Living in Dubai vs. Australia? Opinions?

[mae2014]

Hey mumsnetters,

As a backstory, I'm 27 and have been offered to move to Dubai with my work with 3 other girls I work with - were all similar ages.

My dilemma is, I was initially thinking of jacking in my job and moving over to Australia on a working holiday visa.

Has anyone lived/been to both and can advise which is better? in your opinion?

For Dubai, Id be on 32,000€ a year plus commission (600–1000€ a month)—my boss will be paying the first 3 months of accommodation, and then I will be contributing 450–750€ a month towards my rent and ill be paying utilies, it will be a 2 year contract.

The alternative to this is to sell my car (about 8k) and head over to my best friend in Brisbane and travel the east coast for 2 months and then find myself a job.

Really torn in what to do, I've always wanted to go Australia and feel like the lifestyle is more me, but then feel like its more logical to go to Dubai,

Please please give me some helpful advice, i need to decide over the next few days as my boss would like an answer xxx

Could you do both: Dubai and then a work visa to Australia until what age?!

It's a sin to like on Dubai on here

Australia has too many scary snakes for me!

It's a bit more than unlucky to experience racism though isn't it.

I lived in Dubai on a teacher's salary. Expenses can add up very quickly, especially if you are into glitz and parties. Utilities are pricey and rent is through the roof at the minute. That said our local Carrefour (Spinneys is extortionate ) is a similar price to Tesco's these days and it's winter at the moment so more free park/ beach options. I've encountered no sexism out here. Not denying the experiences of others but having spent time in Australia too, I've witnessed more overtime racism there. People I've met here have tended to be friendly and very multicultural.
You mentioned that lifestyle wise, Australia is more your cup of tea so I would let that guide me... I really miss nature. Also if you are an animal lover as I am, you may find it difficult. Currently saving to send some of my eight rescue cats back to the UK for rehoming as there are just so many strays out here...

@Bondibeechtree my point (as I'm sure you know) was that experiencing racism in Australia isn't something guaranteed.

I'm sorry you had bad experiences but you can't speak for everyone 🤷‍♀️

When you say "my boss", do you mean the company that employs you?

Or would the funding just be on the whim of an individual boss?

Have to admit I haven't been to either !
But I would go to Australia. Dubai human rights record and ethics don't sit well with me- I think as a young woman you would be vulnerable.
DH turned down lucrative opportunities as I didn't want to live there especially with our daughters.
Most people go there for purely financial reasons but from PP advice doesn't sound like it would be beneficial for you even for those reasons. So go to Australia! You are only young once and will have a fab time with your friend.

THANK YOU for rehoming the cats. Dubai is horrific for animals. Pedigrees are bought as disposable toys and then dumped when the novelty wears off. It’s actually illegal to feed strays, and they are rounded up from the streets and dumped in the desert to die a horrible death.

Awful country. And that’s without even touching on their human rights record.

My dad used to live just outside Dubai in another Emirate and walking past the pet shop used to make me cry. Gorgeous little kittens 8 to a cage in awful conditions. My dad isn't an animal lover, so never took any no matter how much I begged.

Australia is a democratic country.

No brainer for me.

Have lived in Dubai and visited Australia. Both have very high costs of living. I wouldn't go to Dubai on that salary. The unknown about Australia is you don't actually have a job so would need to make sure you have a good amount of savings for all eventualities including a return home to no job if things don't work out. Australia has an expiry in terms of visa's in that the older you get the harder it gets unless you work in skilled area they desperately want. In your shoes I would go to Australia, travel and then see what employment options there are while the opportunity is available to you.

I’d do Australia nothing about Dubai appeal to me. Awful women’s rights and the whole environment is fake. I’ve been to Australia and it’s the only place I’ve ever been and thought I could live there.

I agree it is there. They are behind in lots of ways, more sexist too. My friendship group there isn’t like that, but I know a lot are. Beautiful country though and lots of fun to explore. Still miles better than Dubai in all respects.

I'm not trying to speak for everyone. I'm putting across my experience like lots of other people are doing.