Salary/package advice | ExpatWoman.com
 

Salary/package advice

33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 22:32

Hi ladies,

My husband has got an offer with EK with a total package of 30000 Dhs per month. We would like to know if this will be enough for a decent life in Dubai! We have 3 kids at age(10,5 and 2.5) We are considering the GEMS American academy and a 3 bed rooms villa in Al Furjan.

Can I find a cost of living spreadsheet somewhere that help us get an idea about the cost of living.

I appreciate your valuable inputs.

Thanks in advance

21
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2013 - 14:24
Thank you so much The Swedish Girl. Do you have kids in school age? Which school do you recommend ? We have been looking into GEMS World Academy. Is there a big Swedish community in Dubai, where do the majority live? We would like our kids to interact with other Swedes for them to maintain the language :-) Tack så mycket :-) No problem, happy to help! My kids are not old enough to attend school yet, but I have a little insight in to the academic world here which is how I know the standards aren't comparable to those in Sweden. I wouldn't say there's a big Swedish community here. I think there's about 3-4000 Swedes in the UAE. To get in touch with them, attend one of the events at the Norwegian Seamen's Church on Oud Metha Road or get in touch via the "Swedes in the UAE" group on Fbook. There's also a networking group for professional women from Nordic countries in the UAE. In terms of where people live I would say that varies a lot. But I guess most Swedes can be found in "New Dubai", many in apartments in the Marina or villas in Emirates Living (Springs, Meadows etc.).
243
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 10:53
[ I actually take pleasure in knowing that I don't need to keep up with the Joneses. Thankfully that also means that I end up saving more than average. Lol! Comments like this always baffle me, I don't give a hoot what the Jones' have, I want a nice car because it comfy, safe to drive, and atheistically pleasing, ditto the villa (though omit the safe to drive!), I want to eat out because after a day at work it is more relaxing to have dinner made for me, I like nice clothes because the fabric is soft and the cut makes me look good and hence I feel good. No thought to the Jones'. Well said Cap 1Tal Do people really think that much about what others have I certainly waste zero time thinking about this so please just because some folks like luxury do not think that they are so shallow it is about keeping up with some 'in crowd' - it isn't, the items are liked on their own basis. And liking this type of stuff does not exclude you from going to the park with your kids, making a cake with them, going to the beach, reading a book (free family time) - money gives you the luxury and choice to do it all depending on what you and your family feel like on a given day. Freedom of choice, not a slave to your finances. OP - your life and you know what you want I hope your decision brings you much happiness. Sorry, as this is as open forum, I need to add my point to both above posters, 'pathetic'
8
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 09:02
[ I actually take pleasure in knowing that I don't need to keep up with the Joneses. Thankfully that also means that I end up saving more than average. Lol! Comments like this always baffle me, I don't give a hoot what the Jones' have, I want a nice car because it comfy, safe to drive, and atheistically pleasing, ditto the villa (though omit the safe to drive!), I want to eat out because after a day at work it is more relaxing to have dinner made for me, I like nice clothes because the fabric is soft and the cut makes me look good and hence I feel good. No thought to the Jones'. Well said Cap 1Tal Do people really think that much about what others have I certainly waste zero time thinking about this so please just because some folks like luxury do not think that they are so shallow it is about keeping up with some 'in crowd' - it isn't, the items are liked on their own basis. And liking this type of stuff does not exclude you from going to the park with your kids, making a cake with them, going to the beach, reading a book (free family time) - money gives you the luxury and choice to do it all depending on what you and your family feel like on a given day. Freedom of choice, not a slave to your finances. OP - your life and you know what you want I hope your decision brings you much happiness.
8
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 09:01
[ I actually take pleasure in knowing that I don't need to keep up with the Joneses. Thankfully that also means that I end up saving more than average. Lol! Comments like this always baffle me, I don't give a hoot what the Jones' have, I want a nice car because it comfy, safe to drive, and atheistically pleasing, ditto the villa (though omit the safe to drive!), I want to eat out because after a day at work it is more relaxing to have dinner made for me, I like nice clothes because the fabric is soft and the cut makes me look good and hence I feel good. No thought to the Jones'. Do people really think that much about what others have I certainly waste zero time thinking about this so please just because some folks like luxury do not think that they are so shallow it is about keeping up with some 'in crowd' - it isn't, the items are liked on their own basis. And liking this type of stuff does not exclude you from going to the park with your kids, making a cake with them, going to the beach, reading a book (free family time) - money gives you the luxury and choice to do it all depending on what you and your family feel like on a given day. Freedom of choice, not a slave to your finances. OP - your life and you know what you want I hope your decision brings you much happiness.
493
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 08:02
Hi vidadalen, as far as I'm aware there are extra Swedish classes at DIA (Dubai Intl Academy). It's also possible to take after-school classes at a Swedish college: http://sbcuae.se/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=91&Itemid=161. Hth x
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 21:05
Thank you so much The Swedish Girl. Do you have kids in school age? Which school do you recommend ? We have been looking into GEMS World Academy. Is there a big Swedish community in Dubai, where do the majority live? We would like our kids to interact with other Swedes for them to maintain the language :-) Tack så mycket :-) Hi OP! As a fellow Swede I can tell you that the schooling in Dubai won't match the quality back home. But there are schools that offer additional Swedish curriculum so I would advise you to seek those out. Speak to the Swedish church (shared with the Norwegian Seamen's Church on Oud Metha Road) and join the community forums on Facebook (Swedes in the UAE for example). Also, in Sweden a 30k salary would be considered really good, but as some of the other posters say it won't be easy to manage on this with a family in Dubai. My advice to you would be to forget about living in a villa. They are much more expensive to rent and also cost much more in terms of utilities etc. Get a nice apartment instead. You can get almost the same living space for less rent, with a much lower utility cost and usually the white goods is already in place, saving you the expense of buying it yourselves. There are relatively "cheap" apartments of a good size and of good standards in areas like Motor City, The Greens (old bit), JLT, JBR and Mirdif. Good luck/lycka till!
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 21:01
Thank you so much Meagle, We have already asked for more information about the accommodation offered for this grade for a family. OP, I urge you to specifically ask them what housing they would offer your family if you accept the company accommodation. Even if they cannot tell you specifically where YOU would be, they should be able to tell you what they currently offer people of a similar grade with a family of 5. Given what others said about Emirates covering the rent, utilities and housing fee and that you can decide later to move out of company housing but can never move back in once you've left, I suspect you'll come out ahead both in terms of convenience and in terms of cost by having everything taken care of by EK. They tend to provide very good housing for their employees. Dealing with landlords here is a real pain and many expats get taken. DEWA and the housing fees a very high. You will save a lot of headaches by having everything arranged by your family and I suspect they will provide you a nicer place than you could afford if you rented yourselves when you add in all the additional expenses. (After all, when you rent as much housing in Dubai as EK does, they MUST be able to negotiate lower rates!)
1601
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 18:11
Personally I would def take the EK acc option,from experience. If once you have settled and get the lay of the land and you are still determined to 'go it alone' so to speak then opt out. I know of a case when someone tried to get back into co acc and it is just not allowed. A big plus going with co acc is you don't have to deal with landlords which is a big deal, just look at some of today's posts on LL's. All the best with your move. ETA Not sure of the furniture allowance offered but you could always opt out of the co furniture bring your own over ( personally would bring bring new mattresses as the ones in DXB are very expensive ) . By taking the allowance and furnishing yourself you can do it frugally and apply the balance elsewhere. <em>edited by Nomad on 05/09/2013</em>
21
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 12:24
The Greens has shot up in the last year :-( even the old bits Yeah, I know - I just left! But prices are still better than other areas that offer similar standards of living.
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 12:20
Hi OP! As a fellow Swede I can tell you that the schooling in Dubai won't match the quality back home. But there are schools that offer additional Swedish curriculum so I would advise you to seek those out. Speak to the Swedish church (shared with the Norwegian Seamen's Church on Oud Metha Road) and join the community forums on Facebook (Swedes in the UAE for example). Also, in Sweden a 30k salary would be considered really good, but as some of the other posters say it won't be easy to manage on this with a family in Dubai. My advice to you would be to forget about living in a villa. They are much more expensive to rent and also cost much more in terms of utilities etc. Get a nice apartment instead. You can get almost the same living space for less rent, with a much lower utility cost and usually the white goods is already in place, saving you the expense of buying it yourselves. There are relatively "cheap" apartments of a good size and of good standards in areas like Motor City, The Greens (old bit), JLT, JBR and Mirdif. Good luck/lycka till! The Greens has shot up in the last year :-( even the old bits
21
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 12:17
Hi OP! As a fellow Swede I can tell you that the schooling in Dubai won't match the quality back home. But there are schools that offer additional Swedish curriculum so I would advise you to seek those out. Speak to the Swedish church (shared with the Norwegian Seamen's Church on Oud Metha Road) and join the community forums on Facebook (Swedes in the UAE for example). Also, in Sweden a 30k salary would be considered really good, but as some of the other posters say it won't be easy to manage on this with a family in Dubai. My advice to you would be to forget about living in a villa. They are much more expensive to rent and also cost much more in terms of utilities etc. Get a nice apartment instead. You can get almost the same living space for less rent, with a much lower utility cost and usually the white goods is already in place, saving you the expense of buying it yourselves. There are relatively "cheap" apartments of a good size and of good standards in areas like Motor City, The Greens (old bit), JLT, JBR and Mirdif. Good luck/lycka till!
970
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 12:16
Think they may mean the EK Platinum card, which for a small annual fee gets you many discounts on all sorts of things. Some departments also have clubs, such as Emirates Pilot Club, Emirates Engineering club, with discounts and beach club memberships etc available, again for a minimal annual fee. As I said a few days ago, take the company housing and once you find your feet, you may choose to 'opt out' but I know many people who have happily lived in grade 9 company housing for 15+ years. <em>edited by Cherry ripe on 05/09/2013</em>
1370
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 12:07
From someone who operates on a tight budget I would DEF take EK housing. One of the big issues here is that housing costs can rise dramatically ie apartments that we're AED 80k last year are now AED120k. Villas that were AED135k are now AED180k. If you do find a cheap villa but landlord decides he wants to up the rent they can force you out ( I know there are laws against them doing this but they can still give you 12 months notice). You will then be faced with trying to find another villa AND agents fees etc etc. Also, elec and water can easily rise to AED3 k a month or more in summer...again if you take EK villa this will be paid for. To me, it would be a TOTAL no brainer...Take company accomm. Re EK card.. I don't know a lot about it but I believe it's a card that gives you big discounts and lets you into beach clubs etc free. Others will know more.
849
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 12:06
The housing allowance is 12550 per month, 1300 car allowance, 100 telephone and basic 16500. If we choose the EK housing option, this will include the water and electricity and the 12500 will not be paid. If we on the other hand decide to find our own house, they will be paying the same amount. OP, I urge you to specifically ask them what housing they would offer your family if you accept the company accommodation. Even if they cannot tell you specifically where YOU would be, they should be able to tell you what they currently offer people of a similar grade with a family of 5. Given what others said about Emirates covering the rent, utilities and housing fee and that you can decide later to move out of company housing but can never move back in once you've left, I suspect you'll come out ahead both in terms of convenience and in terms of cost by having everything taken care of by EK. They tend to provide very good housing for their employees. Dealing with landlords here is a real pain and many expats get taken. DEWA and the housing fees a very high. You will save a lot of headaches by having everything arranged by your family and I suspect they will provide you a nicer place than you could afford if you rented yourselves when you add in all the additional expenses. (After all, when you rent as much housing in Dubai as EK does, they MUST be able to negotiate lower rates!)
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 11:58
Why don't you use Prune to ask your questions. It appears that no 777 wives are on here anymore.
106
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 11:53
I am not associated with EK and have no idea of the standard of housing, but that aside, if i had a one time only choice of company accommodation incl utilities, i would take it, you can always opt out later, but worrying about your dewa bill on a tight income is not going to be fun... it would be easier to budget without the accommodation/bills headache.
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 11:49
The housing allowance is 12550 per month, 1300 car allowance, 100 telephone and basic 16500. If we choose the EK housing option, this will include the water and electricity and the 12500 will not be paid. If we on the other hand decide to find our own house, they will be paying the same amount. What do you mean by Ek Card? I may be wrong, but I *thought* (not sure why) that if you 'opt' out of accomodation then you also forfeit the pick up/drop off airport part. I would not opt out until you have settled.
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 11:46
Comments like this always baffle me, I don't give a hoot what the Jones' have, I want a nice car because it comfy, safe to drive, and atheistically pleasing, ditto the villa (though omit the safe to drive!), I want to eat out because after a day at work it is more relaxing to have dinner made for me, I like nice clothes because the fabric is soft and the cut makes me look good and hence I feel good. No thought to the Jones'. Do people really think that much about what others have I certainly waste zero time thinking about this so please just because some folks like luxury do not think that they are so shallow it is about keeping up with some 'in crowd' - it isn't, the items are liked on their own basis. And liking this type of stuff does not exclude you from going to the park with your kids, making a cake with them, going to the beach, reading a book (free family time) - money gives you the luxury and choice to do it all depending on what you and your family feel like on a given day. Freedom of choice, not a slave to your finances. Very well said.
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 11:45
The housing allowance is 12550 per month, 1300 car allowance, 100 telephone and basic 16500. If we choose the EK housing option, this will include the water and electricity and the 12500 will not be paid. If we on the other hand decide to find our own house, they will be paying the same amount. What do you mean by Ek Card? I thought EK staff got housing and schooling paid but OP states that they have to pay housing and although they will get schooling, the amount she states won't pay for GEMS school. If they get the EK card then that will also help loads.
7
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 09:49
The OP doesn't appear to have the company housing option, which, if I were in her shoes and were offered it, I would have chosen, even if it meant a lower monthly income. If you are Grade 9 you get the option - but it is only a one time choice, if you choose the housing allowance there is no going back into company accommodation. You can choose the company accommodation to start off and then opt out at a later date.
76
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 09:43
I thought EK staff got housing and schooling paid but OP states that they have to pay housing and although they will get schooling, the amount she states won't pay for GEMS school. If they get the EK card then that will also help loads. EK supply fully paid for company housing or you can elect to take an allowance and do your own thing (rent, buy, whatever). Schooling is at a fixed rate per child and it is up to you whether you put the kid into a more expensive school and pay the difference or find a cheaper option. edited by Roadrunner on 05/09/2013 The OP doesn't appear to have the company housing option, which, if I were in her shoes and were offered it, I would have chosen, even if it meant a lower monthly income.
7
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 09:33
I thought EK staff got housing and schooling paid but OP states that they have to pay housing and although they will get schooling, the amount she states won't pay for GEMS school. If they get the EK card then that will also help loads. EK supply fully paid for company housing or you can elect to take an allowance and do your own thing (rent, buy, whatever). Schooling is at a fixed rate per child and it is up to you whether you put the kid into a more expensive school and pay the difference or find a cheaper option. <em>edited by Roadrunner on 05/09/2013</em>
81
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 08:53
[ I actually take pleasure in knowing that I don't need to keep up with the Joneses. Thankfully that also means that I end up saving more than average. Lol! Comments like this always baffle me, I don't give a hoot what the Jones' have, I want a nice car because it comfy, safe to drive, and atheistically pleasing, ditto the villa (though omit the safe to drive!), I want to eat out because after a day at work it is more relaxing to have dinner made for me, I like nice clothes because the fabric is soft and the cut makes me look good and hence I feel good. No thought to the Jones'. Do people really think that much about what others have I certainly waste zero time thinking about this so please just because some folks like luxury do not think that they are so shallow it is about keeping up with some 'in crowd' - it isn't, the items are liked on their own basis. And liking this type of stuff does not exclude you from going to the park with your kids, making a cake with them, going to the beach, reading a book (free family time) - money gives you the luxury and choice to do it all depending on what you and your family feel like on a given day. Freedom of choice, not a slave to your finances. OP - your life and you know what you want I hope your decision brings you much happiness.
76
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 08:52
In a rush, so just a quick response. In your shoes , I would def have a look at some other cheaper schools. Although many people are happy with Gems school, I believe there are several schools providing just as good, if not a better education at a much cheaper price. The only advantage with Gems, is that if you got a job as a TA there, you get some of the school fees paid. Many other schools don't contribute to fees of the TA's. Typically TA jobs are around AED5 to AED6 k a month. Re a villa, again consider fact you will have higher utilities in a villa than an apartment. Don't rule out a ground floor apartment with 'garden' area. Good luck. Do you know about the EK benefits? I thought that EK benefits included housing, housing fees and DEWA bills, as well as excellent medical insurance and payment of school fees? I suppose it depends on the employee's grade and the contract they negotiated? Are there fewer benefits for employees joining now than there used to be? OP, no matter how frugal a life you lead, and even if you "downgrade" to a cheaper school, I really can't see you finding a villa you can afford, unless it is well subsidised by EK In the first place. Part-time jobs for trailing spouses pay peanuts here, too, though they are not too hard to find in schools and nurseries. I completely understand your longing for sun instead of snow and I hope it works out well for you and your family.
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 08:47
If he is a pilot then it would have to be a decent package. Who would work for that amount and then pay out extra for accom, medical, transport and schooling? Seriously.
1370
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 08:45
I thought same as you initially but OP seems to indicate that the housing and car allowance are included in that AED30k which surprised me as I thought EK paid housing etc. If she gets housing and car allowance AND AED30k a month then they've absolutely no problem but I don't think that's what OP is saying.
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 08:38
I thought EK staff got housing and schooling paid but OP states that they have to pay housing and although they will get schooling, the amount she states won't pay for GEMS school. If they get the EK card then that will also help loads. No she said that she is getting housing, transport, %school fees, medical etc. She will also get some bills paid or part paid.
1370
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 08:36
I thought EK staff got housing and schooling paid but OP states that they have to pay housing and although they will get schooling, the amount she states won't pay for GEMS school. If they get the EK card then that will also help loads.
336
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 08:30
In a rush, so just a quick response. In your shoes , I would def have a look at some other cheaper schools. Although many people are happy with Gems school, I believe there are several schools providing just as good, if not a better education at a much cheaper price. The only advantage with Gems, is that if you got a job as a TA there, you get some of the school fees paid. Many other schools don't contribute to fees of the TA's. Typically TA jobs are around AED5 to AED6 k a month. Re a villa, again consider fact you will have higher utilities in a villa than an apartment. Don't rule out a ground floor apartment with 'garden' area. Good luck. Do you know about the EK benefits?
1370
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 08:26
The way we get round the sports costs and my kids are hugely sporty is to let them do one paid activity a week and no more. Yep, they sometimes ask to do more but generally things like horse riding which they wouldnt be doing in UK either. At holidays, we use Entertainer vouchers and let them ski or ice skate or maybe visit a water park. Some of their friends have loads of dosh but more and more seem to be in a similar position to us. They then do free ECA's at school, we go to a free surf group and a free running group and source as many cheap/ free activities as possible. They are out there.... Re social life...maybe I'm just too old but we rarely have time for a social life but when we do I mainly have people over or go to their houses. Never breaks the bank. Kids birthday parties can be a big expense re buying presents but I source cards, wrapping paper and a variety of gifts back in UK as so much cheaper and saves a fortune.
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY