Live and work in Dubai opportunity

StereoSound

Have an opportunity to go work in Dubai. Been offered a Job there with an IT company which will give me a secure future. It's a big move and I'm not sure I'm brave enough to leave my Homeland to go work in such a place. The heat alone is a turn off and the laws over there are a little nerving. It's not a free democracy, you could easily be locked up if you ever couldn't pay your bills on time. You could thrive there if you had the skills and the heart for it, could be quite the opposite if your not careful. Human rights are Abit hairy there to. I guess it's normal to hear about all the negatives and I should be more positive about it. I would love to do it....

I have a good job here in Ireland but I could earn significantly more if I took this job in Duabi. It's double what I currently earn here and that's just the beginning... Big decision! . I'm pretty much free as a bird here and some will say I'll regret if I I don't go for it.. Fear of the unknown is stopping me. Completely different world over there, and who knows if some sort of arab spring type situation might extend to UAE?

bren2002

Way over thinking it.
Go for it.

riffmongous

The human rights situation puts me off

Wanderer78

StereoSound wrote: »

Have an opportunity to go work in Dubai. Been offered a Job there with an IT company which will give me a secure future. It's a big move and I'm not sure I'm brave enough to leave my Homeland to go work in such a place. The heat alone is a turn off and the laws over there are a little nerving. It's not a free democracy, you could easily be locked up if you ever couldn't pay your bills on time. You could thrive there if you had the skills and the heart for it, could be quite the opposite if your not careful. Human rights are Abit hairy there to. I guess it's normal to hear about all the negatives and I should be more positive about it. I would love to do it....

I have a good job here in Ireland but I could earn significantly more if I took this job in Duabi. It's double what I currently earn here and that's just the beginning... Big decision! . I'm pretty much free as a bird here and some will say I'll regret if I I don't go for it.. Fear of the unknown is stopping me. Completely different world over there, and who knows if some sort of arab spring type situation might extend to UAE?

There's no such thing as 'free democracy' or 'freedom' for that matter, drive on, a great experience I'd imagine

topmanamillion

The most important thing I took from your post was when you said you would love to do it.
There's a lot of hyperbole about Arab springs and the likes in your post.
As for being locked up for not paying your bills. People are in jail here for not paying their TV licences.
Sounds like a great opurtunity and something you want to do.

Some questions you should ask is, is your accommodation subsidised or even paid for?
Rent is paid in one or two lump sums over there so you may need help with this.
Also most accommodation comes unfurnished. Again, another bill to think about.
From looking at some opportunities recently in Dubai myself, I was told to write off the first year in terms of saving money as there are alot of start up costs.
Particularly if accommodation and flight costs are left entirely up to you.

whiskeyman

If you've no commitments here, go for it.
I'm sure there's plenty of Irish there already and meet ups etc...
Super experience and the money is a massive draw of course. It could really make your future.
Congrats on the offer and best of luck!

Franz Von Peppercorn

topmanamillion wrote: »

The most important thing I took from your post was when you said you would love to do it.
There's a lot of hyperbole about Arab springs and the likes in your post.
As for being locked up for not paying your bills. People are in jail here for not paying their TV licences.
Sounds like a great opurtunity and something you want to do.

If in jail you mean taken to jail and then released yeh.

It’s a fairly free middle eastern/Arab state but it’s still an Islamic State with Islamic law. Lots of people going or even living there don’t realise that.

BohsCeltic

StereoSound wrote: »

Have an opportunity to go work in Dubai. Been offered a Job there with an IT company which will give me a secure future. It's a big move and I'm not sure I'm brave enough to leave my Homeland to go work in such a place. The heat alone is a turn off and the laws over there are a little nerving. It's not a free democracy, you could easily be locked up if you ever couldn't pay your bills on time. You could thrive there if you had the skills and the heart for it, could be quite the opposite if your not careful. Human rights are Abit hairy there to. I guess it's normal to hear about all the negatives and I should be more positive about it. I would love to do it....

I have a good job here in Ireland but I could earn significantly more if I took this job in Duabi. It's double what I currently earn here and that's just the beginning... Big decision! . I'm pretty much free as a bird here and some will say I'll regret if I I don't go for it.. Fear of the unknown is stopping me. Completely different world over there, and who knows if some sort of arab spring type situation might extend to UAE?

I'm in a similar situation but my job offer is in Thailand.
I don't have any kids but have close family and friends here.
The money is less than what I would be earning in Ireland but could have a really comfortable life as it's much cheaper over there and I've worked everything out and it's probably the same as earning 5k a month in Ireland.

It's a really tough call to make.

gooseygander

I have been to Dubai on holiday with family and it is a crime free paradise. DO IT or you WILL regret it. It has everything and is like a the most advanced western city in some respects and has the Arabic culture in the old part of the city. Unless you are a raving alcoholic and a criminal you will have no problems there. It is a city of ex pats all who are trying to better their lives. I loved the place and would deffo recommend it. It’s a five star city I guarantee you will love. Best of luck

Nomis21

Looking back the biggest regrets we have are always about things we didn't do.

Wanderer78

BohsCeltic wrote: »

StereoSound wrote: »

Have an opportunity to go work in Dubai. Been offered a Job there with an IT company which will give me a secure future. It's a big move and I'm not sure I'm brave enough to leave my Homeland to go work in such a place. The heat alone is a turn off and the laws over there are a little nerving. It's not a free democracy, you could easily be locked up if you ever couldn't pay your bills on time. You could thrive there if you had the skills and the heart for it, could be quite the opposite if your not careful. Human rights are Abit hairy there to. I guess it's normal to hear about all the negatives and I should be more positive about it. I would love to do it....

I have a good job here in Ireland but I could earn significantly more if I took this job in Duabi. It's double what I currently earn here and that's just the beginning... Big decision! . I'm pretty much free as a bird here and some will say I'll regret if I I don't go for it.. Fear of the unknown is stopping me. Completely different world over there, and who knows if some sort of arab spring type situation might extend to UAE?

I'm in a similar situation but my job offer is in Thailand.
I don't have any kids but have close family and friends here.
The money is less than what I would be earning in Ireland but could have a really comfortable life as it's much cheaper over there and I've worked everything out and it's probably the same as earning 5k a month in Ireland.

It's a really tough call to make.

Go for it, know a chap currently doing it, having the time of his life

Halloween Jack

gooseygander wrote: »

I have been to Dubai on holiday with family and it is a crime free paradise. DO IT or you WILL regret it. It has everything and is like a the most advanced western city in some respects and has the Arabic culture in the old part of the city. Unless you are a raving alcoholic and a criminal you will have no problems there. It is a city of ex pats all who are trying to better their lives. I loved the place and would deffo recommend it. It’s a five star city I guarantee you will love. Best of luck

It is categorically not a crime free paradise. A close friend of mine was the victim of a serious violent crime there. Due to the nature of the crime she stood a good chance of being prosecuted herself for reporting it and had difficulty receiving the appropriate medical treatment.

kneemos

topmanamillion wrote: »

The most important thing I took from your post was when you said you would love to do it.
There's a lot of hyperbole about Arab springs and the likes in your post.
As for being locked up for not paying your bills. People are in jail here for not paying their TV licences.
Sounds like a great opurtunity and something you want to do.

Some questions you should ask is, is your accommodation subsidised or even paid for?
Rent is paid in one or two lump sums over there so you may need help with this.
Also most accommodation comes unfurnished. Again, another bill to think about.
From looking at some opportunities recently in Dubai myself, I was told to write off the first year in terms of saving money as there are alot of start up costs.
Particularly if accommodation and flight costs are left entirely up to you.

You go to court here for not paying your bills. Jail for not obeying a court order.

Presumably there must be some sort of adjudication out there as well,not just somebody says you owe them money and off to jail with ya.

ButtersSuki

StereoSound wrote: »

Have an opportunity to go work in Dubai. Been offered a Job there with an IT company which will give me a secure future. It's a big move and I'm not sure I'm brave enough to leave my Homeland to go work in such a place. The heat alone is a turn off and the laws over there are a little nerving. It's not a free democracy, you could easily be locked up if you ever couldn't pay your bills on time. You could thrive there if you had the skills and the heart for it, could be quite the opposite if your not careful. Human rights are Abit hairy there to. I guess it's normal to hear about all the negatives and I should be more positive about it. I would love to do it....

I have a good job here in Ireland but I could earn significantly more if I took this job in Duabi. It's double what I currently earn here and that's just the beginning... Big decision! . I'm pretty much free as a bird here and some will say I'll regret if I I don't go for it.. Fear of the unknown is stopping me. Completely different world over there, and who knows if some sort of arab spring type situation might extend to UAE?

Do it. I turned this down approx. 15 years ago. I've regretted it ever since and not in a position to go now.

Franz Von Peppercorn

Halloween Jack wrote: »

It is categorically not a crime free paradise. A close friend of mine was the victim of a serious violent crime there. Due to the nature of the crime she stood a good chance of being prosecuted herself for reporting it and had difficulty receiving the appropriate medical treatment.

Difficult place for women alright.

Franz Von Peppercorn

Legal system in the UAE.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_system_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates

Slasher

StereoSound wrote: »

and I'm not sure I'm brave enough to leave my Homeland to go work in such a place.

I don't think you are. You need to be mentally strong, tolerant, and willing to put up with things that don't really agree with you. If you want to save money out there (why else would you go?) you have to be willing to spend very little. If you go just to have a good time, you won't save any money and there's no point in that.

StereoSound wrote: »

The heat alone is a turn off

Really? well then, it's not the place for you, because, notwithstanding you will work and live in an air conditioned environment, you can't totally escape the heat, and it can get up to 48 C in the summer.

StereoSound wrote: »

Fear of the unknown is stopping me.

Yet another reason to not go.

Stay at home, work hard, advance yourself in your career, and no regrets.

cannotlogin

um.....surely you can come back if you don't like it?

I couldn't do it, holidayed there before in the psst and the hypocracy of the place together with the way they treat women is just not for me. I had to bit my tongue far too often to enjoy it.

suicide_circus

an unholy alliance of dark ages cruelty and ignorance with staggering vanity and ostentatious vulgarity.

but it will look good on the auld CV

steddyeddy

Do it for a while but in my experience it's an absolute hole of a place.

The Rape of Lucretia

Nomis21 wrote: »

Looking back the biggest regrets we have are always about things we didn't do.

Are they though ? Its still a binary decision. Go to Dubai, and the regret could equally be not staying in Ireland. I think thats just 'the grass is always greener' syndrome - looking back, you dont truy know how the route not taken would have turned out, and tend to see it as probably better than the one actually taken without any real reason to see it that way.

You need to consider both options as objectively as you can. Think what someone wise or all-knowing would ask you about your motivation, and what they think you should do.

Dubai is very alien, hostile in many ways, and very different. And from an Irish perspective, certainly a backward religious country with restricted freedom. It has few if any advantages, apart from the money. Thats why the money is good. Its a get in get out, kind of place - if it serves a financial or career stepping stone to somewhere else, then worth biting the bullet for a while. But if looking for adventure, an interesting change of scene, or somewhere intrinsically nice where settling long term is a viable option, then there are plenty of other options, and Dubai certainly isnt among them. It has a last resort vibe to it to me.

ArnoldJRimmer

Know a woman who has lived there for close to ten years and has had minimal hassle. She's not married, but has had live in boyfriends with no trouble. So while its a repressive part of the world, they're tolerant to our 'western ways'. Just don't do anything stupid like these idiots, and you'll be grand

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/dubai/3207483/British-couple-jailed-for-sex-on-Dubai-beach.html

I've been out there twice, and while its not my cup of tea, it really is a cool city. Good social scene, and not just if you're loaded. I'm a tight hoor and found plenty of reasonable places to have a pint.

BohsCeltic

BohsCeltic wrote: »

I'm in a similar situation but my job offer is in Thailand.
I don't have any kids but have close family and friends here.
The money is less than what I would be earning in Ireland but could have a really comfortable life as it's much cheaper over there and I've worked everything out and it's probably the same as earning 5k a month in Ireland.

It's a really tough call to make.

That's not really similar. Dubai is famously tough to be an expat in, especially if you're single. People making the decision have to weigh up money versus quality of life.

Whereas pretty much everyone who moves to Thailand loves it. Less money for a better quality of life.

Canis Lupus

It's a tough call.

On the one hand I always encourage leaving ones home country if you can even if just for a while. It's good to try other countries. The money in places like Dubai is supposedly great and that's definitely a big lure for sure.

On the flipside I don't think I could stomach working for an islamic country in the middle east. I don't particularly care how tolerant they can at times be. I don't think I'd ever able to feel comfortable outside of my house.

Canis Lupus

Canis Lupus wrote: »

It's a tough call.

On the one hand I always encourage leaving ones home country if you can even if just for a while. It's good to try other countries. The money in places like Dubai is supposedly great and that's definitely a big lure for sure.

On the flipside I don't think I could stomach working for an islamic country in the middle east. I don't particularly care how tolerant they can at times be. I don't think I'd ever able to feel comfortable outside of my house.

I've only been to one place with Sharia law (Banda Aceh) and it really was pretty uncomfortable. The constant staring at my girlfriend and the police blocking our path until they saw she wasn't from that area etc.

I didn't even know if I could smoke a cigarette. You doubt every action. Dubai would be better since there are so many foreigners, but it still feels pretty off.

Canis Lupus

Deleted User wrote: »

You doubt every action.

That's pretty much my line of thinking and when you're in a country that has actual lashes as a form of punishment then I'm not going to be overly comfortable.

Richard Hillman

Kip. Full of **** people

suicide_circus

once you go to such a place voluntarily I think you lose the moral authority to condemn any injustices by others

Funkfield

Ireland might have its issues but fcuk Dubai and fcuk the UAE

howdido

I live over here....you would be mad not to come over. From what you're saying you will be earning double your salary and not paying any tax on that so really you're earning 3 or 4 times your salary! Its a great life over here and everything you hear is over exaggerated.

clappyhappy

I lived there for 8 years as a Head chef and loved it. Yes it's an Islamic city but there is a huge Irish expat community there. Keep your head down, don't get into taxis drunk, don't have public displays of affection with anyone, be polite but not overly friendly with the locals, lots are CID (local police).

Things have changed a lot since we left, it's gotten really expensive, don't be fooled by the extra money you'll make, cost of living is extortionate there. Vat has been introduced recently, utility bills are high unless they are covered in your contract. Everybody eats out, so factor in food, drinks, taxis etc.

As I said I loved it, met my OH over there, first child was born there but moved home shortly after as its not a place I'd want my kids growing up in.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

KilOit

Look forward to the day the desert reclaims that abomination of a city

Jackman25

suicide_circus wrote: »

once you go to such a place voluntarily I think you lose the moral authority to condemn any injustices by others

I doubt he is planning to do much of that anyway.

If you have no big ties here OP, you should go. If you don't like it, just come home again. If you work in IT and are in demand enough that you would be sent to Dubai, then you will have no problem getting another job when you come back.
If you do like it a few years working there could make a big difference to your savings as well as experiencing a different culture, travel etc.

Spleerbun

Break the move down into smaller practical steps, ie what exact things would you need to do to wrap up here, make the move and get yourself initially set up over there. I'm talking practical like handing in job notice, notice to landlord, packing, apartment hunting over there, flights, work arrangements over there etc etc etc. Try talk to people who have made the move and ask about the prsctical realities of the move and potential pitfalls. This will help you get a better idea of the task and if you're up to it or not.

There are the cultural factors to consider then of course, but this is a good starting point to gauge your appetite for the move

Graces7

ex pats living there will be your best contacts, rather than theories here. Maybe some here on boards?

Working there does not mean any commitment to ideas, ideals, way of life. But yes a greater insight,

Ulysses Gaze

Take their money OP. As much as you can.

Otherwise they'll just spend it on Supercars, Football teams and God knows what else.

Not on helping humanity though....perish the thought.....

Badly Drunk Boy

Do it, for a while, at least! My sister worked there for 5 years as a nurse and loved it, although there were negative sides to it. It's definitely better if you're male (obviously). I visited for about 2 weeks 20 years ago, and it was fine. Definitely too hot for me (I went in early April) and that isn't close to being the hottest time of the year there.

I went with my other sister, who didn't feel comfortable there out in public. Too many creepy looks, I think. Nothing physical, though.

For Forks Sake

gooseygander wrote: »

I have been to Dubai on holiday with family and it is a crime free paradise. DO IT or you WILL regret it. It has everything and is like a the most advanced western city in some respects and has the Arabic culture in the old part of the city. Unless you are a raving alcoholic and a criminal you will have no problems there. It is a city of ex pats all who are trying to better their lives. I loved the place and would deffo recommend it. It’s a five star city I guarantee you will love. Best of luck

This post has been brought to you by the Dubai Tourist Authority.

creditcarder

I'm in a similar situation but my job offer is in Thailand.
I don't have any kids but have close family and friends here.
The money is less than what I would be earning in Ireland but could have a really comfortable life as it's much cheaper over there and I've worked everything out and it's probably the same as earning 5k a month in Ireland.

It's a really tough call to make.

How much are they offering as a matter of interest? I'd be mildly careful when calculating as there is a bit of a foreigner fee in a lot of places.

BohsCeltic

creditcarder wrote: »

How much are they offering as a matter of interest? I'd be mildly careful when calculating as there is a bit of a foreigner fee in a lot of places.

1800 euro a month and visa paid for and health insurance too.
You can eat for 200 baht a day easily and rent is about €400 a month for a nice apartment.

Having been many times I know how everything works there.

My ex was Thai and I have just finished with her so I don't think I'll take the offer as I have just met someone else here.

Gadgetman496

BohsCeltic wrote: »

1800 euro a month and visa paid for and health insurance too.
You can eat for 200 baht a day easily and rent is about €400 a month for a nice apartment.

Having been many times I know how everything works there.

My ex was Thai and I have just finished with her so I don't think I'll take the offer as I have just met someone else here.

Two accounts?

BohsCeltic

Gadgetman496 wrote: »

Two accounts?

At the time I based the wage on me sending money back home to help my mother then also her family because she can work in restaurant or hotel but for low money.
It worked out that I could save about 700-800 a month after taking care of everything.

Probably would have been 400 baht a day for food with her but she would also have had some money.

Gadgetman496

https://news.sky.com/story/briton-matthew-hedges-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-in-uae-for-spying-11559410

rondog

Been to Dubai before.Its a beautiful luxurious place and id have no hesitation moving there.Yes,the heat can be unbearable but everything is based indoors and there is air conditioning.What are the holiday like?A friend of mine have 1 Month holidays a year and uses it to head home in August when things get too hot.

Not sure what he does for holidays the rest of the year but he loves it there.Has plenty of ex-pat friends and has a great lifestyle.

MadYaker

I know a few people who have done it, various types of engineers. All were offered six figure salaries and decided to do it for a few years so they could save up to buy a house in Ireland. I might do it in a few years. It’s not a place I would want to live permanently or raise children.

Nomis21

You might not get back to buy that house in Ireland if they decide to charge you with spying and jail you for life...

Spleerbun

What would be the average age of Irish people moving to work in the UAE? I've been told it's very often couples of "house buying age" who go over to save, so would imagine early thirties a lot of them would be?

The Rape of Lucretia

Nomis21 wrote: »

You might not get back to buy that house in Ireland if they decide to charge you with spying and jail you for life...

Dont spy. Chances are he was, so deserves everything he gets.

Spleerbun

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

Dont spy. Chances are he was, so deserves everything he gets.

I can't see how you come to that conclusion

Sir_Name

I am currently living in the UAE.

Obviously there are pros and cons to every move/country however as a female I’ve never felt unsafe here, never felt like a second class citizen and I work with a lot of Emirati’s. That said a class system very much exists here and Westerners would be nearer to the top.

As for the heat, end of Sept to May is gorgeous. June/Sept is very hot and July/August is brutal especially with the humidity however everywhere here is aircon so whilst it’s horrible it passes like everything else.

Whilst I wouldn’t be one for being a messy drunk anyway, I don’t feel like my behaviour differs to that at home. As a previous poster said if you aren’t doing anything criminal or aggressive drunk etc you’ll be just fine!

Feel free to pm if you have any questions.

MadYaker

Spleerbun wrote: »

What would be the average age of Irish people moving to work in the UAE? I've been told it's very often couples of "house buying age" who go over to save, so would imagine early thirties a lot of them would be?

I know 2 guys who've done it that would fit that category.