Is it worth moving to Abu Dhabi?

Sir_Name

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120656830#Comment_120656830

Have to disagree is not restrictive at all. No one bats an eyelid unless you are being disrespectful, by which i mean swanning around a shopping centre in hot pants, which i'd safely assume most wouldnt do at home.

OP, depending on the package, ie housing, gratuity, insurance etc its very easily doable to have a good quality of living however things are more expensive here than home and rent is going up. There can be challenges in more government entities to progress career wise but outside of that industries like finance are booming and constantly looking for staff and willing to pay a premium. Always advise to push a little on the initial package as thats the only time you will be able to do it. Any questions happy to assist.

Sir_Name

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120659495#Comment_120659495

Plenty of nationalities willing to do it for less - would advise your friend to pitch for the more senior roles where they prefer expat experience.

thomas 123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120660728#Comment_120660728

OP 100% take someone’s advice who’s actually been there! All I want you to do is get some first hand info.

Id only heard from friends that they had to be escorted too and from work etc and every outing was similar with minders. Then again I could have the countries mixed up!

thomas 123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120659116#Comment_120659116

Well that sound much better!

feckin go!

stargazer 68

Definitely have the countries mixed up! A great lifestyle can be had in the region..bars, restaurants, different social societies etc. I lived un the region for 10 years. OP give it a go. If you don't like it come back!

James Bond Junior

I was there last weekend for a short trip. I live across the border in Oman but we regularly go to Dubai. My wife and I will be neglecting our Dubai trips for a while in favour of AD. It has a lovely atmosphere, it's super chilled and reminds me of a large US regional city in a lot of ways. Go!

Baxtrax

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120660728#Comment_120660728

Yes I will push them on that. To be fair, it's about 4500 eur after all your housing and accommodation is paid for. Since you are there do you think that's enough for costs, and saving?

What things are more expensive? Fuel is cheap and I've heard the food etc is much cheaper too....

Baxtrax

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120659558#Comment_120659558

What do you mean by this?

The Islamic business center stamps and translates your paperwork

Friend has been looking online and couldn't see anything like that.

Baxtrax

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120660733#Comment_120660733

The senior roles are saying 10+ years experience and he has about 5 years

Baxtrax

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120662402#Comment_120662402

10 years is a long time! Hopefully I will like it.

Coming back isn't so easy though is it? Finding a new job and a place to rent!!!!!

stargazer 68

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120663595#Comment_120663595

If we thought like that we would never do anything or go anywhere

Positive thoughts OP. It's a new adventure, meeting new people and trying new things. You never know what could happen. I gave the same advice to a friends son a few years ago and he came home 4 years later with a wife! :)

endacl

Great place to live if you’re a fan of the Flintstones OP. Most of the Emirates don’t broadcast it, but stations in Abu Dhabi do!

Baxtrax

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120663972#Comment_120663972

Good points that's very true. Sometime you have to just take the leap and go for it thank you 😊

SupaCat95

Find out before you go, it's easier. The Islamic business center take your degree and translate it on the back and stamp it. I think it costs about e80. I am not sure where it is in Dublin but the mosque in Clonskeagh/Blanchardstown will be happy to advise.

So where am I getting my information from? I always wanted to go after college when I was younger, I wanted FIRE, life didn't happen that way. I was interested in Saudi. Qatar is a less developed option and better for the longer term. I followed Kalid Al Americani for years. I imagine by the time you have done a few years Ireland will not be a place worth returning to. Find out about citizenship by investment in a second world country to retire to.

I am well aware that the middle east is not a perfect place. Don't try to change it just be a good house guest, drink the tea and nod politely, when you are done be on your way. I have known many people to go out there come home after 3 years with the price of a house others to be retired at 50.

KSA, Qatar and Dubai have made massive leaps forward in the last 20 years. It's not perfect but it could be perfect for you.

Sir_Name

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120663567#Comment_120663567

In all honestly it would be but it also depends on the kind of lifestyle you would like to live. ie if you live in Saadiyat and wanted a two bed apartment you wouldnt have much change out of the equivalent of €50k a year, Khalifia or Reem you could have a two bed from anything from €15-25k. Some people house share, or teachers/nurses can have the accommodation provided for them.

Food is cheaper however note that most recognisable brands for instance Hellmans are imported so they are more expensive. Fuel is cheaper, cars/insurance etc. Utilities are cheaper but internet is a lot more expensive and the provider is essentially a monopoly. Clothes/Perfume/Skincare shops are more expensive however shop and ship is is an excellent way around that.

Some roles here have return flights as part of the package to your home country, might be worth checking that as living abroad otherwise you should factor in travel costs to your budget.

As for the Islamic translation, i think what supacat is referring to is getting your degree/education certificates attested. its quite possible your work will do that for you but also if its not a government entity maybe not. Also get your drivers license translated into arabic aswell - makes getting a drivers license here much easier. Copies of everything and passport pics.

BorneTobyWilde

17500 AED is 4420 Euro

Op does say if it's a week, year, month, who knows

Baxtrax

You guys are brilliant. Thanks supa and sir name for the points. Really good points and the employer did mention them and that they'd support. I'll let you know how I get on!

SupaCat95

I am guessing it's a a month and he is working as a teacher for Sabris (private school) in UAE teaching the Laurent Baccarat (international high school diploma). Don't forget to teach your tax free grinds.

If you are qualified and still living at home after a university education and can't afford a car and your own accomodation, it's time to move on.

Baxtrax

I can afford it all here and I'm not a teacher. Thanks

Mars Bar

I'm 5 years in Abu Dhabi and I love the place

I pay for my accommodation out of my salary and my salary is less than yours, OP, and I still save quite well. Saying that, I am not in to the brunch and socialising scene and I work 6 days per week so I don't have time to spend.

If you're single then you will live very comfortably on that salary.

Mars Bar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120666414#Comment_120666414

Monthly for sure

BorneTobyWilde

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120743074#Comment_120743074

What is it that you do there.

Mars Bar

I work in football

The average expat, especially one that is a teacher, earns between 10,000 and 20,000 per month plus accommodation

Baxtrax

Guys I have made the decision and I will be moving in about 3-4 months!!!!

I know that they give you a temporary visa upon entry and then the company applies for your residence visa. They mentioned my spouse can travel with me but my spouse is a non eu citizen, and doesn't fall within the list of countries that get a visa on arrival. I will ask employer the question but technically want my spouse to go with me. Does anyone know if that can be possible and how? Thanks

Mars Bar

I think your company can start the visa process before you arrive so you should ask them if they will also process the sponsorship of your spouse?

Padre_Pio

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120662347#Comment_120662347

I heard the same, but it's fine. The population is 90% immigrants, and I didn't see any case of women being bothered. Plenty of women in shorts and tshirts walking around shopping centres and in public.

There are no pubs or off licenses, but every restarant sells beer and spirits.

Mars Bar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120778006#Comment_120778006

Are you talking about Abu Dhabi?

There's plenty of off licences and pubs!

Padre_Pio

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120780579#Comment_120780579

Jeez, I was there for 2 weeks, didn't see any! Going back in December, I'll keep my eyes peeled.

Are you talking alcohol only pubs, or places that serve food and beer?

Mars Bar

There's three two off licenses within walking distance of my house. Peninsula

There's High Spirits and African and Eastern branches of offys

Ah yeah I don't think there is stand alone only pubs. Restro-pubs I guess

Sir_Name

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120776064#Comment_120776064

Visa process only begins after arrival. You shall be issued with a tourist visa, and then they will begin processing you for an emirates ID and residence visa which are issued after a medical. Your company should have a PRO or HR would deal with this with you. I don't know the nationality of your wife but there are only a few countries which would be an issue with getting a visa. Thats something you can run by your company HR/PRO.

Visa on arrival isnt just EU countries, theres about 90. However if your partner is not on that list you can, or your company apply for a visa in advance. Once your visa is processed you will then sponsor your partner. I'd probably recommend requesting your company hand hold the process for you.