Opportunity for DH to work in Abu Dhabi - thoughts on relocating please...

[Meeely3]

Hello learned oversea living parents, I require some advice please.

My husband has been given the chance to work in Abu Dhabi from March until December - we know very little details at this stage, but he has expressed his interest and will see where it gets him. His boss has mentioned there could be an opportunity to relocate and since I work at the same company they would find me work out there also.

My questions are many obviously, but let me pick out the few more important ones:

1. we have 3 kids - 5yo twins and nearly 1 year old - schools I hear are hard to get into, so what happens if you don't, do your kids just not get schooled?
   
   
2. From the googling I have done, it seems the nurseries take kids from 2, is there childcare available in the form of Nanny's, childminders for my youngest?
   
   
3. Possibly a difficult one to answer - since we both relocating with one company, would we both get a package, or get one combined but enhanced package?
   
   I can think of many more, but that should keep you going for a bit!
   
   Thank you!

[foxytocin]

first thing for me is: if he goes for only 9 months, he still has to pay UK taxes on all the money he earns in AD. Is he aware of that? He would have to be there from April 2010 to April 2011 to qualify for tax free status.

It used to be illegal to home school in AD until v recently. that has changed recently I have heard. But there are now several new private schools all owned by an Emirati public/private initiative (ALDAR) which may have eased the pressure on places however, you would have to be aware that you may not get into your first choice and that you may have a commute to and from the school your children get into. the city traffic sucks but if you already live in a congested city, that may be a none issue.

'Nanny' is a loose term used for usually imported Filipina/Indonesian/Indian women who would be termed as unskilled labourers and are really domestics who look after children, IMO. many people go through agencies to find one and the quality (or trainability) of who you get I would worry is pot luck. Many times expat women who are leaving AD will 'advertise' a vacancy on tje expat telegraph behalf of their 'nannies' or 'maids' if they have found a diamond in the rough and want to secure her a future employer as a way of showing gratitude. Many expats also take advantage of their nannies/maids. but then that is another story.

That would be entirely policy company's and I'd expect they may have different employment rules which are based on AD law. I'd expect that your husband would qualify for full expat package for a family (which is generally negotiable within certain parameters) you would probably be hired as 'local' thereby not be entitled to certain things like a separate housing allowance.

then of course I may be talking male cow;s undercarriage but others will chime in sooner or later.

[sowhatis]

go for it. it will be an experience. may be in similar position to you soon. xx

[desertkiwi]

Ditto to everything in Focytocin's post. I wouldn't really consider moving to AD for just 9 months - a lot of upheaval for your family unless it is likely to be extended for several years.

1. The most popular schools (e.g. British School Al Khubairat), are hard to get into, but people do seem to find places for their children. As mentioned above, there are several new schools (Al Muna, Pearl, BISAD)and I have heard good reports about them from friends. If you are planning on coming in March, then you should get onto the schools immediately and put names down. Schooling is expensive so you should ensure contract includes an allowance for school fees. Some people do homeschool.
   
   2)Nurseries do take younger children. The one DD1 is at takes them from 6 weeks I think so you could look at a nursery for your youngest. The most popular nurseries do have long waiting lists though. Not sure if any nurseries are open late - DD1s closes at 4pm. Many people have full-time live-in helpers/maids who do housework and some childcare. Some are excellent with children, others not so good - luck of the draw really so best to find someone through past employer recommendations. I see lots of small children at playgroup with their maid taking care of them. Maids do not have childcare qualifications but most have children of their own or past experience with children.
   
   
2. Unfortunately you are unlikely to get 2 housing allowances if you both work for same company. You should try to negotiate a generous allowance for housing because it is extremely expensive.
   
   Hope that helps.

[mimsum]

dh is working in AD at the moment - originally supposed to be for 6 months, although it's been extended and extended

I wouldn't have even considered moving out for just 9 months tbh - it's a huge upheaval and moving is incredibly expensive

I did end up doing two trans-Atlantic moves in 10 months a few years ago and wouldn't recommend it ...