Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Dubai Expat Help Forum

Hey guys,

Recently ran into this forum, it's very helpful!

Anyway, I'm considering getting a job in Dubai for an investment fund. Right now I live in New York City.

I had a couple of questions I was hoping you guys can answer for me.

1-How do living expenses compare to places such as New York City? How much is typical rent for an apartment?

2-Does the government provide any sort of support for expats to come to Dubai to work and live?

3-For financial services, how does salary compare to other major cities in the world?

4-What are some of the major reasons to live and NOT to live in Dubai?

Thanks!!

Hi duran_ii I think only people here at this time is u and I

Most of the members are sleeping looks to me. I'm new to this forum and I my self not in Dubai so I can't help you but if you chek back tomorrow you will have many respond I a sure you.

Good luck.

I am new to Dubai, have been here only 2 weeks. Here is my input.
The rents are absolutely crazy in Dubai. I found a 2 BDRM apt in a brand new community in a high rise for AED 135,000/yr. I don’t know about NY but where I moved from, Las Vegas, you could rent a mansion for this price. We wanted to get a 3 BDRM but my company is only paying AED 110,000/yr so it was out of our range. Living in a high rise will be a new experience for us; in NY you may be used to it.
Another big difference that I have noticed, is in little things that we take for granted in the States e-g we are so used to get our direction from mapquest or go NSEorW or take certain exit. There is no such thing in Dubai. Everything is identified by landmarks (certain neighborhood). Whenever you ask somebody for directions they will tell you to “go straight”. Another example is, getting a driver’s license was such a hassle, not so much when I got to the place. Just trying to find where to go was a big problem. I tried calling RTA, asked my coworkers but nobody could give me a good answer. Finally this forum came to my rescue when I did a search and I asked an American real estate lady who I met.
You will definitely miss the friendly customer service in the States.
People drive like maniacs here. The traffic rules and courtesy that we are accustomed to go out the door. I have learnt to be patient. Congestion is awful, my company has provided me with a temporary accommodation for 30 days in Bur Dubai. Its about 20 miles from where I work but in the evenings it takes me well over an hour to get home. A lot of people, including all of my coworkers, commute to Sharjah/Ajman because the rents are lot cheaper. For me it was a question of quality of life I want to have so I chose a place that’s about 15 minutes from work.
I hope this helps a little. As I said, I’m still very new and discovering new things everyday. The mega shopping malls are really nice, they are something you wouldn’t see in the States. You would in awe when you visit them, the only feeling I can compare it to when you visit the Strip Casinos back home in Vegas.
I would like responses from western expats who have been here a while.

Good stuff, thanks!

Any other insights from other people in the forum? I'd love to hear more opinions

1. 100k-120k dirhams per year for 1 bdrm. See also Dubai living costs.
2. No income tax
3. I think Dubai higher
4. Good - sunshine, no tax, lots of interesting people from different countries, safe.
Bad - hot in summer, expensive, lots of stupid people from different countries, crazy driving.