Expert Info

Posted by
on 7 Nov 2012
Hi, I got a job offer total-up basic + allowances = Dh19.5K I will stay alone while my family will remain in Malaysia (wife and one daughter 14yrs old - my wife working as lecturer in Malaysia). My main question before to accept the Offer .. could I survive with house rental and living expenses in Al Ain + I could send monthly extra saving to Malaysia. If I could send a good extra saving to Malaysia each month - then I will decide to accept the offer. I am quite worried as so many argumentations / opinins says that cost of living in UAE is so much costly and I am afraid could not make any saving each month. Any please advice / comments. Thanks Rgds Mr HAMID Malaysia
Anonymous (not verified) on 8 Nov 2012 - 07:38
Hi Ryxal,

Al Ain is the second largest city in Abu Dhabi and is still somewhat 'undiscovered' by expats. As the area is not as developed Abu Dhabi city or Dubai you can expect living expenses to be a little lower.

As a guidline, if you were to share an apartment you should expect to pay AED 70,000-90,000 per year.

You could save money by using public transport, but having a car is quite handy in the UAE. The rest of your expenses will depend on your lifestyle and what your company is willing to cover.

I suggest you have a read of the Expat Arrival's page on Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi. Although Abu Dhabi city is more expensive than Al Ain, this page will still provide a got overview. Also have a look at this page on Moving to Al Ain.

Good luck in making your decision.

Anonymous (not verified) on 9 Nov 2012 - 08:52
I am confuse .. some peoples who already live in Al Ain said that they rented apartment that cost Dh50K .. while I surf the internet (agent/property) ..there are lot of advertisement put rental around Dh30K, some are Dh40K..so which one is the exact rental cost in Al Ain since I am quite confuse with those figures..furthermore, I am alone and its not worth if I need to spent most cost to wotk in UAE compared in Malaysia. I am an engineer and will work at one aerospace company in Al Ain for Production Executive. Please advice basic rental cost? If Dh70K - Dh90K ..I think its not good to spent 50% of your salary just because of accommodation and this would be the UAE is not a good country to work since cost of living is nearly 80% (loss) from the salary given?