Construction Industry - Dubai

[R8BWT]

A little late to the party, but my other half has just been offered an opportunity too good to miss to work out in Dubai (She's in Law)

I work in construction (Design Manager) and have about 12 years main contracting experience in the UK, working for a top 5 Main Contractor. So would need to find a job. How is the industry out there at the moment? Is there much going on?

Will my lack of international / UAE experience be a hindrance, believe things are a little more traditional out there and D&B is a bit more of a rarity?

[Robwt]

Thanks tappers, exactly the sort of high level advice I was after. Will be pushing for a internal transfer first, but if that's a no go then i'll be concentrating on UK contractors / consultants.

Yes it's for a western law firm, no help with accommodation but we have no kids, so it isn't too bad. Aware rental costs are on the extreme side.

All things to weigh up.

[Robwt]

That went slightly off topic.. We are still in the process of negotiating. Wife's potential future firm are only offering a one off 6 month loan for housing, so we'd need to save for next years housing as well as paying for this years if that makes sense, so we are hoping to negotiate a repeatable 12 year loan (I am led to believe that is the norm?)

My job hunt seems to be hindered by the fact everyone is on holiday over there (Presuming due to the heat) But expect multiple additional topics on what car, where to live etc soon.

Thank you for the sensible replies.

[Robwt]

I've found exactly the same. Only 'ins' seem to be with people I know over here putting me in touch with their equivalent over there. Recruiters seem to be worse than useless.

Thought it would be a lot more straightforward if i'm honest.General feedback seems to be things are fairly level over there, but not buoyant. So positions are only being made available as and when.

We're committed now, due to fly out on the 1st December so maybe a pro-longed holiday to start.

[Robwt]

Yorky - Thanks, that's exactly what I've been doing. I've a lot of pre-construction experience as well working with clients to develop designs so hoping I can exploit that.

[Robwt]

Well we've done it, Got here yesterday and are now in a hotel for the next few weeks. Just need to find somewhere to live and a job and we'll be set. Wife doesn't start work until Monday so got a few days to find our feet.

Does anyone have experience of doing the Visa run? I'm presuming it's fairly straightforward (Internet tells me so)

How easy is it to rent a car? We are ok whilst in the hotel (right next to a metro station) but initial plan is to move our to a villa somewhere (we have a dog, so need a garden) So will need something temporarily until I've found a job and got a visa.

Any tips / recommendations on things to do in the first few weeks would be great?