher compensation package above the industry standard .

Experience:
I'm a Lifescience sales & technology support expert with a Genetics PhD degree, MSc. in Biochemistry & 8+ years of sales/marketing/ product support experience with top brand global organisations. Working experience from India only.

Employer: Reputed supplier of Biotechnology & Analytical instruments with HQ in Dubai.
My Role: Technical Product Manager to support sales team, Marketing & presentations, sales forecasting
My job offer include:

Base salary: 60,000 AED per year
Accomodation Allowance: 48000 AED per year
Car Allowance: 24000 AED per year
Travel allowance:12,000 AED per year
Health Insurance: included
Flyback to my home country : maximum of 1700 AED per year - paid at occurrence
21 Days annual leave after 6 month probation

Bonus : upto 30,000 AED per annum

TOTAL: 174,000 AED per annum
Travel: Need to travel to MENA zone more than 50% time in a month.

With a monthly income of: 5000 + 4000 + 2000+1000 = 12000 AED, is this possible to have a good life and raise my family? I have one wife (she won't be working, No kid).

I would really appreciate your help if you can guide me with a reasonable salary range which i should accept to enjoy a quality life with some saving.

Thank you very much.

Kind regards.

Parichay Gupta

Ive known of junior level sales managers in the med device / life science distribution making about 15 - 18 k month. With your qualifications and experience, the offer seems way too low. If you're making 40% over industry standards in India, is this even higher than that pay in absolute terms?

 

Senior Retail

Hi all,

This is my first post.

I am an Irish, single male, 37yo, experienced senior retail exec - 15 years experience. Multi-site management/operations, general management is my forte.
I'm thinking about a move to UAE for 3/4 years to build savings rapidly.

Does anyone on here have any knowledge/experience of what I can expect to earn?

I have been through Part 1 of this thread but couldn't find relevant info.

Thanks in advance