Anxious - Planning to move to Dubai

I was told today that they are changing the rules regarding sponsoring dependants as in family members, earlier the salary was a min of 7000, but they are going to raise it to 15,000 so this is also something your husband needs to check with his company. It was AED 4000 a month and is being changed to AED 10000.http://m.thenational.ae/uae/labour-law/families-hit-by-new-minimum-monthly-wage-rule-for-visas GN reporting is not changed at all now, still 4k as before. “So far there is no change,” the official told Gulf News. “Transactions are taking place as we speak on the normal Dh4,000 salary requirement,” the official said." http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/visa/new-rule-on-family-visa-sponsorship-clarified-1.1327711

There are three whole pages of very insightful advice and a wealth of real life info on this thread including a post by Admin with some useful links, so I cannot see the occasion for dismissive comments that responses to the OP's question have been [i'>"brief and lacking in info" [/i'> I disagree and actually find that a little offensive towards all those who have genuinely taken the time to help the OP in her research. Wishing the OP all the best with her decision. Well that wasn't what was said, was it?? What I said was that the OP's questions are often brief almost to the point of firing out a quick question and appearing slightly rude and lacking in the info that people need to answer properly e.g. where is your husband working? Answer ; Dubai. Quote "in fact the answers are so brief and lacking in info that I have wondered if this thread is not for real.." Don't see any reference to the OP in that sentence but if that is what you meant then your reply was not clear edited by Di@DXB on 04/05/2014 Agree and your interpretation was incorrect. You did not actually say "[i'>the OP's questions are often brief almost to the point of firing out a quick question and appearing slightly rude and lacking in the info that people need to answer properly" until your response to me above."[/i'> You may have meant it, but I am not psychic!

There are three whole pages of very insightful advice and a wealth of real life info on this thread including a post by Admin with some useful links, so I cannot see the occasion for dismissive comments that responses to the OP's question have been [i'>"brief and lacking in info" [/i'> I disagree and actually find that a little offensive towards all those who have genuinely taken the time to help the OP in her research. Wishing the OP all the best with her decision. Well that wasn't what was said, was it?? What I said was that the OP's questions are often brief almost to the point of firing out a quick question and appearing slightly rude and lacking in the info that people need to answer properly e.g. where is your husband working? Answer ; Dubai. Quote "in fact the answers are so brief and lacking in info that I have wondered if this thread is not for real.." Don't see any reference to the OP in that sentence but if that is what you meant then your reply was not clear edited by Di@DXB on 04/05/2014 Agree and your interpretation was incorrect.

There are three whole pages of very insightful advice and a wealth of real life info on this thread including a post by Admin with some useful links, so I cannot see the occasion for dismissive comments that responses to the OP's question have been [i'>"brief and lacking in info" [/i'> I disagree and actually find that a little offensive towards all those who have genuinely taken the time to help the OP in her research. Wishing the OP all the best with her decision. Well that wasn't what was said, was it?? What I said was that the OP's questions are often brief almost to the point of firing out a quick question and appearing slightly rude and lacking in the info that people need to answer properly e.g. where is your husband working? Answer ; Dubai. Quote "in fact the answers are so brief and lacking in info that I have wondered if this thread is not for real.." Don't see any reference to the OP in that sentence but if that is what you meant then your reply was not clear <em>edited by Di@DXB on 04/05/2014</em>

There are three whole pages of very insightful advice and a wealth of real life info on this thread including a post by Admin with some useful links, so I cannot see the occasion for dismissive comments that responses to the OP's question have been [i'>"brief and lacking in info" [/i'> I disagree and actually find that a little offensive towards all those who have genuinely taken the time to help the OP in her research. Wishing the OP all the best with her decision. Well that wasn't what was said, was it?? What I said was that the OP's questions are often brief almost to the point of firing out a quick question and appearing slightly rude and lacking in the info that people need to answer properly e.g. where is your husband working? Answer ; Dubai.

There are three whole pages of very insightful advice and a wealth of real life info on this thread including a post by Admin with some useful links, so I cannot see the occasion for dismissive comments that responses to the OP's question have been [i'>"brief and lacking in info" [/i'> I disagree and actually find that a little offensive towards all those who have genuinely taken the time to help the OP in her research. Wishing the OP all the best with her decision.

I was told today that they are changing the rules regarding sponsoring dependants as in family members, earlier the salary was a min of 7000, but they are going to raise it to 15,000 so this is also something your husband needs to check with his company. It was AED 4000 a month and is being changed to AED 10000.http://m.thenational.ae/uae/labour-law/families-hit-by-new-minimum-monthly-wage-rule-for-visas

I was told today that they are changing the rules regarding sponsoring dependants as in family members, earlier the salary was a min of 7000, but they are going to raise it to 15,000 so this is also something your husband needs to check with his company.

dubaiexplorer; I know it probably seems daunting to move to Dubai after reading the posts, I would be afraid to move if I wasn't already here lol! In reality what the girls have posted is true and it is very expensive here in Dubai, manageable and enjoyable (beautiful place and people) if you have the right contract with your employers. Don't be turned off coming to Dubai but do ensure what a potential employer is offering will cover your costs and savings. In the UK (sorry not sure where you are from) a salary of 2-5 thousand is good because you can avail of free schooling, free NHS and rent or even mortgage is relatively less than here, food and clothing and other entertainment is also cost less (obviously depends). One can only comment from their experience and lifestyle and in Dubai there are so many, a salary that wouldn't cover someone's rent for a month would potentially cover someone's rent for the year, that is the reality in Dubai. It is also very difficult to move between employment once contracted (especially within the first year) so always read the contract and understand it!) If possible (I would suggest always) visit first and see for yourself what is on offer and what is best for you and your family, best of luck x

So what is the cost of living in these areas I'm going to be a bit harsh here and suggest you you do some research. You seem to know very little about Dubai and that is concerning. Working as a mother of a child is not easy here - there are major logistical hurdles which are easily overcome if you have the $$$$. Yes that's harsh! Dubaiexplorer is doing research here and I would think on other ways too. You know that, do you? Not much evidence of it.. You are entitled to your opinion but there is a huge amount of lack of basic knowledge about the place and in the end it is her family that will suffer. People are happy to help BUT there is a limit... She's never been in Dubai, so of course she will have a lot of questions! If your limit is reached log out or check another thread... edited by Silvstet on 02/05/2014 No I am entitled to say what i think as it is relevant - we had a poster on here before who went through all of this in a very similar fashion THEN hated it and came on and slagged everyone off ....in fact the answers are so brief and lacking in info that I have wondered if this thread is not for real..

Bottom line: if you are willing to live a more frugal and humble life in the UAE go for it! It can be done BUT it will be tough. There are so many added expenses here that I would have never occurred back at home...childcare issues, healthcare, transportation (cars), etc...do a bit of maths based on factual numerics: -contact actual schools for fees, admissions info -search for flats on dubizzle, go to the RERA website to get an accurate idea of rent -check what medical insurance you will receive here and what that will cover down to the last tooth -check car rental companies online or email them for quotations -email an agency asking for the costs of a part-time helper etc... Good luck! :-)

So what is the cost of living in these areas I'm going to be a bit harsh here and suggest you you do some research. You seem to know very little about Dubai and that is concerning. Working as a mother of a child is not easy here - there are major logistical hurdles which are easily overcome if you have the $$$$. Yes that's harsh! Dubaiexplorer is doing research here and I would think on other ways too. You know that, do you? Not much evidence of it.. You are entitled to your opinion but there is a huge amount of lack of basic knowledge about the place and in the end it is her family that will suffer. People are happy to help BUT there is a limit...

So what is the cost of living in these areas I'm going to be a bit harsh here and suggest you you do some research. You seem to know very little about Dubai and that is concerning. Working as a mother of a child is not easy here - there are major logistical hurdles which are easily overcome if you have the $$$$.

Also since many of you have suggested on this thread that I should also take up a job. I am an IT professional with 8 years of IT experience in software. If I also earn say around 10 K ( totalling the household income to be around 25000 AED per month) ., we would need to send my daughter to a day care. S that is what I am trying to explore. Is that not correct ? Thanks Please be aware that the IT market is saturated here in Dubai and there are IT professionals with 10 years plus' experience happy to work for a very low salary (3-4,000 AED) a month, there is also the reality that those from the same background as you, will be paid a lot less even though they have skills and first class degrees, it may seem unfair but it is sadly a reality. IT jobs can often entail long and out of normal hours working - I know this as my company have a small number of IT experts on coveted overseas contracts who only just make 10,000AED a month - however if your husband is on an overseas contract then it is unlikely that you will be able to have an overseas contract, and be employed as a local contract with no benefits. I had a job in the UK that paid twice what I earn here with shorter hours, but as a working mum this is what is on offer and I have to take it - however my husband is on 5x what he earned in the UK - so for us it balances out, but do the maths before your come - when you get here and it is not quite as rosy you may regret it. Jobs for spouses are very hard to find and then you have to balance the costs of childcare and/or schooling. Please think very carefully about coming. Working mums with no support network (family or housemaid/nanny) find it very hard as the culture and infrastructure is not mature here to support it. I have been here 5 years and the cost of housing has risen significantly, school fees have risen significantly, and the cost of living is rising by the month - yet no increases in salaries/benefits. Currently we're still in a position to stay - but Dubai is not a place I want to be where I would have to watch every dirham, unexpected costs just appear and you have no option to delay paying some of these! Yes people manage on a lot less, but I would not give up a good life to come here and potentially struggle. I wish you well in your choices

www.propertyfinder.ae or www.dubizzle.com will guide you on rental prices.

the commute to al barsha is not bad at all from more affordable areas like: Al Nahda, Al Ghusais, Mirdif, Silicon Oasis, International City etc. There are also plenty of nurseries and schools in these areas.

Al Barsha The distance between Barsha and Sharjah is a minimum of 50 km. The commute out of Sharjah in the mornings and into Sharjah in the evenings is horrible. It may take him anywhere between 1 and 2 hours twice a day. If you're looking at affordable housing you're better of looking at appartments in silicon oasis. But you will need a car as I don't think there's public transport between Silicon Oasis and Barsha. I don't know about schools there, maybe others can advice. Agree with this. I have no idea about the cost of living close to that area, others might be able to help

Al Barsha The distance between Barsha and Sharjah is a minimum of 50 km. The commute out of Sharjah in the mornings and into Sharjah in the evenings is horrible. It may take him anywhere between 1 and 2 hours twice a day. If you're looking at affordable housing you're better of looking at appartments in silicon oasis. But you will need a car as I don't think there's public transport between Silicon Oasis and Barsha. I don't know about schools there, maybe others can advice.

His job location is Dubai Dubai is huge! Where in Dubai?

Can I ask about the location of your husband's job? It will be easier for us to advise you about schools & accommodation

They changed the rules for starting school this year. For the year 2014-2015 the kid should turn 4 before 31st December 2014. You need to explore more about this, & I guess now it's too late to register her in a school most schools have long waiting lists & registration is closed. but you can go for a nursery with FS1/ KG1. I'm not saying you will not find A job, you might find a job immediately. I don't like rushing into things, it seems that you made up your mind regarding coming here, which is the 1st step, now figure out where you're going to stay them plan accordingly. Once you're done with this you can think about schools.

1st make up your mind where you are going to stay before thinking about all this, you have a whole year before your kid goes officially to school, you might work in a school & have your kid with you a win win situation. Your kid is not even 3! She would benefit from having you around during the 1st few months as it will be all new for her away from familiar faces. Before deciding to live in sharjah check the location of your husband's work, then plan accordingly. The 1st thing I'd look for is accommodation in your case, you will need to furnish it & so on. It is still too early to worry about schools, daycare & so on. I don't even see a point of looking at schools or nurseries if you don't even know where you're going to live. Traffic is killing here, for a nursery it is better if you find a place close to your house, kids get sick a lot during the 1st year of school. Try to breath & stop worrying about all those stuff at this stage. Good luck!

http://www.uaebizindex.com/The-Little-Star-Nursery-2428-151.htm (hours 8-6) http://www.orangetreedubai.com/ (hours 7am-6pm) http://www.uae4kidz.biz/education-childcare/dubai-ec/nurseries-dubai/building-blocks-al-jafiliya-branch http://dwc.hct.ac.ae/expatinfo/littlewings.htm There's four to start you off. But there are lots, you could spend a morning/afternoon driving around all the streets in these areas. I hate Orange tree and wouldnt use it but I know for a fact that it is up to 950 a month just for the transport, never mind the fees!

http://www.uaebizindex.com/The-Little-Star-Nursery-2428-151.htm (hours 8-6) http://www.orangetreedubai.com/ (hours 7am-6pm) http://www.uae4kidz.biz/education-childcare/dubai-ec/nurseries-dubai/building-blocks-al-jafiliya-branch http://dwc.hct.ac.ae/expatinfo/littlewings.htm There's four to start you off. But there are lots, you could spend a morning/afternoon driving around all the streets in these areas.