From USA to dubai...

Hi all,

I am new to IL.

There is a possibility that i might have to relocate to dubai from usa. How is it in dubai? Are there regualr indian stores in dubai like they have in usa? Also, how are the apts? do they have a common laundary and are there appliances (Microwave,fridge, cooking gas range) given in the apt? IS the cost of living which would include groceries,general health and hygeine items, medical expenses very high? THe salary provided will be 11K /month out of which ~3K wud be cut off as HRA and probably some more as med.insurance, is that enuf to have a decent life (for 2), not into clubs or extensive shopping just a middle class indian lifestyle.

ALso, can sombody give address of Sathya Sai center in Dubai? what activitis do they hav there? bhajans,study circles, balvikas? do they also have annual retreats like thy have in USA?

Somebody please do respond.

thanks

me2

Hi Me2,
Welcome to IL. As you will see, the site is very friendly as well as informative. We look forward to your participation.
Dubai is a "much happening" place. We have seen Dubai growing in the last few years.
There are Indian stores and almost everything is available here (flowers, vegetables, cookware, et al). The apartments are slightly expensive. Even a 1 BHK would cost an average of AED 50,000 per annum. The household expenses would be about AED 4,000 for a family of 2. So, in your case, we are not talking of a big savings initially with single income. However, if you decide to work, then your income will be additional savings.
There are EHV and other activities happening in Dubai. We can discuss that when you are in Dubai.
Good luck and take care.
Regards
USHA

you are not coming to dubai: you are coming to INDIA.

that's what you will experience.

great place to be in.

Hi
Welcome to IL and to Dubai.
Dubai is a very very cosmopolitan place, not at all "one of the middle east" as wrongly perceived by a lot of people. Very modern place and very Indian friendly since there are lots of Indians living here.

Dubai in fact is more India friendly than US, every shop stocks Indian items, so you need not go looking for an "Indian shop" like in US. Loads of Indian restaurants serving food at nominal prices. For more traditional Indian items, you can visit the temple complex area in Dubai where there are lots of shops selling traditional stuff. You can even buy Indian style fresh flowers everyday from here. There are lots of Indians especially in Bur Dubai and Karama areas which are almost like a Mini India.

Apartments can range from normal looking to very stylish looking depending on the rent and location. Mostly apartments come unfurnished, if you want appliances in the apartment, it would cost you a bit more. Actually it is much cheaper if you take an unfurnished apartment and furnish it yourself, Dubai being a shopper's paradise, there is variety to suit every pocket.

Like Usha mentioned, rents are the main expense in Dubai and are as costly as New York. A 1B/R apt in a central locality would cost you 4,500 a month. From a salary of 11,000, if 3k is cut for HRA, then you would be left with 8K. FOr 2 people, monthly bills at 4k average, you can manage a normal comfortable life if you cut down on unnecesscary spending and eating out. Savings would be difficult at this level but if both of you work and earn an combined income of 20K then it would be great to save and live comfortably.

Also, if 3K is cut as HRA, then the company must be providing you accomodation, so then you need not bother about the rental expense. Many people also stay in Sharjah and travel everyday to Dubai (about an hour's drive) to save some money on rents.

There are lots of bhajan groups in Karama area (which is a little South India) but I am not aware of the details. So that is not something that you need to worry about missing.

Will your salary be 11,000 Dirhams per month, or 11,000 US Dollars?

Depending on your degree(s), work experience, and other factors, 11,000 Dirhams, could be a very low salary, or a fortune.

Also, your job should include medical insurance. You should NOT have to pay for it out of your salary!

Same as housing, plane tickets, initial visa fees, and possibly other expenses such as relocation, shipping fees, transportation allowance, and telephone/utility allowance.

Feel free to write if you need more information or details. Also, do a google seach for the UAE labor law, so you can be well informed of the legal requirements/responsibilities of your potential employer.

Regarding apartments: You will find various kinds, ranging from unfurnished, semi furnished, to full furnished.

Unfurnished means that absolutely nothing is in the apartment. Other than light bulbs!

You would have to buy everything: furniture, curtains, applicances INCLUDING refrigerator, stove, ACs, etc.

With semi furnished, you'd have to check the various places to see what is included, but generally would have ACs, stove, and refrigerator.

Fully furnished would have the basic appliances (ACs, stove, refrigerator, and possibly a TV), as well as furniture and curtains.

There are not public laundry machines or self laundry places like in the US. Even in your own apartment building, you would not see public machines. You would either have to purchase your own, or send your clothes to a laundry shop.

Note that it is ILLEGAL to hang your laundry, where it would be visible, out from windows, or on your balcony. You will be fined!