Potential job in UAE

[Needanewname]

DH is looking at a job in UAE, my initial reaction is great go for it, but before we (OK, I) get too carried away with the idea, thought I;d ask what its like, what the general cost of living is, schools, homes life etc

TIA

UAE is actually eight or nine different countries, I can't remember. Depending on which one it is (one has no alcohol whatsoever) will depend on the replies you get.
We lived in Oman for three years and it was brilliant, we went to the Emirates for glitz and glamour.

I think its Abu Dhabi, sorry I wasn't clear, everythings up in the air at the moment.

DH has applied for a job and I was looking into cost of living but wasn't having much luck yesterday (was supposed to working!) but what I did see was scary and I thought I'd get a more honest view from here!

Thanks Kreecher

My DH had a job possibility in Abu Dhabi just over a year ago but it fell through and he's ended up in Qatar instead. The best information you can get is from a guidebook in the Explorer series about Abu Dhabi (I actually have an unread copy that i bought before the change of destination, but you may want to have a firm offer before you buy any books)

If you have children the school situation is easier in Abu Dhabi than in Dubai but housing was expensive because it was in shorter supply. This may have changed now as new developments open and as supply increases prices have fallen. But either way how affordable it is depends on the salary package your husband is offered. Cost of living is basically high, but can make financial sense if he is offered allowances on top of his base salary to pay for accommodation, transport, entertainment, school tuition, fly backs etc. This is typical of an ex-pat package in Qatar anyway, in that accommodation is included as an allowance (which gives you a choice to live wherever you want) or is provided free by the company.

If his salary is just one large lump sum then you'll need to figure out if you can afford all the things you'll need out there for it to make financial sense - one or 2 cars, housing, school tuition, food, utilities, etc. Do a search for ex-pat forums that cover Abu Dhabi and you can get an idea of those costs from there.

Many thanks. So far only know about salary, will find out more details. Salary very high for UK but not sure if it would cover everything out there as the cost of accomodation is high from what I've seen

Just to clarify what Kreecher said, the UAE is a single country but comprises 7 Emirates, which are a bit like US states- the others include Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khamah and Al Ain. They all have their own governments and laws, but also there are some national laws. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE. The ruler of Abu Dhabi is the ruler of the UAE.

Accommodation is v expensive. Food is +50% vs UK. Cars are v cheap. Petrol is practically free. You also need to think about schooling as there is no state school option in Abu Dhabi (well there is but you probably wouldn't entertain it).

Abu Dhabi is nice. It's more conservative than Dubai but also less hectic and more family friendly IMO. You can wear western dress but you do need to be conservative- I always wore trousers or skirts below the knee, and covered my shoulders.

There's no income tax at all, so providing you are non-resident in the UK, you shouldnt have to pay any tax at all on your DH's salary.

Well we've not heard back so I'm guessing I can stop getting excited, but many thanks, you never know another opportunity might come up!

Al ain isn't a separate state, it's part of AD. Kiwi from what I hear accom in AD is now more expensive than Qatar.