Expert Info

Posted by
on 19 Dec 2012

Hi, Can anyone advise me on whether its a good move or not. My husband is an IT technical support engineer and I am a peadiatric nurse so we should find it easy enough to get jobs from what I can gather. Just wondering if you go through recruitment firms do you have a choice where you live and do they generally place you with other expat families? Is it relatively easy to get live in nannies there or are creches the way to go? Just wondering is it financially worth it to move with 2 small kids?? Can you save money there?

Anonymous (not verified) on 21 Dec 2012 - 13:12
Hi Katie,

There are a number of things you'll need to consider before making the move to Dubai.

Firstly, for expats to move to Dubai they need to have a job offer which will in turn help them obtain a work permit and residency visa. However, don't expats shouldn't think they can simply take the first job they are offered and see how it goes and change jobs at a later stage. 

In Dubai they have made it difficult for expats to change jobs by making sure you work permit is linked to a specific employer. Be sure to read any contract carefully before you sign because in Dubai a lot of employers include a caluse which bans you from working for another company within the same field within one year of leaving. Also, while many employers offer good benefits like a return flight home each year and health insurace, if you leave within a year they often ask you to pay this back. Take a look at the Working in Dubai page for more detailed information.   

You'll find it fairly easy to get domestic help and a nanny to look after your child. However, the benefit of sending your children to nursey of kindergarten is that it will give you an opportunity to meet other expat parents. There is certainly no shortage of choice when it comes to nurseries in Dubai. For a listing of nurseries have a look at our Nurseies, Nursey School and Kindergartens in Dubai page.

School and nursery fees are not cheap in Dubai. While the expat lifestyle is great in Dubai and there are a lot of opportunities whether the move is worthwhile will depend on the salary you are offered and also the type of lifestyle you want to lead. The Expat Arrivals Cost of Living page will help you gauge how much things are likely to cost in the emirate and from there you should be able to draw up a budget.

Hope this information helps you and do let us know if you have anymore questions.  
Anonymous (not verified) on 15 Jan 2013 - 13:41
Hi, Whether the move is good or not, will depend on the work you or your spouse has secured, and the package that goes with the job. As a UK national, you can travel freely to Dubai and get a free visa (30 days)on arrival. However for long term stay, you will need a residence visa which is done after you get an Employment visa. Nowadays very few employers provide housing but give an allowance, so you can choose to stay wherever you like. Dubai has many decent varities of accommodation at various budgets, but mind you it is not cheap. One has to shell out at least US$1,500 per month for a small apartment. Housemaids are available but the demand supply situation is unbalanced now, demand is more. There are sponsorship regulations if you want to have exclusive maid or nanny for your home and kids. Savings would depend on your lifestyle as against earnings. Difficult to answer this without knowing more details.
Anonymous (not verified) on 6 Aug 2013 - 13:33
hi katie is a salary of £500 pounds a week enough to fund an affordable lifestyle and save money in dubai?