Considering move to Dubai- any dubai mums?

[SneakyLilNameChange]

I know these threads have been done to death (I've read almost every one!) but thought I'd get some advice for our family.
Currently living in UK with 8 and 5 year old- combined income around £90k.
DH has been offered a job in Dubai with an income of £140k (no extras/package just this salary- company policy) with potential to increase to £250k over the next 10 years or so.
I would probably not work initially as my career does not work over there but try and find some freelance or set up some work over time.
We would want to live somewhere decent for kids (not expecting a massive villa or anything- small house or apartment with shared pool would be fine) and we wouldnt need a maid as I'd be off.
Main costs would be rent, school fees x 2, health insurance etc.
Would this be doable on a £150k salary? Thanks!

Can I suggest you give AED figures? Saying GBP makes it hard to be sure how much you're actually talking about.

Don't assume the salary will increase. Most of the time it doesn't.

Assume you won't be working unless you have an in demand skill set (and it sounds like you don't). It's far safer as the job market is a nightmare at the moment.

Your DH will get insurance with his job (it's the law). Are there any pre-existing conditions for your or your children?

Assuming salary offered is 55k a month:

education 10k
housing 15k (assumes apartment or 3 bed on the outskirts but you may need to increase this)
food 5k
cars 8k (including petrol and insurance and assumes two secondhand relatively basic cars but not the cash to buy up front)
utilities/phones: 3k
insurance and visas: 3k

Leaves 11k a month for everything else.

Completely doable, but you will need to watch spending to be able to save (eg extra curriculars for the kids could easily set you back 3k+ a month depending on how much they do, one brunch will be around 1.5k (if you like that sort of thing), and a trip home over the summer/Christmas can easily cost 25k plus a time with flights, car hire and the expenses of needing to entertain everyone).

I agree with @Dubaiferret. It’ll be tight but doable. Have a look at some of the property websites to get an idea of of rental prices (propertyfinder.ae and bayut.com). Also, school places can be hard to find - try to rent near school as the traffic can be awful! We’ve been over 20 years and don’t live an extravagant life by any means but cost of living is high and increasing. Saying that, we love it and it’s very safe, especially for kids.

@Dubaiferret thank you so much for all that info!

Any areas you'd recommend for families moving to Dubai?

I would start with finding the school and then work from there. It would be worth looking at the new Dubai British School in Mira and living in Mira/Mira Oasis/Town Square.

Ask to join this group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BritishExpatsDubai
They have loads of sticky posts that will help and they are also a nice group to ask questions of. Probably one of the most unbiased and useful groups to be a member of!

Thank you I have joined that group :) There is some info and advice but its' tricky as obviously it varies a lot depending on where people live etc. Health insurance for myself and kids is an additional cost we wouldnt have in UK.