Posted on: 08-06-10 11:00:04
I had applied for a job in Abu Dhabi and the organization (Govt. Agency) invited me to Abu Dhabi for an interview. They presented me with an offer but I am not sure about the cost of living there and other expenses.
Also, note that I have been living in Canada for 18 years and my current salary is approx. $110K excluding bonus.
The offer in Abu Dhabi is as follows:
Total cash component per month: 25,280 AED
Additional incentives:
Annual air ticket for family to Toronto
Annual leave: 42 days
Health care: For family
Housing allowance: 210,000 AED per year
Education allowance: AED 20,000 per child per year
Furniture allowance: AED 50,000 (one time payment)
Moving expenses: partly paid (upto 500 kg.)
The position is at a senior level and I am wondering whether this is a typical package.
Thank you in advance to those who respond.
but depends on your family situation, how did u apply, even i am tempeted by this offer.
Kal,
Few things from my side
I am not aware of present situation, but all this information is based on 4-5 years back
Your package is attractive
Salary, benefits, housing etc are all good
Even vacation days are typical 40-45 days in middle East
can I ask you few things -
Are u a Canadian Citizen ?
Are you from Engineering or Management background ?
Will you be moving with family or alone ?
What's your take on taxes in Canada ?
Thanks
Well, to your answers.
I have been a Canadian citizen for a long-time now. I will be moving with my family (Wife+2 kids). My wife is a lawyer here and in India.
I have an MBA from here and am currently working in the energy field within the Govt. As you know, the Govt has several benefits including pension. My approx tax rate is 27% but then there are some other deductions.
I am in the regulatory area which is kind of specialized and the job in Abu Dhabi is similar, albeit at a director level.
I have reviewed the offer but believe that the cash portion is a bit less and should be around 30,000 AED per month. This is the reason that I am looking for advice from people who have recently immigrated from the UAE.
Once again, thanks to all those who responded.
Hi Kal,
Looks like a pretty decent offer, how did you apply for the job. I am looking to move to ME as well, I have an MBA too but working in IT field. Would appreciate if you provide some pointers as to how to go about searching for work in ME.
Thanks
Quote:
Originally posted by tungrus
Hi Kal,
Looks like a pretty decent offer, how did you apply for the job. I am looking to move to ME as well, I have an MBA too but working in IT field. Would appreciate if you provide some pointers as to how to go about searching for work in ME.
Thanks
This view is based from my experience and talking to people. Others may feel differently. It is fairly difficult to find a job from Canada in ME, unless it is a perfect fit and they cannot find anyone else. The employers are becoming frugal and their preference is to hire from South Asia, cause its cheaper. Even for positions that require specialised or unique skills, the preference is to hire from Europe since most of their management/regulatory models are from the UK. Furthermore, because so many Western expats are from Europe they bring more people from their own region. Also, what I have recently heard is that there are several skilled unemployed people within the ME (due to the recession) and they are being given the first preference.
I believe hiring from North America is the most expensive for them, in terms of some of the benefits (moving, annual ticket etc.). I had applied for some positions before but generally they don't even bother replying. And frankly, many of the good positions pay far better here than in ME. Also, since I am in a very specialized field like regulation, local recruiters lack the ability to understand the experience. I applied for the position through the magazine "The Economist" and it was directly to the employer.
I guess I don't need to tell you about the number of job sites that advertise jobs in the middle east. However, do look at some uk web sites that advertise ME jobs.
http://jobs.trovit.co.uk/
This is one of them but I am sure you can find several through google. A large number of ME employers advertise in UK newspapers and Web sites due to their preference for hiring UK educated/experience employees.
Note that I don't have much experience job hunting in ME. I believe some recent immigrants may be able to better assist you, especially someone who knows a recruiter there who can review your CV.
Cheers and Best of Luck
Kal,
I have been here for a while but I am in touch with my Family and friends in Dubai.
Based on what I know, I think its a decent offer when you look at the complete package compared to what you are getting now in Canada. The only issue before recession was housing and Job security. Rental increases have slowed down and since you are with government you are in safe zone.
Also, you may have good opportunity for investment as property rates have really fallen.
I would say take it and don't worry about 5000 AED to jeopardize the offer.
Quote:
Originally posted by Kal
I had applied for a job in Abu Dhabi and the organization (Govt. Agency) invited me to Abu Dhabi for an interview. They presented me with an offer but I am not sure about the cost of living there and other expenses.
Also, note that I have been living in Canada for 18 years and my current salary is approx. $110K excluding bonus.
The offer in Abu Dhabi is as follows:
Total cash component per month: 25,280 AED
Additional incentives:
Annual air ticket for family to Toronto
Annual leave: 42 days
Health care: For family
Housing allowance: 210,000 AED per year
Education allowance: AED 20,000 per child per year
Furniture allowance: AED 50,000 (one time payment)
Moving expenses: partly paid (upto 500 kg.)
The position is at a senior level and I am wondering whether this is a typical package.
Thank you in advance to those who respond.
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Manjeet Singh
