PREPARING FOR JOB OFFER & RELOCATION FROM THE US (with cats)

[b]PREPARING FOR JOB OFFER & RELOCATION FROM THE US[/b]

Hello everyone,

I’m about to receive a job offer with a company in Dubai. They just asked for my references, and then I’ll have the official offer sometime soon after. So I’m trying to go ahead and prepare as best as I can.

I’m a 42-year-old woman, originally from Atlanta, but currently live in Seattle. I’m married (no children) but my husband will be staying in the US for many months while finishing a work contract, so I’ll initially be moving on my own. I’m well traveled and have visited Dubai several times over the past 10 years, so I’m completely comfortable with making the move. I’m mainly looking for tips, tricks, and suggestions on things you wish you’d known or done before moving and before accepting a job offer.

[u][b]CATS:[/b][/u]
The biggest hurdle is that we have 6 cats (I know, I know… don’t judge me :) I can’t even believe I have that many!). I’ve read that one person can only sponsor 2 cats per year.
[b]QUESTION 1[/b] – Do you know of a service or 2 people in Dubai that can be paid to “sponsor” 2 cats per person, so I can bring all 6 at once? I can pick up 2 upon arrival, and the other people can pick up 2 each and then hand them over to me afterwards. Suggestions?

[u][b]JOB OFFER:[/b][/u]
This would be a “Director of Communications” in the corporate office for a major company with over 30,000 employees.
[b]QUESTION 2[/b] - Is there anyone here I can touch base with when I receive the details of the offer to help advise if it sounds good or if I should counter-offer. And it would be great to know if there are any additional things I should ask for during negotiations that I might not be aware of are standard or available in Dubai. So far some things they've mentioned are Salary, Housing, Vacation Days, Medical, Education (but I don't have children), Round trip business class ticket once a year.

[u][b]DOCUMENTS:[/b][/u]
[b]QUESTION 3[/b] - I read online that I’ll need to get my documents attested, is this something I’ll need to do on my own, or will the company in Dubai handle the whole process for me? Also, are there any additional documents or things you found later on you needed, or wished you had done before moving?

[u][b]LIVING:[/b][/u]
I’ll be looking to rent close to the Airport & City Centre. I’ve read quite a few blogs on things to watch out for when negotiating a rental, so I think I feel prepared. But the biggest concern will be my cats.
[b]QUESTION 4[/b] – In the US there is a limit of 2 cats per rental, but no one ever knows how many I have, because the cats are so aloof and not as noticeable as dogs would be. Will I find it hard to rent in Dubai with 6 cats? Or should I try to stay low key by not telling the landlord the full amount that I have? (sorry, I’m not trying to be shifty, just looking for the best solution).

[b]I’m open to any suggestions or ideas you might be able to offer guidance on. Thanks in advance for your advice!![/b]

Seattle