AIBU in thinking I can afford to move to Dubai?

[Partygirl2021]

I’m a single mum of a 15 month old, divorce should be finalised in a couple of months. It was always my dream to move abroad and Dubai is my first choice. My ex always refused to relocate. I earn £46k in London in a resourcing job. AIB unrealistic in thinking I could afford to live there? I know accommodation and school fees are high but I would love anyone’s experience.

OP my mum took me to live in Dubai when I was young and she was a single mother and we had a ball. This was 30 years ago mind. My dad was also a halfway deadbeat. No regrets.

[quote SoberCurious78]@Shmithecat2 that just sound creepy, not glorious 🙄[/quote]
Well, it's not. It's just a huge, unashamed, genuine love for kids 🤷🏻‍♀️

At least visit for a few months first.

It sounds great but everyone I know who has or does live there regrets it. Its very very different...

Ballondog says on £45k you can afford to live as long as your expectations are not to high. But you will also be able to afford a live in maid!! Makes you think what is the maids life like if life is hard with £45k her life must be pretty shit on what you will pay her.

Why would anyone move to Dubai for the weather? Spain or Greece or maybe even Australia I can understand (not me personally because I hate hot weather) but the summer in Dubai is extreme. Have you ever lived in a place where it’s over 40 degrees for an extended period OP? You will have air con but it’s not what you would call an ‘outdoors lifestyle’. Being outdoors for too long in weather like that can be dangerous, especially for a young child,

@Partygirl2021 join British Mums Dubai facebook page and ask your question there, you will get a current view of cost of living, job opportunities and living in Dubai as a single mum.

Yes agree @Proudboomer
If you can afford a maid on 46k living in one of the most at expensive places on earth then someone is paying the price for it and it ain’t you.

It isn't the most family friendly of places. The only people I know out there do not have children. I know a few families out in Australia that really love the lifestyle.

I used to live there. It’s not somewhere I’d consider bringing up a child.

As an unmarried single you would struggle.

Nursery and school fees re very high. Youd need to earn much more.

Is there anywhere else you’d consider? Maybe go for a month?

I think I value human and women’s rights to ever live out there.

It’s not all the glitz you see on Instagram stories.

I'd rather Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to Dubai.
Alot freer societies. Fabulous climate. Good expat life without the restrictions imposed in Dubai.

This thread is mental
Op, you dont earn enough. Nowhere near enough. Even if you did, being a single mother would be seriously difficult if not impossible. And why the fuck are people talking about KSA as if it's even remotely relevant. You cant go to KSA as a single mother. You cant even go as a single woman or work as a woman except the 'permitted' women's jobs.

My son lives and works in Dubai. His wife is Turkish and loves it there. The plan has always been to work there for 5 years and save enough to move back to Turkey and buy a house near the beach. Ds is 50 now.I don’t think it would be an easy or desirable move for a single mother and I don’t think £46k pa would be enough for a comfortable lifestyle there. It is very expensive and extremely hot !

"Women have the same constitutional rights as men but remain completely unprotected in key areas. Women can vote, drive, own property, work, and get an education – however, some of these require approval from their guardian"

Yeah.... I'd go to Dubai as a single parent... .NOT!

I always got the impression Dubai is just one giant hotel-cum-deluxe shopping mall for the super rich. If you are not super rich it is quite a harsh existence.

But it's my idea of hell. I wouldn't go there on a free holiday. Women's rights, appalling conditions for the migrant construction workers etc. It's hell with a shiny shop front.

I think you need to more than holiday for 2 weeks OP.

I’ve been on holiday and I loved it. I don’t think I would like to live there.

One of my best friends moved to Dubai with her husband, had a baby and got divorced. She experienced violence, spitting and her child kicked out from their school once she was a single parent. Please think about if this is the best place to be thinking about.

I hear its very sexist. It's bad enough here as a single mum.
Will you be allowed to eat out alone as a single woman?

Even if you could afford to, why would you want to go there?

I have lived in Dubai and some of the comments here bear no resemblance to living in Dubai.

There are a huge amount of nurseries, and a huge amount of them are British run.

There are some great areas to live in which have lots of outdoor areas on your doorstep, lakes, canals, beach, lots of opportunities for walking or running.

Communities with playgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pools, gyms, restaurants, great for families.
From October to April, the weather is wonderful for an outdoor lifestyle. The summer months are horrid and humid.

The economy is not what it was, lots of job losses, so if you can get an internal transfer with your current job that would be your best option I would say.

Good luck.

Dubai seems to be the new costa del sol. A magnet for nouveau riche air heads. Appealing place, who would want to live in a desert?

Again have you ever been there?

Women are not respected as much as men, and it is very racist and sexist. That aside, if you have a good job you can do very well for yourself. Your accommodation will all be paid so you will have very few outgoings and you can save an immense amount of money. International schools are excellent and childcare is plentiful and cheap. It isn't as dire as people are saying on this thread - your experience will very much be tied to your job. You must have a good job, and obviously a western passport helps immensely.

Also, it's an adventure. You can go and if you don't like it you can always move back home. It's not the end of the world.

In respect to human rights, living there for a year or two isn't really going to impact women's rights! If you want to be ethical there are other ways. But if you get an amazing job in Dubai and are able to save a substantial sum it could change your life and provide amazing opportunities for your child. Why not explore that?

Sho would look after your child. Presumably you will be taking her/him with you. Its not a good idea for a lone parent.