Contemplating job offer in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (1 Viewer)

[Chapelboy]

No brainer - do it and don't hesitate.  I'm a US Foreign Service Officer and I've been there many times.  Raised two kids in overseas schools. Very stable country for that part of the world.  You can find international schools with US curriculum.  When kids are young (elementary school are) they transition much easier than when they are older (middle & high school).  Take advice from people who have actually lived there or know first hand the region - not from internet folks who have never lived anywhere outside the US. 

Absolutely agree with this.  I lived in Kuwait for 2.5 years and took my 3yr old daughter and 15 yr old son.  My daughter attended a British school while my son an American.  Transition was no issue, and my son had to be dragged kicking and screaming back to the states because of the international friendships he didn't want to leave.  He even went back on his own dime a few months after we left.  And re: Dubai, it's MEGA times better than Kuwait.  We went there quite a few times on vacay and enjoyed the hell out of it.  You could make the argument your kids are safer in Dubai than they would be in certain parts of the USA.  Follow the local laws and customs and you should have no issues.  It's the idiots that get in trouble and give expats a bad name.   I knew quite a few folks who went over to teach at Universities, mostly Canadians.  Also little league baseball is going strong in the region, and of course "futbol".  Do it and don't look back, and plan on being debt-free and have some $$ when you get back.  Oh and don't forget to hit the Irish Village

 

[Chapelboy]

not sure if anybody's mentioned that it's pretty hot there. 

no doubt, and the humidity in Dubai is a killer.  But believe it or not you get used to it.

 

[Hov34]

I've heard alcohol is very expensive in the few places that actually serve it.  Don't know if that's a concern.

 

[El Floppo]

no doubt, and the humidity in Dubai is a killer.  But believe it or not you get used to it.

wait... did you move to- Kyrgyzstan? or someplace similar? Turkmenistan? different poster?

 

[msommer]

I've heard alcohol is very expensive in the few places that actually serve it. 

It is. You can basically get it in upscale restaurants and bars. And TGIT obviously

IIRC you can buy it in supermarkets like Spinneys but e.g. not every restaurant will serve and there's no byob

 

[Chapelboy]

I've heard alcohol is very expensive in the few places that actually serve it.  Don't know if that's a concern.

the cost is relative to the amount your pay has increased just by being there.  You can drink in hotel bars legally.  (and at home in private, but don't flaunt it)

 

[Chapelboy]

wait... did you move to- Kyrgyzstan? or someplace similar? Turkmenistan? different poster?

similar....California

 

[El Floppo]

similar....California

near Uzbekistan. gotcha.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Never lived there but spend a week there last summer. I never felt threatened or treated like a second class citizen (unlike in India). It is quite "westernized". There goal is to be the #1 tourist destination in the world. It literally is a city in the middle of the desert (well next to the sea). The heat and humidity was unbearable (July).Good buys on gold and diamonds. Building lots of tourist attractions (ski dubai in a mall). I definitely would consider it. It was a little strange seeing the husbands with his 3-4 wives walking around behind them in the mall. Two years would be ok.

 

[Christo]

Hmm, so on second thought, you might want to rethink what this might do to your kids.....

QPR for life!

 

[the moops]

Any of you fools with friends in UAE wanna e-introduce me? I am far more charming in real life than I am here. 

 

[comfortably numb]

I would demand they give you an island of the world.  Ask for the US....settle for Mexico 

 

[DallasDMac]

Moops, how much of your daily expenses are covered, and how much are you on the hook for? If you can bank nearly all your pay, then it is likely worth it financially. If not, quite honestly, 2 or 3 times the salary you mentioned above is simply not going to go far at all. So yea, your salary would go up two or three times, but so would expenses. Normally folks that go over to the ME have very little out of pocket expenses, so I am hoping that is the case here. Otherwise, I can't see it being worth it.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

People always say "pass with young kids" in these threads.  As someone who lived overseas for 15 years, with a lot of people with families, I can't think of one person that actually regretted it.  And especially with young kids.  When it gets harder is when kids get older, have friends, social networks, roots.  Now is the time to live abroad, when your kids are young and really only have you and family.  Sure it's tough being away from family but its not forever, and they can come see you. 

Now if you have kids that need special programs or medical issues, then sure.  No way in that case, but people in those spots don't start these threads. 

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I'd move to Detroit for 3 x's the pay!

Dude, you have a Mississippi State avatar.  If you've spent a day in that place by choice, you can never make fun of Detroit.  Starkville can barely be considered "civilization." 

 

[Chadstroma]

Any of you fools with friends in UAE wanna e-introduce me? I am far more charming in real life than I am here. 

Says who?

 

[wittyusername]

People always say "pass with young kids" in these threads.  As someone who lived overseas for 15 years, with a lot of people with families, I can't think of one person that actually regretted it.  And especially with young kids.  When it gets harder is when kids get older, have friends, social networks, roots.  Now is the time to live abroad, when your kids are young and really only have you and family.  Sure it's tough being away from family but its not forever, and they can come see you. 

Now if you have kids that need special programs or medical issues, then sure.  No way in that case, but people in those spots don't start these threads. 

This!

 

[the moops]

Says who?

Hard to imagine, I know

 

[jb1020]

Dude, you have a Mississippi State avatar.  If you've spent a day in that place by choice, you can never make fun of Detroit.  Starkville can barely be considered "civilization." 

Thats my cue to officially invite you to a game sometime.  Its come a long way in 15 years.  Been selling cold beer now for about 5 years

 

[Chadstroma]

Hard to imagine, I know

Hard? I am thinking of a word that ends in possible but means the opposite. 

 

[Chadstroma]

Thats my cue to officially invite you to a game sometime.  Its come a long way in 15 years.  Been selling cold beer now for about 5 years

Selling cold beer for 5 years is your big argument that it got better? 

It will be fun to watch DD defend his beloved Detriot and jb1020 defend his home. I expect a caged match to the death fellas. Only run rule- only one man stands at the end!

 

[the moops]

So have another interview (final hopefully) scheduled for early next week. This is all very poor timing for the moops  Semester is starting next week here, so things are hectic. On top of that, I have a final interview today for a different job on campus. Should I be offered that, and take it, it is gonna put my current coworkers in quite a bind. I also am planning on using my current boss for a reference for the Dubai job.

Well, the weather is nice here at least, and I have the day off besides the interview

 

[El Floppo]

So have another interview (final hopefully) scheduled for early next week. This is all very poor timing for the moops  Semester is starting next week here, so things are hectic. On top of that, I have a final interview today for a different job on campus. Should I be offered that, and take it, it is gonna put my current coworkers in quite a bind. I also am planning on using my current boss for a reference for the Dubai job.

Well, the weather is nice here at least, and I have the day off besides the interview

yikes.

good luck moops- with both interviews and navigating the former friends you're abandoning in their most dire moment of need.

 

[Christo]

I'd do it in a heartbeat. Matter of fact, @Christo, if you can get any other info about nursing pay over there from your friend, I'd like to know.

Silence since I reached out to him. I can only assume he asked the wife if he can tell me and she 

 

[rodg12]

So have another interview (final hopefully) scheduled for early next week. This is all very poor timing for the moops  Semester is starting next week here, so things are hectic. On top of that, I have a final interview today for a different job on campus. Should I be offered that, and take it, it is gonna put my current coworkers in quite a bind. I also am planning on using my current boss for a reference for the Dubai job.

Well, the weather is nice here at least, and I have the day off besides the interview

May cut into MoopsNap time today, though.

Good luck, GB.  Hope things went/go well.

 

[sbonomo]

 

[Sand]

People always say "pass with young kids" in these threads.  As someone who lived overseas for 15 years, with a lot of people with families, I can't think of one person that actually regretted it.  And especially with young kids.  When it gets harder is when kids get older, have friends, social networks, roots.  Now is the time to live abroad, when your kids are young and really only have you and family.  Sure it's tough being away from family but its not forever, and they can come see you. 

Now if you have kids that need special programs or medical issues, then sure.  No way in that case, but people in those spots don't start these threads. 

I went overseas in 2nd-4th grade (Ecuador) and it was a great experience.  I'm very glad my parents chose to do that.  Your kids would adjust just fine here and come away (moreso the 6 year old) with some great memories.

This really comes down to numbers, as it's a safe, modern place.  I'd scope out cost of living there, school cost, food, transportation, etc. and see just how far ahead this puts you.  I realize you're an artist and all, but you may have to touch excel for this.

 

[NutterButter]

2nd-4th grade.  How do you remember this stuff?

 

[the moops]

 I realize you're an artist and all, but you may have to touch excel for this.

Google sheets is about as far as I can go

 

[the moops]

It is Eid al-Adha today and tomorrow so everything is shut down. Early next week I will have more numbers in terms of relocation expenses and schooling allowance and a few other things. Also have another interview scheduled with the dean of the school. This is a heck of alot slower process than I expected. Feel confident that if I want the gig, I can have it though.

A discussion the wife and I are having is how to negotiate a fine line of having as much time off in the summer while school is not in session, with phycially staying in the country long enough to qualify for the US tax exemption. Am waiting ot hear back from an accountant friend, but my understanding is if I am present in the country for 330 full days, there is an expemtion granted up to 100K in income.

 

[Sand]

2nd-4th grade.  How do you remember this stuff?

I am an FBG, duh.

 

[El Floppo]

2nd-4th grade.  How do you remember this stuff?

I remember that stuff better than 99.9% of the stuff my wife says to me on a given day.

 

[tonydead]

hell no

 

[the moops]

hell no

superb insight. thanks

 

[Kumerica]

A friend of mine lived there with his family for 3 - 4 years. His kids were also between the ages of 2 - 4 at the time, if I remember right. They loved it. BUT, he was getting paid fat bank for a major multinational company and traveled around Africa/ME for work a lot of the time. They had servants and drivers, etc.  and his wife didn't really want to come back. Kids were in a good International school. He said the amounts of money there are ridiculous--the average police officer gets paid @$250-300K, and every other car in sight is a ferrari. Not sure if you'll have time with your job, or what kind of art you make, but there may be good opportunities to create/sell your own work as a side hustle. You should go.

 

[eoMMan]

A friend of mine lived there with his family for 3 - 4 years. His kids were also between the ages of 2 - 4 at the time, if I remember right. They loved it. BUT, he was getting paid fat bank for a major multinational company and traveled around Africa/ME for work a lot of the time. They had servants and drivers, etc.  and his wife didn't really want to come back. Kids were in a good International school. He said the amounts of money there are ridiculous--the average police officer gets > $200K, and every other car is a ferrari. Not sure if you'll have time with your job, or what kind of art you make, but there may be good opportunities to create/sell your own work as a side hustle. You should go.

How old are the kids now? 

In your opinion, are they pompous jerk kids?

 

[Kumerica]

How old are the kids now? 

In your opinion, are they pompous jerk kids?

Kids are 12 and 9. Neither are pompous, both are hard workers. But my friend goes out of his way to make them both understand that their lifestyle is not the norm, and not how he grew up. 

 

[the moops]

Was gonna be all upset that a police officer gig  would be making more than me, but it looks like your friend is full of #### Averagepolice officers make like 40K - 50K a year 

 

[El Floppo]

was watching Vice last night... huang's world. he was in Dubai, mostly food stuff, but got into talking with local nationals. it's apparently very good to be emirati- free education, health, and set up with job, home.

was also talking history of the place- it's always been a port, so very inclusive and open to internationals from its inception (relative to the rest of the ME).

again- we were there in 2005, so a bit outdated... but always felt safe and welcome. at a point when I was layed off in 2007, we mildly considered making the move (I looked into want-ads, that was about it). I'm doing some work in Morocco now, and had to research luxury homes in the region/style which made me kinda wish I had made the move to dubai- some absolutely nutty, money-is-no-matter design going on there. fun stuff. could translate into what you're doing... where so many of the considerations regarding money and design are just out the window. I'd imagine (and I'm even working at ridiculous NYC 1% projects) that it would be incredibly liberating to just design without worrying about it.

 

[wikkidpissah]

was watching Vice last night... huang's world. he was in Dubai, mostly food stuff, but got into talking with local nationals. it's apparently very good to be emirati- free education, health, and set up with job, home.

was also talking history of the place- it's always been a port, so very inclusive and open to internationals from its inception (relative to the rest of the ME).

again- we were there in 2005, so a bit outdated... but always felt safe and welcome. at a point when I was layed off in 2007, we mildly considered making the move (I looked into want-ads, that was about it). I'm doing some work in Morocco now, and had to research luxury homes in the region/style which made me kinda wish I had made the move to dubai- some absolutely nutty, money-is-no-matter design going on there. fun stuff. could translate into what you're doing... where so many of the considerations regarding money and design are just out the window. I'd imagine (and I'm even working at ridiculous NYC 1% projects) that it would be incredibly liberating to just design without worrying about it.

i know the Berbers are fanatics for completely ostracizing their children if they get their heads caught in fences, so be sure to factor that in with your designs...

 

[Beef Ravioli]

I like the idea of selling some of your art on the side. What kind of stuff do you do? Could be a great way to make some extra cash! 

 

[Kumerica]

Was gonna be all upset that a police officer gig  would be making more than me, but it looks like your friend is full of #### Averagepolice officers make like 40K - 50K a year 

Yep. Or I'm misremembering the story (it was 8 years ago). But don't let that stop you--you should totally still go.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Any of you fools with friends in UAE wanna e-introduce me? I am far more charming in real life than I am here. 

Well if you end up going over there and interested in buying some jewelry...Hardly a friend but I did buy some diamonds and a gold ring from "Roger" at Cara, mentioned in this link.  Just head over to "Cara" in the  Gold and Diamond Park mall and ask for Roger. Its a small mall with mostly jewelry stores. There are about 70 stores but the only one that had customers is Cara.  Take the listed price and divide by 4 to get your target final price. There is also an open air Gold Souk down by the airport that is popular. This link is from trip advisor and also gives Cara a lot of positive reviews FWIW.

Good luck.

 

[the moops]

So this is still a thing. Holy #### they move slow over there! Was emailing with a friend who did something like this with her husband a couple years back, and she said it took the UAE company 7 months to put a final offer on the table for them.

Have another final interview scheduled for next week. Time options they gave me are either 1200 AM CST, or 600 AM CST

Wife and I have soured a bit on the idea. Kids have started school since this all began (pre-K and 1st grade) and both are enjoying their time there.

Did learn that this would be an academic position, which means that my annual vacations and leave would coincide with the academic calendar. Besides the SUN - THU work/school week, the general academic calendar is pretty similar. Good thing with that is that we would not have to be in Dubai in the middle of the summer. Already started to scheme spending a month in Italy and anothe rmonth travelling through northern Europe.

Trend these days is to give a lump sum which covers salary + transportation + housing. It is up to me to split that up however I would choose. With how I would split it up, would result in a nice condo in a high rise, decent rental car, and a salary that would be roughly double what I am  currently making. Schooling for the kids would be covered.

 

[rodg12]

So this is still a thing. Holy #### they move slow over there! Was emailing with a friend who did something like this with her husband a couple years back, and she said it took the UAE company 7 months to put a final offer on the table for them.

Have another final interview scheduled for next week. Time options they gave me are either 1200 AM CST, or 600 AM CST

Wife and I have soured a bit on the idea. Kids have started school since this all began (pre-K and 1st grade) and both are enjoying their time there.

Did learn that this would be an academic position, which means that my annual vacations and leave would coincide with the academic calendar. Besides the SUN - THU work/school week, the general academic calendar is pretty similar. Good thing with that is that we would not have to be in Dubai in the middle of the summer. Already started to scheme spending a month in Italy and anothe rmonth travelling through northern Europe.

Trend these days is to give a lump sum which covers salary + transportation + housing. It is up to me to split that up however I would choose. With how I would split it up, would result in a nice condo in a high rise, decent rental car, and a salary that would be roughly double what I am  currently making. Schooling for the kids would be covered.

Sounds like a double MoopsNap day! 

Good luck, GB, an exciting opportunity.  The ability to avoid Dubai summers makes it even more intriguing.

 

[pats3in4]

I've only been to Dubai for vacation.  It's an interesting place.  Good vacation spot.  Not sure I would want to live there.  The place imports all of it's know-how (thus your high pay) and doesn't want to screw that up, so you will be safe.  Avoid recreational drugs at all costs.  Probably best to not get too drunk while out on the town.  I suspect all of the friends you make there will be expats, mostly European.

The thing about Dubai that turns me off is the other human capital it imports: slave labor from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Philippines primarily.  Luring people from those places with construction jobs, then confiscating their passports and putting them in work camps with awful conditions, insane working hours in the 100+ degree heat...just awful crap like you read about with the Olympic prep now in nearby Qatar.  They and their fellow immigrants who are living one step up as servants and the other lower blue collar workforce make up the majority of the population.  Emiratis make up only 10-15% of the population and really don't have to earn a living as the government will provide them a very good one just based on birthright. The country has imported others to pick up the slack.  At least you're in the more desirable category.

If this gives you pause, spend more time looking into it and form your own conclusions on how it affects your decision.

 

[jamny]

hell no