The cost of Living in Dubai

[Roshan]

Originally Posted by Chessmaster

Some interesting posts - Steve85 I am not saying the figures quoted by Roshan are inaccurate, but I place professional western educated individuals in the Middle East every day of the week and as such have some pretty accurate figures.
Just one warning though - employers are very very wise to the fact that people are only interested in their money - ask yourself the question 'If I were in their shoes and people were only joining my firm because the Middle East is "where the money is", would I give that person a position in my firm'
Ciost of living is one thing - your expectations are entirely another matter!!
private message me if you like
cheers
CM

The figures I mentioned were just indicatory. I am sure you would be having the right details.

I agree with your arguement.

Regards

Roshan

[battered_calamari]

Hi all, I am new to this site and i recieved an offer to go to dubai.

I am currently making $65,000 in Canada and pay only $400 for rent.

The offer to me is

work - consultant / senior post production and visual effects artist for film and television

21,400 dirham per month or 5,800 us.

+ 5,500 dirham for rent allowance

+ full coverage benefits.

+ all flights paid

no travel allowance.

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I've read a good mix of different things, my main goal is to save as much as possible. I like to treat myself to some luxurious meals once in a while but I dont need to many toys. I also plan to explore different parts of dubai and try diffrerent activities that are available there.

I dont want to lower my living standards which is pretty good right now.

Is it worth it for me to take this offer?
Should I ask for more?

I would appreciate any advice given. I need to give an answer somewhat soon.

thank you all.

[savais]

How much are you saving in Canada right now? Are you looking to stay in a 1 bedrm or 2 bedrm? Are you picky about where you live (international city?nahda?)
All these answers will help you decide.

[battered_calamari]

I'm looking into a 2 bedroom. i will be there with a business partner. I do not want to spend more than 30 minutes getting to work. The office is from what i was told is located in the expensive side of the town. I save between $3000 to $4200 living in canada. I am not too picky where I live as long as its not the slums. I also dont plan to lower my living standards from what it is now.

[savais]

Very honestly, I very much doubt you will save 3000 dollars equivalent (10000dhs) here with your requirements. A 2bdrm in the cheapest area is around 95000dhs annually (nahda, international city). Places like the Greens, Marina, etc are much more expensive (around 140000-180000dhs per year).

[savais]

To get an idea of the rent in various places in dubai, go to GNAds4U.com and do a search for rent for 2 bdrm apartments in various areas. With your salary you can have a comfrtable life in Dubai, but not save as much as you are currently saving.

Another option, if you plan on living here for long time, is to purchase property because then your capital appreciation will be your savings.

[battered_calamari]

I also have a question about taxes. If I was to work in Dubai for 6 - 8 months will I have to pay taxes on my income when i go back to canada?

If so how much of it is taxable? What would I have to do so that i am not subjected to any taxes.

thanks again.

[savais]

To avoid paying taxes, you need to cut ties with canada. That is, properties, bank accounts, etc. However, if you are only planning on coming here for 6-8 months, I don't know if that is such a good idea. I do know that if you are out of canada for more than 6 months, you do get some tax breaks, but the best thing would be to go to H&R block or some lawyer and ask them about your options.

[Gnair77]

Originally Posted by Gnair77

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Originally Posted by Gnair77
hey guys,

was browsingg thru the net for some urgent info and happened on the site; think its been amazing the amount of info on offer.

the only issue i faced here was tat i thought the info was kinda dated.

have an offer as Retail Manager based in Dubai at about 13,000 DHS a month. (Indian rupees - 150,000 a month) and company provided car, thats all.no rent acco, no medical insurances.

Am currently based in Bombay, India and earn 60k Rs. after tax. am able to save 45k a month of this. my wife works a software / telecom architect and earns around 35k after tax which we save some 25k a month. total savings around 50-60k a month.

So, am wondering if the mentioned opening above is worth if after factoring the costs etc.

Can someone please put down their thoughts so that i can take an informed call?

Appreciate any help.

Regards

thank you Roshan and Savais

Heyg guys,

the company i was talking about in my earlier post (13000 Dhms monthly) has come back with a revised offer of 17000 Dhms monthly.....

they will provide medicals/gratuity/car/incentives(after 6 months)/flight tickets for me and wife/i month paid leave every 12 months.......in addition to the salary.....

my objective would be to save around 9000-10000 Dhms a month...my wife a software architect working on telecom networks who would also want to work there.....

Do you guys think this seems a better offer????

do let me know

appreciate the response

[Roshan]

Originally Posted by Gnair77

Heyg guys,

the company i was talking about in my earlier post (13000 Dhms monthly) has come back with a revised offer of 17000 Dhms monthly.....

they will provide medicals/gratuity/car/incentives(after 6 months)/flight tickets for me and wife/i month paid leave every 12 months.......in addition to the salary.....

my objective would be to save around 9000-10000 Dhms a month...my wife a software architect working on telecom networks who would also want to work there.....

Do you guys think this seems a better offer????

do let me know

appreciate the response

All the add ons are actually standard and not much of a deal. Incentives is a very dark issue and an employer can renegade on that. If he upped the offer, naturally you are in demand. Pull it to Dhs 20 K with everything and the incentives.

The job market is good and you wife should be able to get e fairly decent job. A lot would depend on your standard of living. But with the current conditions if your wife should get a job. Saving Dhs 9K I feel should not be a problem.

Ask for more is the first step - otherwise believe you me you are better of in India.

Regards

Roshan