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Singapore vs Dubai

40

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 12:21

Hi
We might be moving to Dubai after 5 years in Singapore. We're a British couple with one toddler. Has anyone lived in both countries and can you give an overview of which you prefer, what we will miss in Dubai, pros cons etc? What are the best family friendly areas to live in? Is there anywhere similar to Holland Village or River Valley (local shops, restaurants, bars, botanic gardens for kids to run around in etc). Thank you

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24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 15:31

Thanks everyone, we're definitely thinking twice about the move based on feedback. to New 64, do you get more space for your money rent wise? How do you feel the quality of accommodation compares? I love the new condos here with beautiful facilities but find the apartments too small. As a result, we live in an old one to get more space but lacks the gym, gardens etc. I guess the decision will come down to money in the end.has anyone got any more plus points about living in Dubai vs Singapore? Hi LB101 - We have a much smaller place here in Dubai.... But that is the trade-off for living in the Marina, which is the area we've chosen for ourselves. The construction quality in general seems to be comparable to Singapore, and a lot of the condos have decent gyms and pools. You'll have to decide what is most important for your family.... size, location, convenience? :-) Good luck!! <em>edited by New 64 on 13/08/2013</em>

277

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 12:58

I doubt education in Singapore would be "much more expensive" than in Dubai. Tanglin School (British) which is the one I have most experience with is 78,000Dhs pa for a 4 year old child. I think the new Foremark school is around this price but for me 78k pa is quite a bit more than most schools in Dubai. The American School of Singapore is around 90,000Dhs for KG, I think that is much more than ASD or DAA. Obviously there are much cheaper schools in Singapore, like there are here in Dubai. Its up to an individual as to where they send their children. But if you moved from American School of Singapore to American School of Dubai I think it will be cheaper. LB101- To answer your question about bikes, yes you can ride bikes - some places are too dangerous but once you are here you will see its are really outdoor/sporty place. There is stand up paddle boarding, outdoor yoga, mountain biking groups, cycling tracks, tennis, running tracks, sailing, and lots of other fun things to do. <em>edited by Ilovechoos on 12/08/2013</em>

22

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 12:23

We moved from Singapore to Dubai recently. Singapore changed a lot during our nine years there . I am loving Dubai so far - helps that we moved from apartment to villa, you don't pay through your nose for a certificate to own a car - forget the car itself! Plus things are a third cheaper here if you convert into Singapore dollars :-) I still have to fully explore all the cultural aspects of this region but am enjoying road trips to the different Emirates. Singapore and Dubai both are relatively safe especially for families with young daughters which is great! I believe that people make a place - ultimately expats leave countries with fond memories of times spent with friends and relationships fostered... I hope to have a wonderful set of friends once school starts ... but truth be told I'm also enjoying being a 'tourist' for the time being.

993

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 09:29

I doubt education in Singapore would be "much more expensive" than in Dubai. in Singapore, school fees cost around GBP12,000 for a 5 year old exclusive of extras and rise with age. Is that around the same? The cheaper Dubai schools are cheaper than GBP 12k, while the expensive ones are costlier

40

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 09:25

I doubt education in Singapore would be "much more expensive" than in Dubai. in Singapore, school fees cost around GBP12,000 for a 5 year old exclusive of extras and rise with age. Is that around the same?

993

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 09:22

I guess the decision will come down to money in the end.has anyone got any more plus points about living in Dubai vs Singapore? Some pluses I can think of: Dubai food has more variety More freedom in buying/keeping cars Better located than Singapore when considering access to Europe and Africa Slower paced, not everyone will like this (Dubai escalators move slower than SG ones!); Some people consider the ability to drive outside a shop, honk your horn continuously for a shop person to run out (and shout at him if he is late), to be a +ve, but I personally don't <em>edited by Arch on 12/08/2013</em>

993

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 09:13

I doubt education in Singapore would be "much more expensive" than in Dubai.

40

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 03:58

I also find the weather pretty draining in Singapore and would welcome a change from it. We enjoy being outside a lot, going for bike rides, etc but I find myself overheating and knackered pretty quickly so it would be great if these things were easier in Dubai. Are there places to go for bike rides? I visited Dubai for a long weekend in April to meet up with a friend. It actually rained most of the weekend but I was told it was freak weather! We had a fun weekend.. Stayed in the Marina which was quite noisy with the construction and went to some great restaurants. I didn't know there was a chance we would move there though so just looked at it through the eyes of a tourist. I loved the fact there were English shops!

277

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 13:26

I love both Singpore and Dubai, I have not lived in Singapore but I visit frequently. For me Dubai is preferred only because I find Singpores humidity and weather quite difficult for long periods of time. Dubai is awful 3-4 months of the year but the rest of the time the weather is pretty great. Apartments in Singapore from what I found are very small and expensive compared to Dubai. Schools are also from what I understand a lot more expensive in Singapore than in Dubai. Don't be put off Dubai just because of traffic and a bit of chaos, its a great place to live and I think a lovely place to bring up kids. If you have a child, or if you work its quite easy to meet people and have a social life. Have you visited Dubai before?

1996

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 11:38

If the only places you have seen driving in are the UK and Singapore, you will get a pretty nasty surprise. Food, petrol and cars are all cheaper in Dubai. Dubai has better weather than Singapore roughly 6 months out of 12 Customer service is about the same. In some ways, there are even more "rules" than in Singapore, many things which are normal elsewhere are not allowed, however, you can chew gum ! No gum chewing in the Metro-200dh fine!

40

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 03:12

Thanks everyone, we're definitely thinking twice about the move based on feedback. to New 64, do you get more space for your money rent wise? How do you feel the quality of accommodation compares? I love the new condos here with beautiful facilities but find the apartments too small. As a result, we live in an old one to get more space but lacks the gym, gardens etc. I guess the decision will come down to money in the end.has anyone got any more plus points about living in Dubai vs Singapore?

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 11:31

Hello, having lived in Asia for a long time, including Singapore, we're finding the level of competency in all areas to be lower than in Asia. While cars and gasoline are cheap here I do not agree that everything else is cheaper than in Singapore. Especially not rents, which you pay in 1 check for the full year. Dubai may seem developed and modern, but a lot of it is just "flash". Singapore is a better run country in every way, including your internet speed :-) Also keep in mind that for around 4 months each year it is unbearably hot, and you and your children will be spending most of our time indoors. On the plus side - the beaches here are wonderful (during the cooler months), and it is an interesting culture and you'll find a lot of great Arabic and Indian food (not Chinese). We'd move back to Singapore in a heartbeat.. but the jury is still out on Dubai....

654

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 21:44

The closest comparison to Holland Village is probably Jumeira. Loads of smaller shopping centers and outdoor cafes (when the weather is nice) along the Beach Road in Jumeira 1-3 and out towards Umm Suqeim.

5

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 18:15

I found Dubai a very easy place to settle into as so many folk here are expats so have all been 'newbies' at some point! It is also easier if you have kids because play groups/nurseries/schools are a great way to meet people. Sadly, the street life of Holland Village etc is not really here but I love living here although would not say no if we got the chance to move to Singapore for a year or two as we love visiting our friends there!!!

993

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 13:39

If the only places you have seen driving in are the UK and Singapore, you will get a pretty nasty surprise. Food, petrol and cars are all cheaper in Dubai. Dubai has better weather than Singapore roughly 6 months out of 12 Customer service is about the same. In some ways, there are even more "rules" than in Singapore, many things which are normal elsewhere are not allowed, however, you can chew gum !

40

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 13:15

Thanks - that's very helpful. I keep reading about how bad the driving is and your comment worries me as I find the driving in Singapore pretty appalling! A few more questions - is Dubai an easy place to move to and find your feet? The move to Singapore from London was a very easy transition -we quickly met some great friends and found our way around pretty easily. Most of the people we met (expats) we welcoming and helpful so it didn't take long to settle in. What's your experience of settling into life in Dubai?

8965

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 29 July 2013 - 12:29

Hi We might be moving to Dubai after 5 years in Singapore. We're a British couple with one toddler. Has anyone lived in both countries and can you give an overview of which you prefer, what we will miss in Dubai, pros cons etc? What are the best family friendly areas to live in? Is there anywhere similar to Holland Village or River Valley (local shops, restaurants, bars, botanic gardens for kids to run around in etc). Thank you Dubai is cheaper than Singapore in the way of eating out, alcohol, clothes shopping There are many shops, restaurants, bars, parks etc lots more than Singapore Family friendly areas are Arabian Ranches Victory Heights Springs Lakes Meadows Emirates Hill The Greens If you go on propertyfinder.ae you can get an idea of costs of villas etc Humidity is not as bad here as in Singapore however the level of driving in comparison is awful! <em>edited by sarahlou123 on 29/07/2013</em>

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Singapore Ranks As Happiest Country in Asia 2024

Singapore Ranks As Happiest Country in Asia 2024

How to legally hire a housemaid in Singapore

How to Legally Hire a Housemaid in Singapore

A Complete List of Singapore's Thrift Shops and Vintage Stores

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5 Free Things To Do With Your Kids This Weekend

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Schools in Singapore

Schools in Singapore

Rules, byelaws and legislations of Singapore City

Rules, byelaws and legislations of Singapore City

Recruitment companies in Singapore

Recruitment companies in Singapore

Paying utility bills in Singapore

Paying utility bills in Singapore

Newborn Baby Visa in Singapore

Newborn Baby Visa in Singapore

10 Incredible Transformation Photos of Singapore

10 Incredible Transformation Photos of Singapore

Universities in Singapore

Universities in Singapore

Guide to Income Tax in Singapore

Guide to Income Tax in Singapore

Buying a car in Singapore

Buying a car in Singapore

Markets in Singapore

Markets in Singapore

Driving in Singapore

Driving in Singapore