moving to dubai... need information... :?

[tmoyin]

Hello Fellow Canucks,

Presently I am in Ottawa, I have been pursuing a permanent job in Dubai as a IT manager. I would really appreciate if anyone could provide me information on living expenses. I realize that it depends on individuals however a general idea would be helpful.

First off what would be a general salary range for an IT manager with 8 yrs of experience?
I have heard some horror stories then some good ones too about jobs in Dubai. I heard that once you are in Dubai, the employer can change the terms and condition whenever they want. So what are the working conditions in Dubai in the corporate world? Is it similar to Canada or a lot different? What are the key points that I should keep in mind to negotiate the salary & benefits with a UAE based employer?

Currently I live in the west end of Ottawa in a 2 bdrm apt. which is pretty well maintained Minto apt. building in a nice neighbourhood. I would like have similar accommodation in Dubai or as well. So obviously question arises, how much are the rents? What are the typical living expenses for 2 person?

I am not sure if the company offers any transportation. So if they do not then should I choose to buy a car, preferably a late model Honda/Nissan, how much would they might cost.

Also I was looking for healthcare insurance information. Are they typically provided by the company or I have to buy it?

Then of course, approximately how many Canadians are living in Dubai, is there a specific part of the city where are the most number of the Canadian? Is there a Canadian club there where I would be able to kick back, drink beer & watch a hockey game?

Last but not least, Can I get Molson beer in Dubai? How much would a bottle of beer cost?

I would really appreciate if you guys can help me out with the information. Thanks in advance & hope meet you all in Dubai soon.
Take care.

T

[mido]

Hey
You wanna know somehting funny? I just found this website and I registered just to reply to you to help you out. hope my reply is still valuable to you

Regarding your 8 yrs of experience and looking for a position as IT manager.most of the jobs here and companies are profit making companies. so most of the job here are business development jobs ie SALES. make money. there are IT manager of course, but not a lot. you have to be lucky.

Regarding your 8 yrs of experience and how much you should expect. well it really depends on your luck, the company you're working for ( local, private-multinational, government) Normall local private companies pay the least ( unless they're like huge real estate companies or invesment companies) and multinational companies as well as government pay a lot depending on how you present yourself and your luck. Also depending on your marital status, number of kids, and many things, you could be looking at anything from 15,000 derhams to 40,000 derhams ( $1 = 3.2 Derhams)

There are some horror stories and some good stories, you have to be smart, and you have to know what you're getting. Make sure it is all on paper, don't ake promises for vital things.
Working here is hard, long hours, pressure, and everyhitng, however, you do enjoy your weekends, the money is good, and it is a very luxerious and safe country. You can not complain if you are makin good money.

Two of the major problems in Dubai are rent and traffic. Make sure you live near your work place, traffic is just horrible, especially if you decide to live in Sharjah (an emirats beside dubai, cheap rent) or in Deira ( an old area in dubai where rent is cheap) You will be saving around 10-30% of the rent, which runs at an average of 120,000 - 140,000 derham per year right now Feb 2007, normally paid in 1 or 2 checks, so you have to make sure your company is going to pay that for you as soon as you join. However, buildings are very nice, normally have a pool, gym, garage, 24/7 security, and everyhting.

Regarding transportation, normally you will get a package that will include a basic salary, rent allowance, transportation allowance, and a full health insurance, or at least you should make you are getting these. Good companies will also provide you with at least 1 annual ticket for you and your wife if you are married to go back home for vacation. Vacation days are 30 working days per year, not counting weekends.

A new 2007 honda or nissan or this level of japanese cars will cost around 50,000 - 80,000 derhams, depending on the model, size, and extras. Normally you do not need a downpayment or anythign too difficult to buy a car. Buying a car in Dubai is one of hte easiest things. However, it is not uncommon to be asked to sign and submit checks for each month of your loan ( e.g. 48 checks signed for a 4 yr loan)

A club for Canadians? If you know one tell me, I would be interested. I have been here for 14 months now, but too damn busy with work.

No molsons here, but everyhting else is available, and everywhere, however a bottle of corona would cost anywhere between $6 - $9 depending on the place. Always load yur cart when you're at Duty free arriving in Dubai. A bottle of vodka from the duty free is $14 and a 6 can heinken is $5 i think, you stop counting after you live here a bit, if it's not too much, grab it.

Conclusion, life here is beautiful, veyr fast paced, very expensive, but the people are nice,a mix of cultures, local are nice people, everyone minds his own business, very similar to Canada, but everyone here got money and a job.

[tmoyin]

Hey
You wanna know somehting funny? I just found this website and I registered just to reply to you to help you out. hope my reply is still valuable to you

Regarding your 8 yrs of experience and looking for a position as IT manager.most of the jobs here and companies are profit making companies. so most of the job here are business development jobs ie SALES. make money. there are IT manager of course, but not a lot. you have to be lucky.

Regarding your 8 yrs of experience and how much you should expect. well it really depends on your luck, the company you're working for ( local, private-multinational, government) Normall local private companies pay the least ( unless they're like huge real estate companies or invesment companies) and multinational companies as well as government pay a lot depending on how you present yourself and your luck. Also depending on your marital status, number of kids, and many things, you could be looking at anything from 15,000 derhams to 40,000 derhams ( $1 = 3.2 Derhams)

There are some horror stories and some good stories, you have to be smart, and you have to know what you're getting. Make sure it is all on paper, don't ake promises for vital things.
Working here is hard, long hours, pressure, and everyhitng, however, you do enjoy your weekends, the money is good, and it is a very luxerious and safe country. You can not complain if you are makin good money.

Two of the major problems in Dubai are rent and traffic. Make sure you live near your work place, traffic is just horrible, especially if you decide to live in Sharjah (an emirats beside dubai, cheap rent) or in Deira ( an old area in dubai where rent is cheap) You will be saving around 10-30% of the rent, which runs at an average of 120,000 - 140,000 derham per year right now Feb 2007, normally paid in 1 or 2 checks, so you have to make sure your company is going to pay that for you as soon as you join. However, buildings are very nice, normally have a pool, gym, garage, 24/7 security, and everyhting.

Regarding transportation, normally you will get a package that will include a basic salary, rent allowance, transportation allowance, and a full health insurance, or at least you should make you are getting these. Good companies will also provide you with at least 1 annual ticket for you and your wife if you are married to go back home for vacation. Vacation days are 30 working days per year, not counting weekends.

A new 2007 honda or nissan or this level of japanese cars will cost around 50,000 - 80,000 derhams, depending on the model, size, and extras. Normally you do not need a downpayment or anythign too difficult to buy a car. Buying a car in Dubai is one of hte easiest things. However, it is not uncommon to be asked to sign and submit checks for each month of your loan ( e.g. 48 checks signed for a 4 yr loan)

A club for Canadians? If you know one tell me, I would be interested. I have been here for 14 months now, but too damn busy with work.

No molsons here, but everyhting else is available, and everywhere, however a bottle of corona would cost anywhere between $6 - $9 depending on the place. Always load yur cart when you're at Duty free arriving in Dubai. A bottle of vodka from the duty free is $14 and a 6 can heinken is $5 i think, you stop counting after you live here a bit, if it's not too much, grab it.

Conclusion, life here is beautiful, veyr fast paced, very expensive, but the people are nice,a mix of cultures, local are nice people, everyone minds his own business, very similar to Canada, but everyone here got money and a job.

Hey Buddy,
1st of all I apologise for being a prick & taking so long to reply. anyways I just wanted to give you an quick update. I got an job offer from one of the local company and planing to be in Dubai with in next next 3 weeks. may I add you to my MSN messenger ? and also please feel free to let me know if you need anything from canada . molson maybe

[Lutfi]

Hi there,

All depends on your employer and his level of professionalism.

Following are the main topics:
1- You salary should not be less than $7000-$8000 + accommodation housing+ plus transportation
2- 30 Days Vacation / Year
3- Tickets for you,your wife and at least two kids
4- Medical insurance should be there for you and your family

you can visit h t t p : / / w w w . z u . a c . a e / l i b r a r y / h t m l / U A E I n f o / d o c u m e n t s / U A E L a b o u r L a w . p d f
for more info

Good luck

[tmoyin]

Hi Lufti,
I have been offered AED 38000 Per month, that includes accommodation housing+ plus transportation, 30 Days Vacation / Year, Tickets for me wife and kids, Medical insurance. Any suggestions?

[DMX33]

Hi There,
i have been trying to land a job in Dubai for the last couple of years. but it was difficult applying for jobs as they wanted to face to face interviews and i am in Toronto.

can you please let me know what resources you used to land your job? did you use a recruiter? If so, can you post their contact info as well?i have tried the dubai job sites operating from Canada and they all ended up as a waste of time.


Also to my fellow canucks living in the desert, if you could let me know what would be the best way to pursue a job over there, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Doug