A ‘living in Dubai’ question
Discussion
TheHighlander said:
Myself, wife and the 2 girls are in the process of relocating (Girls are 2 1/2 and 19 months)
I have an interview and meeting with another company so flying out with the family in a couple of weeks for them, going to stay 10 days I think the wife has booked (She owns her own Travel Agency which is handy).
The wife wants to check out a couple of schools and locations for living - She likes DAMAC hills, Arabian ranches etc prices seem to vary but that's for the next stage.
I'm currently a General Manager for an Engineering Supply company and I was Business Development Manager for 10 years previous - I have also been put in touch with 2 different oil and gas companies (Scottish Owners) who are also going to try and give me a helping hand which is great.
We are in no rush so just taking our time for me to find the right role.
We've experience the brutal heat and rain the middle east has to offer and it has not put us off at all.
The south of the city, I have found, is more pleasant. I have an interview and meeting with another company so flying out with the family in a couple of weeks for them, going to stay 10 days I think the wife has booked (She owns her own Travel Agency which is handy).
The wife wants to check out a couple of schools and locations for living - She likes DAMAC hills, Arabian ranches etc prices seem to vary but that's for the next stage.
I'm currently a General Manager for an Engineering Supply company and I was Business Development Manager for 10 years previous - I have also been put in touch with 2 different oil and gas companies (Scottish Owners) who are also going to try and give me a helping hand which is great.
We are in no rush so just taking our time for me to find the right role.
We've experience the brutal heat and rain the middle east has to offer and it has not put us off at all.
Edited by TheHighlander on Friday 31st March 13:42
Where exactly will your workplace be? I work in Dubai and places like Arabian Ranches may be nice in pictures but for amenities and road connections they pretty duff! Many simple things require a car journey and we take things like a simple three-point turn or turning left or right at a T-junction for granted. It can sometimes mean a massive trek or detour just to go to somewhere right before your eyes.
Damac Hills is better connected but again, little by way of amenities. You've got a Viva supermarket there (akin to Lidl/Aldi!) but you're at the bottom end of Hessa Street where the traffic is a bit calmer.
There are a number of factors to consider but often by then it'll be too late!
Sports City, where I have been living, is the best compromise for more or less everything IMO (road connections, nearby amenities, very low traffic, only one set of traffic lights - yes, because traffic lights can drive you potty here - peace and quiet etc).
It has a gated albeit segregated community called called Victory Heights if you'd prefer that and there are a few schools within Sports City, one of which being the Royal Grammar School.
I'd also consider Barsha South. Just don't live in Jumeirah Village Circle, that's all I can say!
shirt said:
TheHighlander said:
We've experience the brutal heat and rain the middle east has to offer and it has not put us off at all.
aye but have you lived through the great waitrose yorkshire tea shortage? Luckily whenever I'm in Waitrose or Spinneys I remember I'm supposed to be embracing different products so try and avoid the home comforts that were never home comforts (like Mr Kipling Bakewell tarts at 35 dirhams). Sorry, just on that point, for anyone considering a move, food prices and inflation have on the whole stayed relatively stable and affordable.
captain.scarlet said:
The south of the city, I have found, is more pleasant.
Where exactly will your workplace be? I work in Dubai and places like Arabian Ranches may be nice in pictures but for amenities and road connections they pretty duff! Many simple things require a car journey and we take things like a simple three-point turn or turning left or right at a T-junction for granted. It can sometimes mean a massive trek or detour just to go to somewhere right before your eyes.
Damac Hills is better connected but again, little by way of amenities. You've got a Viva supermarket there (akin to Lidl/Aldi!) but you're at the bottom end of Hessa Street where the traffic is a bit calmer.
There are a number of factors to consider but often by then it'll be too late!
Sports City, where I have been living, is the best compromise for more or less everything IMO (road connections, nearby amenities, very low traffic, only one set of traffic lights - yes, because traffic lights can drive you potty here - peace and quiet etc).
It has a gated albeit segregated community called called Victory Heights if you'd prefer that and there are a few schools within Sports City, one of which being the Royal Grammar School.
I'd also consider Barsha South. Just don't live in Jumeirah Village Circle, that's all I can say!
No job as of yet. I am out in a few weeks and have a couple of meetings set up. Where exactly will your workplace be? I work in Dubai and places like Arabian Ranches may be nice in pictures but for amenities and road connections they pretty duff! Many simple things require a car journey and we take things like a simple three-point turn or turning left or right at a T-junction for granted. It can sometimes mean a massive trek or detour just to go to somewhere right before your eyes.
Damac Hills is better connected but again, little by way of amenities. You've got a Viva supermarket there (akin to Lidl/Aldi!) but you're at the bottom end of Hessa Street where the traffic is a bit calmer.
There are a number of factors to consider but often by then it'll be too late!
Sports City, where I have been living, is the best compromise for more or less everything IMO (road connections, nearby amenities, very low traffic, only one set of traffic lights - yes, because traffic lights can drive you potty here - peace and quiet etc).
It has a gated albeit segregated community called called Victory Heights if you'd prefer that and there are a few schools within Sports City, one of which being the Royal Grammar School.
I'd also consider Barsha South. Just don't live in Jumeirah Village Circle, that's all I can say!
I have a couple of individuals trying to give me a hand up (friends of friends) who own companies in Dubai which is nice.
I am in no crazy rush but would prefer sooner rather than later.
The wife mentioned Sports City as well. She is now visiting a few schools when we are out there.
Exciting times.
TheHighlander said:
Just a wee update.
Any interview tips for Dubai? Is it any different to the UK?
I now have 3 interviews lined up and another 2 meetings with CEOs/MDs of engineering companies in the same line of business I am.
The usual suit/shirt/shoes - or do I go full kilt (just kidding)
I think it depends on who will be interviewing you.Any interview tips for Dubai? Is it any different to the UK?
I now have 3 interviews lined up and another 2 meetings with CEOs/MDs of engineering companies in the same line of business I am.
The usual suit/shirt/shoes - or do I go full kilt (just kidding)
There is a propensity at a lot of places to stick to traditional formal attire in the workplace (it'll become apparent once you start what the dresscode is though).
I would also be prepared for the inevitable question of 'why the UAE/Dubai?'
A question to which there's no definitive answer. Perhaps do a bit of background research on Emiratisation and the UAE wanting to become a regional trade/power hub and wanting to be a part of that at such an exciting time etc...
Following on from that: 'how committed are you to the country / region?'
I.e. short term until you find a better paid job paying crazy money in somewhere like Saudi Arabia or Oman, or decide the BVI or Caymans have more to offer, or simply decide that you'd rather return back to the UK? OR long term (a good ten years at least or never want to leave). They'll want to make sure their visa expenditure isn't in vain!
Good luck!
Me again.
So one of my meetings has been changed from the office of the company to a location of my choice ( 3 cafes by the looks of it) it’s with the MD of the company? Does this mean anything or am I being paranoid.
I’ve got a few more lined up now, meetings but they know what my intentions are as they have my cover letter. Fingers crossed.
So one of my meetings has been changed from the office of the company to a location of my choice ( 3 cafes by the looks of it) it’s with the MD of the company? Does this mean anything or am I being paranoid.
I’ve got a few more lined up now, meetings but they know what my intentions are as they have my cover letter. Fingers crossed.
Maybe maybe not.
Our office is in a customs zone, it’s just easier to interview people outside of it. Dubai can be very casual and before teams came along having meetings in cafes was not uncommon.
That said, I’d want to see their office if possible just so you can more of a feel for what they’re about.
Our office is in a customs zone, it’s just easier to interview people outside of it. Dubai can be very casual and before teams came along having meetings in cafes was not uncommon.
That said, I’d want to see their office if possible just so you can more of a feel for what they’re about.
Which cafes are they and where are they located?
Could be just an ice breaker. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Go with the flow and give it your best shot.
I've had a few coffee interviews/meetings both in the UK and in Dubai.
They are less stuffy than formal interviews - no need for the usual sitting in the waiting area with the receptionist, trying to not look awkward and all that malarkey:
"Hi I've got...J...J... (chortle) sorry remind me, what was your name again? Ah yeah, Joe Bloggs in reception for his interview... okay I'll let him know you'll be about 30 minutes late. Okay thank you... he's running a bit late. He won't be too long. Can I get you a drink at all? A cup of [Tetley one cup] tea or a [Maxwell House]coffee? Yeah the bathroom? Just down that corridor on your left."
Could be just an ice breaker. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Go with the flow and give it your best shot.
I've had a few coffee interviews/meetings both in the UK and in Dubai.
They are less stuffy than formal interviews - no need for the usual sitting in the waiting area with the receptionist, trying to not look awkward and all that malarkey:
"Hi I've got...J...J... (chortle) sorry remind me, what was your name again? Ah yeah, Joe Bloggs in reception for his interview... okay I'll let him know you'll be about 30 minutes late. Okay thank you... he's running a bit late. He won't be too long. Can I get you a drink at all? A cup of [Tetley one cup] tea or a [Maxwell House]coffee? Yeah the bathroom? Just down that corridor on your left."
shirt said:
Engineering co offices inside jafza is likely akin to a 1970s council hovel, I know ours is. Trying not to put you off on first impressions.
Are you applying direct or via an agent? Asking as I’m Jon hunting myself.
All the interviews I have managed to get have been direct. I've not bothered with agencies as I got a sense that they faffed around from the couple I did speak to. Are you applying direct or via an agent? Asking as I’m Jon hunting myself.
The companies I have the interviews with seem to have lovely if they're websites are anything to go by.
captain.scarlet said:
There is a propensity at a lot of places to stick to traditional formal attire in the workplace
not in engineering. even the 'dubai uniform' of chinos, rolled shirt sleeves and tan brogues is only for special occasions. our office dress code is 'no shorts or flip flops'. shirt said:
not in engineering. even the 'dubai uniform' of chinos, rolled shirt sleeves and tan brogues is only for special occasions. our office dress code is 'no shorts or flip flops'.
I've managed to pick up another meeting today via Linkedin. Flying out tomorrow, looking forward to all of these meetings, I will keep my fingers crossed.
If it doesn't work out it's back to the drawing board.
TheHighlander said:
I've managed to pick up another meeting today via Linkedin.
Flying out tomorrow, looking forward to all of these meetings, I will keep my fingers crossed.
If it doesn't work out it's back to the drawing board.
What sort of engineering are you in? I'm in aero and was put forward for a job with a company in the defence area - this was in March. I'm told they're still considering it, and Ramadan slows things down, again, just wondering if this is normal?Flying out tomorrow, looking forward to all of these meetings, I will keep my fingers crossed.
If it doesn't work out it's back to the drawing board.
So I’ve not update this again.
So had my interviews and have received 2 offers.
One was an Indian company and like someone said it was like stepping back in time, lovely guys but not for me. Salary was horrific.
There’s a UK company I’m in talks with, met the owner in Dubai, I flew to their HQ in London on Friday, I’ve got an offer in principal as such, I’ve requested some amendments and we are having a discussion Tuesday, if we can both agree it’s go time they said an official offer will be with me next day.
Salary seems fair with nice benefits just a couple of bits I need reconfirmed (owner was in meetings all day in Dibai when I was in London)
All sounding positive.
So had my interviews and have received 2 offers.
One was an Indian company and like someone said it was like stepping back in time, lovely guys but not for me. Salary was horrific.
There’s a UK company I’m in talks with, met the owner in Dubai, I flew to their HQ in London on Friday, I’ve got an offer in principal as such, I’ve requested some amendments and we are having a discussion Tuesday, if we can both agree it’s go time they said an official offer will be with me next day.
Salary seems fair with nice benefits just a couple of bits I need reconfirmed (owner was in meetings all day in Dibai when I was in London)
All sounding positive.
Sounds good mate. Congratulations!
Have you haggled enough on the salary?
Also what is your health insurance package looking like?
Any other benefits you're keen they include?
You receive salary all as one lump sum but they basically break it down into allocated parts.
You've done well to overcome the first hurdle as there's always a preference for people who are already 'on the ground', given being on the ground typically makes it easier to move into a new job.
It's an interesting situation to think of yourself in: technically in the UK you're mostly competing against others from the same country, but despite that it is seemingly easier, whereas out in the Middle East you're competing against loads of other nationalities from other countries. Fiercely competitive.
I'd start looking at properties for rent on bayuut.com and propertyfinder.ae in the meantime.
Dubizzle is a good starting point to check the used car market if you're planning on buying one (beware, as with anywhere there are listing scams). Also check opensooq for used cars.
Used cars are amazingly cheap in the UAE compared to other countries but there are still people and companies charging more than what the car is reasonably worth.
Have you haggled enough on the salary?
Also what is your health insurance package looking like?
Any other benefits you're keen they include?
You receive salary all as one lump sum but they basically break it down into allocated parts.
You've done well to overcome the first hurdle as there's always a preference for people who are already 'on the ground', given being on the ground typically makes it easier to move into a new job.
It's an interesting situation to think of yourself in: technically in the UK you're mostly competing against others from the same country, but despite that it is seemingly easier, whereas out in the Middle East you're competing against loads of other nationalities from other countries. Fiercely competitive.
I'd start looking at properties for rent on bayuut.com and propertyfinder.ae in the meantime.
Dubizzle is a good starting point to check the used car market if you're planning on buying one (beware, as with anywhere there are listing scams). Also check opensooq for used cars.
Used cars are amazingly cheap in the UAE compared to other countries but there are still people and companies charging more than what the car is reasonably worth.
Another coming to Dubai. Firm I am contracting for in Delhi have offered me perm role in Dubai, office in DAFZA. I’ll be out of the country I would guess 30% of the time, am coming with no dependents.
Any recommendations for areas with easy commute to DAFZA/ airport? Will need ‘lock up and leave’ flat. Office allows 50% work from home when in Dubai. Al Qusais?
It’s a reputable MNC, so health insurance etc are all good.
Any recommendations for areas with easy commute to DAFZA/ airport? Will need ‘lock up and leave’ flat. Office allows 50% work from home when in Dubai. Al Qusais?
It’s a reputable MNC, so health insurance etc are all good.
living in al qusais. lol, no.
bear in mind prices are purely ridiculous at the moment and housing allowances are not maintaining pace. bargain hard.
for an apartment at reasonable money i'd look at sobha hartland. friend lives there [sonha hartland greens]. high quality but a developing area, not many bars/restaurants etc. hence cheap, but it is very nice, landscaped and handy for the airport/downtown.
depending how many days per week you need to be in the office, i'd be tempted to live up in ras al khaimah. much cheaper, more relaxed and a 45-60min commute if timed right. a lot of self employed folk i know have moved up there, you could live very well indeed.
best site for browsing is propertyfinder.ae
bear in mind prices are purely ridiculous at the moment and housing allowances are not maintaining pace. bargain hard.
for an apartment at reasonable money i'd look at sobha hartland. friend lives there [sonha hartland greens]. high quality but a developing area, not many bars/restaurants etc. hence cheap, but it is very nice, landscaped and handy for the airport/downtown.
depending how many days per week you need to be in the office, i'd be tempted to live up in ras al khaimah. much cheaper, more relaxed and a 45-60min commute if timed right. a lot of self employed folk i know have moved up there, you could live very well indeed.
best site for browsing is propertyfinder.ae
Edited by shirt on Tuesday 8th August 10:56
The guy's on his own and he's being suggested RAK...the lonely drive up and down the E611.
We do need more info though. Somewhere quiet or with hustle and bustle? Decent but affordable eateries nearby?
Personally I would suggest Jaddaf (Dubai Creek) if you want to be close to work. It is fairly quiet, relatively affordable and modern.
You may find that initially be driving to work more often. Jaddaf is pretty handy for that and has large supermarkets a 'short' drive away.
Alternatively, Silicone Oasis is pretty good.
There are some other great areas the further south in Dubai you go, but you'd be increasing your journey time/distance.
If you can, avoid anything along the E11 as you'll rack up a lot in toll booth charges. An extra expense and faff you could do without.
Mirdif is also a nearby decent area with its own shopping centre.
We do need more info though. Somewhere quiet or with hustle and bustle? Decent but affordable eateries nearby?
Personally I would suggest Jaddaf (Dubai Creek) if you want to be close to work. It is fairly quiet, relatively affordable and modern.
You may find that initially be driving to work more often. Jaddaf is pretty handy for that and has large supermarkets a 'short' drive away.
Alternatively, Silicone Oasis is pretty good.
There are some other great areas the further south in Dubai you go, but you'd be increasing your journey time/distance.
If you can, avoid anything along the E11 as you'll rack up a lot in toll booth charges. An extra expense and faff you could do without.
Mirdif is also a nearby decent area with its own shopping centre.
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