The cost of Living in Dubai

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A

APals

New Member
Good to hear your comments. So that means the monthly rent is going to be somewhere around 12,500 dirhams. That seems affordable. What are the monthly figures for other major costs?

1- Monthly food expense? in the case that most of the times you would be cooking and eating at home; somtimes, like on weekends, you eat out at places like Burj-ul-Arab or Fairmont.

2- Monthly utility expense (Electricity, Gas, Phone)? Though this would be taken care of, but i would appreciate if you could give an idea on this. Electricity and gas consumption for a 2 bedroom apartment; comfortable use of phone/cell phones.

3- Petrol? One car but of a high engine capacity.

4- Monthly entertainment expenditure? Clubbing in high-end nightclubs, beach activities, cinema, etc.

5- What salary do you generally pay to house servants such as a maid/driver?

I know you may be required to come up with some effort to state these figures but i would greatly appreciate your input in this regard. Thanks very much.
 
A

APals

New Member
Yea roshan you're right, demand is high because of the way airlines are expanding and buying more aircrafts, but its more of the profession's standing as a highly paid one.
 
G

Gashead

New Member
Good to hear your comments. So that means the monthly rent is going to be somewhere around 12,500 dirhams. That seems affordable. What are the monthly figures for other major costs?

1- Monthly food expense? in the case that most of the times you would be cooking and eating at home; somtimes, like on weekends, you eat out at places like Burj-ul-Arab or Fairmont.

2- Monthly utility expense (Electricity, Gas, Phone)? Though this would be taken care of, but i would appreciate if you could give an idea on this. Electricity and gas consumption for a 2 bedroom apartment; comfortable use of phone/cell phones.

3- Petrol? One car but of a high engine capacity.

4- Monthly entertainment expenditure? Clubbing in high-end nightclubs, beach activities, cinema, etc.

5- What salary do you generally pay to house servants such as a maid/driver?

I know you may be required to come up with some effort to state these figures but i would greatly appreciate your input in this regard. Thanks very much.
If you plan to eat at the Burj al Arab at weekends I would suggest money isn't an issue.
 
V

vincenzo caselli

New Member
i'm interested in moving dubai

i have a budget of 80 000euros = 470 000 dhs and i want to buy an appartment, than i'll search for any job i have a bachelor in Economics and a Mba. i think that once i resolve the accomodation problem i can survive.
 
C

Chessmaster

Guest
All
I read all your posts regularly and frankly im amazed by some of the stuff that is listed here.

I have just written an article for a major profesional trade magazine in my specific inustry answering the relevance and realities of recruiting into the gulf and ME region from externally, which is something i specialise in. In that, as I have below, the main focus is - Be realistic, do your research, and bluntly dont be ridiculous!!

If you are thinking of posting on here - DO YOUR RESEARCH yourself. You all ask questions which others cannot answer for you, and to boot they are very subjective - specific only to your circumstances. Why do you ask others to do your thinking for you? The posts on here genrally demonstrate a very indian / ethnic mentality.

This is a fantatstic forum for sharing information, but it fails massively on ataully being useful. Thats not because of the answers given by readers. Its because of the questions posed .... and i can tell from reading most of these posts that you are mainly ethnic Indian, Asian subcontinet individuals.

Some of the ridiculous questions / comments / things said ~
1. Eating at weekends at the Burj al Arab - Do you think you'll get in?
2. Someone who wants to live the high life???? I will assume you are an ethnic person, possibly a Pakistani ( this is apparent from the language of your post) and therefore a Muslim - nightclubs, beaches ??? ( by the way a salary of 60,000Dhms is over GBP110,000 or USD 220,000 - decide for yourself if that isnt enough to satisfy yourself)
3. Will i be responsible for tax in Canada - im not a tax advisor
4. should i do my MBA at manchester or Cranfield, what do recruiters percieve better - recruiters dont really care becuase they know that education beyond what is necessary is not deemed important to career - experience counts ( but then most non-westerns dont understand that concept)

Now if you are offended by my scathing remarks, just stop to think for a minute. You are generally individuals from 2nd or 3rd world economies of cities. I would venture to say yu are not White anglosaxon protestant with blond hair, blue eyes etc.
Therefore let me tel you frankly and openly that you are tretaed as a second or third class citizen in the Middle East in general and Dubai in particular.

I relocate people everyday to the Middle East , and the pretensions shown by some of the posts on this forum are actually amazing. Thats why I specifically only work with realistic, grounded and reasonable expectations from western educated individuals only. They do not have delusions of grandeur, and they do their home work in an objective manner, research their options relative to their own circumstances, and you can work with them....

Lecture over, if I have offended, i didnt intend to, just treat this as a wake up call - be relialistic and dont be judgemental based on others peoples comments, as you can only truly form an opinion through you own experiences.

Or ignore me if you think Im wrong... i dont really care - Im british, 2 degrees, didnt waste my time doing an MBA, professionally qualified in the profesion in which i recruit, have been recruiting professionals into the gulf region in general for over 15 years, and yes I do know what im talking about.

Take it easy!!

CM
 
C

Chessmaster

Guest
ps.
in my rant above i forgot to mention

80,000 euros or 470,000dhms will not buy you very much at all in dubai at the moment, perhaps a nice studio in international city or if your lucky a very run down 1 bed apt in an ethnic dominated part of town
advice ( for what its worth) - get your job sorted first , rent very cheaply for a year or so, maybe 2, save loads of cash and go and invest in morroco or panama!
be nice!
CM
 
A

APals

New Member
To Chessmaster

With the very comforting discussion that WAS taking place, one vainglorious idiot (was that offensive? my pleasure) pops in and does what he does best: blabber.

Though giving comments to this guy's post is a waste of time in the first place, seeing such discriminatory, narrow-minded approach compels me to reply. I'll one by one, comment on some of the nonsense you've written -

"Eating at weekends at the Burj al Arab - Do you think you'll get in?" - Is getting in Burj al Arab some kind of a big deal in your reality? You have here either demonstrated your petty mentality (entering Burj al Arab is some sort of a deal for this guy) or discriminatory mentality (the pathetic idea that only whites go there or something? Surely and sadly you're white).

"Someone who wants to live the high life???? I will assume you are an ethnic person, possibly a Pakistani ( this is apparent from the language of your post) and therefore a Muslim - nightclubs, beaches ???" - That was 'a high life', not 'the high life'. Assuming you know your language, you must have realized how that one word changes the impression of that phrase (which you have inserted all by yourself). I will assume you are an ethnic person. I dont know what in the world you meant by that phrase, every person in this world has some ethnicity. possibly a Pakistani I dont know on what ridiculous observation you have made that judgement, but i've clearly judged from your nonsense that you're a british. ( this is apparent from the language of your post) What is apparent from the language of your post is that you need to get some Learn English classes. and therefore a Muslim - nightclubs, beaches ??? Yes i'm a Muslim, and extremely proud to be one. Where does my religion say not to have fun? If you dont know about it, dont make ridiculous statements of writing nightclubs beaches with three question marks denoting some weird unhealthy excitement to the idea of a muslim going to the beach.

( by the way a salary of 60,000Dhms is over GBP110,000 or USD 220,000 - decide for yourself if that isnt enough to satisfy yourself) The first thing here is i'm not clear-cut of what is the cost of living in Dubai. Everything is relative. Rents in Dubai are comparable to Geneva. 100,000 pounds and 200,000 dollars are the same amount, but they wont buy you the same lifestyle in London and New York City. To know what satisfies me, i need to see the entire picture which also constitutes my personal agenda which you know nothing about. So yes i will decide for myself, thank you for reminding me that.

Will i be responsible for tax in Canada - im not a tax advisor Who asked you what you are? I didnt write that and i dont know whose post you quoted here, but could you be more blunt arrogant?

should i do my MBA at manchester or Cranfield, what do recruiters percieve better - recruiters dont really care becuase they know that education beyond what is necessary is not deemed important to career - experience counts ( but then most non-westerns dont understand that concept) Again i didnt wrote this, but a graduate program is education beyond career importance!? So education till what level do you see important towards career? High School? Doesnt really matter if i graduate from Oxford or Oxford Brooks huh? experience counts No doubt it does, but you cant shrink down qualification to the level of negligibility. ( but then most non-westerns dont understand that concept) Again your display of pathetic discriminatory mentality. I pity you again.

You are generally individuals from 2nd or 3rd world economies of cities. Step on my advice of getting Learning English classes and just cure this curiosity of mine: Who in the world has recruited you?


I would venture to say yu are not White anglosaxon protestant with blond hair, blue eyes etc.
Who the hell needs blond hair and blue eyes. I'm proud to be tall, dark, and handsome. Thats where your hometown chicks attract too.

DO YOUR RESEARCH yourself. You all ask questions which others cannot answer for you, and to boot they are very subjective - specific only to your circumstances. Why do you ask others to do your thinking for you? Nobody's being asked to do the thinking here. Its as simple as this: If you live in a certain city, you know the expenses and cost-of-living over there at your fingertips. If you ask me how much a buffet in a 5-star restaurant cost me in your city, i'll tell that to you now and i'll tell you any other cost, i dont need to research on that and thats the mere help people were inquiring about here.

Or ignore me if you think Im wrong Sure thing

... i dont really care Who cares what you care?

Im british, 2 degrees, didnt waste my time doing an MBA, professionally qualified in the profesion in which i recruit, have been recruiting professionals into the gulf region in general for over 15 years, and yes I do know what im talking about. What are you doing over here? Bragging? If you're indeed bragging, i miserably fail to understand upon what are you self-glorifying? That you're british? Who gives a damn. 2 degrees? Doesnt almost everybody does that? MBA? Ha! With over 15 years of experience, you must be someone around 40. By virtue of what are you saying all this to an individual who has the potential to earn over 200k at the age of 25!?

With all due respect, nobody gives a **** if you're a british or whatever. No white is superior over black as no black is superior over white. You have intellectuals everywhere as you have fools (you've demonstrated that yourself). As ashamed as i feel to say this to someone who's probably some 15 years older than me: growup.

Take it easy!!
 
G

georgihh

New Member
i have a budget of 80 000euros = 470 000 dhs and i want to buy an appartment, than i'll search for any job i have a bachelor in Economics and a Mba. i think that once i resolve the accomodation problem i can survive.
i have a budget of 80 000euros = 470 000 dhs
80000 euros is not 470 000 dhs
And Dubai is not as good as is to be.
My advice is don’t waste where money in a place where you don’t know what is all about
 
C

Chessmaster

Guest
Well that was a very enlightening response from Mr APals. I can imagine a very angry and indignant fist shaking type response :)

Just thought I would point out that those were my views, in the form of a rant ( as i called it, waranted or not, I did also point out my intention was not to offend). Right or wrong, a forum such as this does allow us to share our views, aslong as we do not break its rules.

As is clear, one particular individual has taken exception to the worded examples used ( amongst others) and has taken this very personally, despite me aimimg the 'rant' at ALL of those who have posted on this string since its beginning, and one which some of us have been contributing to right from the outset.

My comments were meant in a generic light, to take them in any other way would be discriminating, I agree, and that would be pretty odd coming from a brown-skinned, ethnic, Muslim like myself.......

In any case, I must be vain glorious, and a fool, in writing the words I did. For that I apologise, and please feel free to continue this 'discussion' despite my foolish words of attempted advice.... those of you who know who I am and have worked with myself before, know my agenda, therefore we shall continue as before.

As for the tall dark and handsome 25 year old who can earn 200k ( I assume he is talking about Rupees),good luck to you ... I hope you find what youre after, and the advice which you seek. I genuinely wish you well, even though you entirely missed my point.

All the best,

ps. sorry, I missed the point about the hometown chicks, as a 40 year old, I obviously dont know what youre talking about.
 
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C

Chessmaster

Guest
i have a budget of 80 000euros = 470 000 dhs
80000 euros is not 470 000 dhs
And Dubai is not as good as is to be.
My advice is don’t waste where money in a place where you don’t know what is all about

Agree with Georgi

Buying in dubai at that price level is not going to get you much - You'd be better advised to look at Ajman or RAK as more upcimg emirates , Abu Dhabi is not a lot better than Dubai, in terms of what you get for your money.
My advice on morroco, turky and panama are quite serious - if you are looking for a decent return on investment.
best
CM
 
Z

zorawar

New Member
Shortchanging Prospective Employees in a job market

Hi,

I save 2500 $ and have a national role in the largest entertainment company.I have an offer from a multinational IT hardware company paying 25K + medical for self and free tkts per two years.

I agreed since I did not know the acco costs. I have a 3 months Visa plus tkts reportedly all new hires have to undergo 3 months probation hence 3 months Visa.Now I doubt....

I feel the company did not give the right package which should have been about 30K+free 2bed acco+medical for self n family+ free schooling for my two kids minus probation.

Can I renegotiate at this stage ?What are the practices abt probation? Wouldn,t my current role+savings be better than Dubai.

Seek your inputs to take it further at this late stage.

Pl advice.

zorawar
 
R

Roshan

New Member
Hi,

I save 2500 $ and have a national role in the largest entertainment company.I have an offer from a multinational IT hardware company paying 25K + medical for self and free tkts per two years.

I agreed since I did not know the acco costs. I have a 3 months Visa plus tkts reportedly all new hires have to undergo 3 months probation hence 3 months Visa.Now I doubt....

I feel the company did not give the right package which should have been about 30K+free 2bed acco+medical for self n family+ free schooling for my two kids minus probation.

Can I renegotiate at this stage ?What are the practices abt probation? Wouldn,t my current role+savings be better than Dubai.

Seek your inputs to take it further at this late stage.

Pl advice.

zorawar
By accepting the appointment, you have just lost the power of negotiating. You would could have gained that extra mileage while negotiating the contract.

Renegotiating at this stage is difficult as the jump you are asking is big. A 2 bdr would cost you nothing less than Dhs 120,000 + expenses + 2 childrens education, you might not be left with much.

Conclusion : You could either regret the job at this stage if you are better back home - OR - try and make your future employer understand that you are exopecting more.

Regards

Roshan
 
I

iced

New Member
Hi,

I save 2500 $ and have a national role in the largest entertainment company.I have an offer from a multinational IT hardware company paying 25K + medical for self and free tkts per two years.

I agreed since I did not know the acco costs. I have a 3 months Visa plus tkts reportedly all new hires have to undergo 3 months probation hence 3 months Visa.Now I doubt....

I feel the company did not give the right package which should have been about 30K+free 2bed acco+medical for self n family+ free schooling for my two kids minus probation.

Can I renegotiate at this stage ?What are the practices abt probation? Wouldn,t my current role+savings be better than Dubai.

Seek your inputs to take it further at this late stage.

Pl advice.

zorawar
you should stick to your old post if you save $2500. There is no way you can save that much on your new salary and expect to pay10k per month in accomodation for a 2 bed
 
F

floatdriver

New Member
Greetings to the forum,

Just read most of it and think I have my head around a realistic view of what I would need to expect to be comparitive.

Sounds like COL is roughly 1.5 - 2 x that of Canada, so to remain on par with an $8,000.00 CAD/month salary, I'd need to ask a salary of 40,000 - 50,000 AED/month?

I have living allowance here as well so expected salary would be in addition to living provided.

Does this make any sense? I too am looking at a pilot position.

Thanks,

Floatdriver
 
B

Bilal Usman

New Member
Living Cost For a Free Lancer

Dear Brothers,

I am 28 Year Old Business Man from Pakistan, With business in Pak.
I have a Earing of Approx 12000 AED/Month Here in Pakistan. I have saving`s of two 1 bedroom apartment each in Dubai IC which will be completed n mid of next year ( G+10 ) building but till date 5 built so i assume. Hope will Getting 70000/AED rent per anum ( 5800 AED/Montx2= 11600 AED) so 24000 AED accumalitve.
But now its only 14000/AED.Per Month

I have a Home Here in Pak which i will sell and can buy a Studio or 1 Bedroom in Dubai, so accomodation is not a problem ( will live in my own apt, no rentals),i myself will be coming and going to dubai, but i want my family to live in dubai, as you know the current situtaion in Pakistan, we are not safe here, but cant close business in pakistan as qualification is under graduate ( not completed BBA) so dunt know what job i get and dont know what business to do in dubai. Will get a resident Visa on behalf of property ill bought, most probably.

Can u please let me know on this scnario, what will be the living cost

3 Children Skooling?
Monthly Grocery Expense?
Electricity Etc.,

Please Help Me and Let me Know
 
C

Chessmaster

Guest
By way of an update...to those of you whom it helps:

Over the last week, I have met with many of my clients in Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ajman and Abu Dhabi. Their comments and mood is one of - "we have plenty of people to choose from so we can afford to take a hard line on negotiation of packages . We do not need to be held over a barrel on salaries and packages."
The economic issues at present in the news is making record numbers look to the Middle East for security of income and career. They have more people looking to relocate to the Middle East than they can offer roles to.

I fear if you try and negotiate hard you wont get far. The perception of UAE as a place to earn well and save etc is fast dissipating. Its a playground for those who are on high salaries , usually dont have children... or they are very small... and dont mind the aggresive discrimantory attitudes that exist here.

A few real examples :

I have just relocated 4 people ( 2 from london, 2 from Miami ) to Abu Dhabi - Salaries from 38,000 to 45,000AED per month - they are all struggling to find 1 and 2 bed accomodation, like many other i know.

Typical 1 bed apartments are far from the city, and cost more than double what they were paying where they came from. There are no flats avaialble in AD - prices are sky rocketing.

Dubai is now cheaper in accomodation - 1 beds in Bur Dubai are still around 120,000 - 130,000 - IC is around 65-70,000. Deira (if you can find one),is around 70-80,000. MArina is around 160,000-200,000. Old Town/Burj Dubai is around 180,000-200,000. 2 beds in Deira - 110,000 - 140,000, in Marina around 200,000 upwards.

So you can see..... massive rising costs of accomodation is eliminating the ability to live within your means...

Schooling - the biggest headache after accomodation cost - if you can get a space in your preferred school - very expensive and also prices will be going up again ....the older the child the more expensive it is. 3 kids between say 5 and 15 will eat up at least half your salary.

And I know some took offense at my previous comments... but please remember if you are an Indian, Pakistani or other South Asian or Asian passport holder you are treated as a third class citizen regardless of profession and position. All expats whom i work with notice and comment on this. From employer's attitude to worker rights - you will be discriminated against. I recently got in some trouble with a parking attendant who was issuing a ticket. As soon as i showed my bristish pasport, his whole attitude changed and i didnt get the parking ticket.

Do you know that you will have to retake your driving test as your license is not valid? And it costs a fortune and takes a long time...An example is when I went to get my diving license from the office in dubai - as a british passport holder I walked out with my UAE driving license in about 40 mins. My cousin who went with me, has a pakistani passport and he had to wait in the queue with all other passport holders, it took him 6 hours to get seen, and then he was tld his licence is not valid and it will cost him thousands in lessons and tests.

I do not mean this in a nasty or 'bigoted' way - it is the truth and the reality. I am in Dubai for 2 weeks and leave on Monday coming to return to the UK - There is growing discontent that is apparent in the guest populations - read it for yourself ,
check out
Gulf News, Khaleej Times, The National - all are available online.

Anyway enough ...

Advice - work in Sharjah, live in Ajman...or live in Al Ain and commute to Abu Dhabi.
Or just stay at home.... if you are econimcally sound in your career...the middle east is not the golden egg it used to be.
Or go to Oman, Kuwait or Saudi !
ps. clothing furniture, food, groceries etc are relatively cheap ( compared to UK, US, Canada, Aus etc )

best
CM
 
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W

way2vik

New Member
Cost of Living in Dubai - as per OCT 2008

Hi,

Recently I got offer from one company as Lead Software Engg. I dont know what is the cost of living as on date in Dubai. I'll move with my family. i.e. wife and 2 yr old son. Could any body help me to explain Living cost in Dubai.
The points mainly are,

House
Kid education
Hospitalisation
Food
Alcohole
Internet
Tourism
Other Utilities like Electricity, Water, Cloth washing

Please let me know ASAP.

Thanks in Advance.
 
H

happyfeetmumbo

New Member
Hi Chessmaster,

Do you have any recruiting contacts in the Finance / Accounting world ? What would a Financial Analyst be expected to be paid in Dubai and are there any jobs in that field ? Thanks much.

Happy
 
G

goli

New Member
Hi,

I am from India, and will be graduating soon. For a computer engineer which do you say should be preferred

1. AED 10k pm + company accommodation, in Dubai
OR
2. INR 55k pm, after tax, in India

Thanks a lot in advance.
 
S

sasherwani2

New Member
Hi,

I am from India, and will be graduating soon. For a computer engineer which do you say should be preferred

1. AED 10k pm + company accommodation, in Dubai
OR
2. INR 55k pm, after tax, in India

Thanks a lot in advance.

Definately India. With 10k/m in Dubai u will BARELY break even if you have the simplest of lifestyles.
 
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