Working and living in Dubai... your experiences please!
Discussion
I've been working for myself for a while now - it was totally unplanned, but its been great, however I do occasionally get those 'is the grass greener over there thoughts'...
Today, pretty much out of the blue an employment agency called, having seen my work online, and asked if I would be interested in a fulltime job in Dubai.
Its a place I've always wanted to see, but on the scale of things, this would be a massive upheaval for me - although the timing could be perfect, I have no dependents and few attachments here. Although it would mean closing my own little business down and going back to a full time office job over there.
I'm fairly well traveled, open minded to other cultures and have only heard good things about Dubai. Can anyone add any first hand experiences of a similar situation?
Today, pretty much out of the blue an employment agency called, having seen my work online, and asked if I would be interested in a fulltime job in Dubai.
Its a place I've always wanted to see, but on the scale of things, this would be a massive upheaval for me - although the timing could be perfect, I have no dependents and few attachments here. Although it would mean closing my own little business down and going back to a full time office job over there.
I'm fairly well traveled, open minded to other cultures and have only heard good things about Dubai. Can anyone add any first hand experiences of a similar situation?
Last I heard, everyone was leaving Dubai in droves. Cost of living there is extremely high. It's not somewhere I'd plan on staying too long.
Any greener grass over there will probably smell of sewer water and the middle east is generally a part of the world where you'll have to be very open to their culture but also very willing to put your own aside while in public.
If the money outweighs the cost of living and you have an escape plan, go for it.
Any greener grass over there will probably smell of sewer water and the middle east is generally a part of the world where you'll have to be very open to their culture but also very willing to put your own aside while in public.
If the money outweighs the cost of living and you have an escape plan, go for it.
Try posting in the Middle East forum.
There are lots of positives. BUT there are quite a few negatives too - depends if you can turn a blind eye to some things, manage others etc. The biggest issue you will 'see' straight away will probably be the heat at this time of year. All the rich Arabs spend the summer in London/the home counties.
There are lots of positives. BUT there are quite a few negatives too - depends if you can turn a blind eye to some things, manage others etc. The biggest issue you will 'see' straight away will probably be the heat at this time of year. All the rich Arabs spend the summer in London/the home counties.
Thanks all!
I'll do a bit more homework and reading on it tonight, especially the blogs.
And no, money doesnt really come into it for me (silly as that might sound) I just love my work... and having work to do! I've always kept and eye on my area of work in the middle east and was often in ore of the money and glitz that was thrown at projects... projects that over here have been cut to a shoe string budget. Hence why I was blown over by the phone call.
If it was a 6 month contract, I would jump at the prospect. But I would have to kiss my own client base goodbye here as this is a permanent role being offered.
I'll do a bit more homework and reading on it tonight, especially the blogs.
And no, money doesnt really come into it for me (silly as that might sound) I just love my work... and having work to do! I've always kept and eye on my area of work in the middle east and was often in ore of the money and glitz that was thrown at projects... projects that over here have been cut to a shoe string budget. Hence why I was blown over by the phone call.
If it was a 6 month contract, I would jump at the prospect. But I would have to kiss my own client base goodbye here as this is a permanent role being offered.
t84 said:
There's a guy on b3ta that worked in Dubai for a while and wrote a blog about it, I cant remember his name now but from reading it I wouldn't touch Dubai with a barge pole.
I think his username was 'spimf'.
As soon as I read the title I thought of the same guy - having read his account I wouldn't dream of working there.I think his username was 'spimf'.
ETA: His blog post is here.. http://ominousdubai.blogspot.com/2009/06/burned-in...
Also worth reading...http://adnationme.com/news/advertising-news/blogs-out-scheming-agencies.html
I have absolutely no idea if its true, but I see no reason why it wouldn't be. I appreciate its just one side of the story.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 28th June 19:30
It really depends on what you like. I've been here since Nov last year, and I have good days and bad. Whenever you want anything done, it's a nightmare. Everyone appears to be an idiot, and common sence is non-existant. Municipality (government) departments are clueless, and you will be told completely different thigns form people sitting next to each other. You need the patience of a saint, which is why Mrs C does evertything. I'd be inside by now.
Positives. There are loads. There is alot to do here, it's not just the flash hotels. Contrary to popular belief there are loads of places you can drink and alcohol is easily available. They just do not tolerate being a lout in public. Not a bad thing. You can Ski, go 2 up in an F1 car (albeit up the road in AD) track your car/bike, and all the usual holiday stuffs, diving, boats, planes, helicopters etc, etc.
The beaches are fantastic and the water is always warm. Given the time of year it's starting to get hot. I don't think it drops below 30 anymore, and is in the early 30's 07:00. Thing is, it's the humidity that's the worst...66% this morning and I understand it get's right up to the max.
However, I would say the most important thing is, you'll need the help and support of the company you will be working for. If they arrange all of your visa's accommodation etc, it'll be a breeze. Doing it all yourself and you'll have a hearty.
Personally, I intend to stay here for a while. It's not worth the upheaval for 3 or 6 months...it'll take you that to sort out a mobile phone!
As someone else suggested, pop over to the Middle East forum...lots of very helpful people on there.
Positives. There are loads. There is alot to do here, it's not just the flash hotels. Contrary to popular belief there are loads of places you can drink and alcohol is easily available. They just do not tolerate being a lout in public. Not a bad thing. You can Ski, go 2 up in an F1 car (albeit up the road in AD) track your car/bike, and all the usual holiday stuffs, diving, boats, planes, helicopters etc, etc.
The beaches are fantastic and the water is always warm. Given the time of year it's starting to get hot. I don't think it drops below 30 anymore, and is in the early 30's 07:00. Thing is, it's the humidity that's the worst...66% this morning and I understand it get's right up to the max.
However, I would say the most important thing is, you'll need the help and support of the company you will be working for. If they arrange all of your visa's accommodation etc, it'll be a breeze. Doing it all yourself and you'll have a hearty.
Personally, I intend to stay here for a while. It's not worth the upheaval for 3 or 6 months...it'll take you that to sort out a mobile phone!
As someone else suggested, pop over to the Middle East forum...lots of very helpful people on there.
get to the middle east forum, plenty of PH regulars over there that are long term residents in the Emirates. Cars also cost bobbins, and from my experiance, if you are open minded and reasonably worldly wise, then you can do most everything same as in england.
Its Saudi that is the less tolerant country out there, and teh booze solution is Bathtub Gin
Chilli said:
I don't think it drops below 30 anymore, and is in the early 30's 07:00. Thing is, it's the humidity that's the worst...66% this morning and I understand it get's right up to the max.
Pah, not even trying on the humidity ... and a bracing cool day for us starts at 30c!!! 
Nyphur said:
t84 said:
There's a guy on b3ta that worked in Dubai for a while and wrote a blog about it, I cant remember his name now but from reading it I wouldn't touch Dubai with a barge pole.
I think his username was 'spimf'.
As soon as I read the title I thought of the same guy - having read his account I wouldn't dream of working there.I think his username was 'spimf'.
ETA: His blog post is here.. http://ominousdubai.blogspot.com/2009/06/burned-in...
Also worth reading...http://adnationme.com/news/advertising-news/blogs-out-scheming-agencies.html
I have absolutely no idea if its true, but I see no reason why it wouldn't be. I appreciate its just one side of the story.
Edited by Nyphur on Monday 28th June 19:30
d employer than the fault of Dubai. TBH, once you leave the European Socialist State's most countries have very similar rules on employment, work permits etc. OK the "debt" thing is a unique one of the Emirates, but the issues that this poor guy has is more to do with his employer and perhaps some naivety.
I've lived in Abu Dhabi, Qatar & Saudi.
If you go expecting it to be England by the Gulf you will be disappointed. If you go without doing your homework on costs or sorting out clearly with the employer who does what...you will be disappointed. If you go expecting the same employment rights....you will be disappointed.
However if you understand all this, it is possible to have a great time & it can be a great place to live. The heat will always get oppressive during the summer. If you use a bit of common sense you will have no problems with the culture, etc..
If you go expecting it to be England by the Gulf you will be disappointed. If you go without doing your homework on costs or sorting out clearly with the employer who does what...you will be disappointed. If you go expecting the same employment rights....you will be disappointed.
However if you understand all this, it is possible to have a great time & it can be a great place to live. The heat will always get oppressive during the summer. If you use a bit of common sense you will have no problems with the culture, etc..
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