Cost of Living in Dubai: Accommodation, Transportation, and Food
There Are Ways to Control Your Living Expenses in Dubai
If you’re planning to work and live in Dubai, that’s one of the basic questions you need to ask and find the answer to. It’s the fundamental information you need to know before you actually go hunting for a job. Unlike in some countries, there are no minimum wage rates or standardized salaries in Dubai. What you would receive as compensation is largely dependent on how well you negotiate. Salary expectation is a basic question employers ask of applicants. It’s best to report to an interview with one specific figure, expressed in AED, in mind – the lowest monthly salary package you are willing to accept for any job you’re applying for.
Although this economic concept might involve a combination of many other factors, the quality of life you would have in Dubai is largely a factor of three things: your cost of living, lifestyle and your purchasing power. Since purchasing power is anchored on future earnings, it’s important to know what to expect in cost of living to give you a base figure for salary negotiations.
Factors in Dubai’s Cost of Living
In Dubai, cost of living revolves around three basic factors. Let’s examine each in the context of living in Dubai.
Accommodation
This is perhaps the largest single expense you would need to seriously take into consideration. Real estate is a thriving industry in Dubai as it becomes even more New York-like. Competing with commercial development, costs of residential buildings have gone up considerably in recent years. With the surge of businesses, the influx of foreign workers in Dubai has raised the demand for living spaces. Flats, villas and living quarters have become a scarce resource in Dubai because of the surge in demand. Therefore, rent is a huge consideration.
Transportation
Although Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority or RTA runs a very smooth operation, the number of passengers Dubai buses serve daily is just too much. The vehicle volume in Dubai’s main thoroughfares, particularly along Sheikh Zayed Road is overflowing at peak hours. Traffic is usually heavy, making it even more difficult for buses and taxis to turnaround quickly. Transportation is an issue in Dubai because many of Dubai’s business centers are located nowhere near residential areas.
Food
This is probably the least of your concerns. Despite the inflation and the state of the world’s economy, food has remained affordable in Dubai across all salary levels. Eating out is another story. But that’s an experience even laborers at construction sites in the Industrial Areas in Al Quoz can afford from time to time.
So, what are your options if you want to live in Dubai? How much should you make? That’s a question you need to answer yourself. Salaries in Dubai vary within a wide range depending on what you are selling (your qualifications) and how you are selling it (negotiation skills). It’s not unusual in Dubai to find an executive secretary making more than a sales representative in the same company. Even two secretaries working the same jobs can have different compensation packages.
Let’s take a look at your cost of living factors with respect to your options.
Your Options in Dubai
Accommodation
Depending on location, there are studio-type flats in Dubai that rent for under AED 3,500 a month. You’d find these in Deira or at Bur Dubai and in similar places. The high-end living options available at places like the Dubai Marina or Jumeirah start at AED 8,000 a month. Some people decide to share living space and split the cost. Other high-end compensation packages normally have company-provided villas or flats.
Transportation
Dubai bus fare is AED 2 per ride. Taxi fares start at AED 3. In Dubai, however, aving your own car is the cheapest, fastest and the easiest mode of transport. People with international driving licenses have a definite edge as jobseekers. But all drivers are required to obtain a UAE driving license in due time. If you have neither a car nor a valid driving license, you have another option besides taxis and Dubai bus: car lifts. People who have their own cars usually ferry friends and officemates to and from work.
Food
Food is a wonderful, cultural experience in Dubai. Since the world is represented in this small community, you’d find all sorts of exotic and delectable options. Chances are, you’d even find your favorite dish, whether that’s Indian Beryani or Italian pasta. Cost is not an issue. People in Dubai are blessed in that respect. Everyone can afford to eat anything they fancy. Whether you feel better cooking your own meals or you prefer ordering it from Dubai’s vast selection of restaurants, you’d find what you like here.
A Hint for Dubai Jobhunters
A key housing point to remember in interviews is to ask your employer if they provide their staff with free accommodation. There are companies in Dubai that offer free accommodation in staff houses even to their rank-and-file employees. Especially for job hunters that would fall in the low-income range, it is always good to join companies that provide free accommodation because the housing always comes with food allowances and transport service. As part of salary packages, cost of living allowances given in the form of free accommodation and transport service is a better option. It frees you from making these necessary arrangements yourself.
Hi, I have over 15 years experience in IT, currently in a very senior position but would like to experience Dubai- can you give me an idea of salary range and if there is a requirement for IT personnel in Dubai at the moment. Thank you
Dear Guys,
I am a logistics professional. I have been offered a job in Dubai. I need you good people to advice whether I should go along with the offer. The company is offering me 7000 AED period! Accomodation and every other thing is for me to fend for.Please note that I am married and I look to relocate with my wife in the near future. I really need to know whether it will be wise to take the plunge.
Thanks & Regards,
Rahul.
Rahul..It is not a very lucrative offer. I know for sure that with your wife you could look into International city for accomodation which would cost you anything between 2400 to 2600 Dhrms per month as rent. However you will need to have atleast 13000 AED to start off as most rental apartments require you pay quarterly rents. This should cover your electricity/water/commission to agent and three months rent. If you have this money before hand things could ease out for you. Food is not very expensive especially if you cook for yourselves. the metro and buses are excellent if you do not have your own car or licence. For a young couple this salary should suffice if you can cut corners till you settle down or your wife finds herself a job
Shanthi
assalamualaikum…
Dear Mohammed,
I am malaysian. I got an offer with malaysian company itself and have to work at overseas, the work site is at Dubai. I have been offered as Facility Technician, my work site is either residential area or shopping complexes. If you don’t mind, is it sufficient if my salary is around 5,000 AED to live and work at Dubai? I am very appreciate if you can answer ny question. Thank you very much.
Hi,
I am a Engineer in electroncis and communication, having experience in Servicing of electronics Test and measuring instruments for 4 years and 7+ years in Software Testing experienece.
What kind of job i can look into Dubai or UAE ?
Hello Somasundaram,
Dubai employers are always looking for experienced candidates. And you have a unique specialty with excellent experience. If you applied the right methods then you would be able to pick from variety of positions. Check these jobsites for companies looking to hire someone with your qualifications.
Best,
Hello,
My family and I currently reside in the United States. I work as a Senior Buyer/Planner in the Oil and Gas industry. Is there any contact information you can provide regarding employment? I’ve registered with numerous companies with no luck.
Please advise.
Thank you in advance.
Elisha
Hello Elisha,
Try contacting ADNOC and TAQA. These are big oil companies in Abu Dhabi. Getting the contact information of the buyer/ planner manager will get you better results than just filling online job forms. You could easily have access to direct contact information of recruiters and hiring manager in the oil sector as part of registering for my premium service.
Best,
Mohammed
Hi,
I am working with one of the largets banks in the world. I work in their offshore office handling their US customers. I am working as an Assistant Manager Operations handling a team of 10-12 individuals. My job profile is basically driving sales with high customer satisfaction scores. I am working as an Assistant Manager from the last 1.5 years with a total exp of 6 years in the service industries.
Can you help me with the info that what kind of job I can get in dubai & names of few good companies there.
Thanks,
N
Hi N,
Readily accessible and targeted companies are available as part of DJA as described here. If you want to research companies, HR departments and hiring managers on your own, you can try to utilize the free companies guide which is provided here.
Best,
Mohammed
Hi,
I am an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) from a premier Institute in Marketing and Finace. I have a work exp of 11 years in service industry. I am a Branch Manger in A Life Insurance company.
Wanted to relocate to Dubai..
Which companies can I look for and what salary can I expect.
hanks
Hi Anshul,
Your salary can depend on many factors. It’s not very difficult to estimate, but you have to do a bit of research yourself. I’ve written a free and easy to follow guide to help you. Click here to access it.
Best,
Mohammed
I am working in Rent a car Company for last 4 years, first contract was limited which i served, next contract they change the sponser company within a group (same sponser) and made unlimited contract in last august, is there any impact of not getting ban stamp, if I change now?
Hi F. Alamshah,
I see that you have now subscribed to the premium service. Your question is actually answered in the “Bonus: UAE Labor Law Loopholes Book” which you get as a bonus to subscribing.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Best,
Mohammed
Hi
I am an animation student having skills in designing, modelling, texturing and drawing. I am of Indian nationality but have been brought up in Bahrain and so am used to the Gulf life. I graduate next month from my college in India and wish to pursue a career for sometime, maximum 2 yrs in Dubai. Are there jobs available in the advertising, media or magazine industry in Dubai which I can apply for?? Is there stuff competition for such jobs? Can you give me names of companies I could approach for prospective jobs?? Please reply. I read your previouse replies to other people and would appreciate as much info you can give as possible.
Prakriti SK
Hi Prakriti,
Dubai Media City is full of media and advertising companies that require talent in the design field. If you don’t want to subscribe, you can use this free guide to dig up 100s of companies in Dubai Media City and get in touch with them.
Best,
Mohammed
Thanks a lot,
Very helpful.. you do a wonderful job of guiding people… Please continue doing it.
Thanks again,
Best Wishes to you and your family,
Prakriti SK
Hi Everyone
I am a young South African who has been offered a job in Hospitality industry in Dubai. I am expected to arrive in Dubai in Dec 2009. The basic Salary is AED 5,000 plus tips and commission. As a single person is this substantial. I will be sharing accommodation with someone. My biggest concern is the cost of food,entertainment,getting around. The only example I could find was from 2007 and I am afraid it might be drastically outdated.
Your assistance and advice would be much appreciated.
Kind regards
Yvonne
Hi Yvonne,
Food is pretty cheap in Dubai considering the variety and authenticity of international cuisines. Transportation can range from expensive to cheap, depending on the mode you choose. Generally speaking, you could survive for awhile with AED 5,000 + tips and commissions. Make your move, and keep exploring your options and opportunities.
Best,
Mohammed
Thank you Mohammed
I look forward to my trip and the 2 contract I have been offered.
regards
Yvonne
Hi There,
Do you have any suggestions about how I should format my resume to potential employers in the UAE?
Also, is there a big demand for positions in the aviation industry and can you suggest some potential airlines that will take on New Zealanders?
Thank You
Hi Leila,
I have written a complete article describing the things that you need to look out for when writing your resume for Dubai, UAE. Click here to go to the guide. Additionally, I’ve provided a resume template to follow. The template has a cartoon character in it, but don’t let that deter you. The formatting and the writing style is professional and it is what you should aim for.
As for companies to contact, I’ve quickly pulled a few (not complete) from the subscribers list. The contact information and link application instructions included:
Air Arabia
Career Section
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE)
+971 4 428 9600
Career Section
Dubai World Central
+971 4 364 9999
Career Section
E-marine’s
+971 4 881 4433
Career Section
The Emirates Group
Career Section
Best regards,
Kia Ora,
Thank you so much for the advise. Such an amazing site.
Keep up the great work
Leila
5000 is ok but not a good amount. At least you should be getting 7000-10,000.
For family man, you need 1at least 15,000. plus other benefits.
Otherwise it is not wise to come here
Hi.
Arindam here
I am looking for a job in Dubai. I have a years work experience in Warehousing and Distribution and is a Indian National. Please advice me the visa procedure formaliities.It would be helpful if I can get a detailed visa guideline.
Thanks
Hi Arindam,
Here’s a couple of companies relevant to your industry. Feel free to contact them and post your CV with them:
SeaBird Exploration
+971 4 427 1700
Visit Career Link
careers@sbexp.com
The Art Heir Group
+971 4 341 4118
Visit Career Link
hr@tahg.com
Verger et Delporte UAE Ltd.
+971 4 282 2589
Visit Career Link
mail@verger-delporte.ae
Best,
Mohammed
I have a few questions, how much will be the cost of living of an individual overseas worker in Dubai in a month? including all the house/room rental or accommodation, the food, the fares etc., Thank you so much for the coming answer.
Hi Jhing,
The answer really depends on the lifestyle that you would like to lead. If extravagance is what you have in mind, you’ll need AED 100,000 per month. If you’re thinking about the opposite end of the spectrum, then it’s more like AED 400. On average though, a single guy would probably need around AED 5,000 to survive comfortably.
Best,
Mohammed
I’m working here in the Philippines as Sales Manager of one of the biggest Real Estate Developer. I’m planning to work in Dubai soon. My purpose of visit in Dubai last December 2008 is to study also these topics in your website specifically job hunting. It’s so happen that during my visit is the “recession period” and the real estate industry is the most affected industry during that time. This site is very helpful to us! Thank you!
Iam interested in positions available in dubaie; with my wide range of posions(banking,accounting, painting contractor, cook and other sales positions I believe my marketing skills may be of interest to many companies in Dubai; I look forward to future email updates on positions available.
Sincerely,
William T. Merola@yahoo.com
it is a wonderful web site for getting information to get job in dubia
what s visa process in dubai
Hi Samir,
Thank you for your question. We do not yet provide a guide on visa processing in Dubai. I agree that we should do that soon, though.
Thanks a lot,
I m a Canadian national in the US hoping to find a job in dubai in this current global recession. I was spending so many hours getting jobs links and infomation, but you guys provided everything and the best part, its short and simple and just the right information I wanted, like cost of living and cv information. Remarkable website guys, I cant wait to update my resume and post it on your site. I will definetely be in contact and hopefully will pursue my job hunt in dubai if I get offers. There are so many job sites I dont know where to begin plus I want to get the best offer. But one thing I did not find in your site is the visa information. Does the employer provide that?? BUt other than that…fantastic site…keep it up
Thank you, Kevin.
There is a little bit about employment visa information in the Jobs in Dubai: Questions and Answers section. Perhaps, a more detailed visa guide is in order…We’ll see…
Take care, and good luck with your Dubai job search.
Hello,
I am searching for a suitable opening in Gulf region especially in Dubai due to country unrest . I have more than 6 years professional expertise in Managements, academic,Teaching (Physics, IT, Math) training & development, WTO , HR.
I am female, single and willing to join on immediate bases.
Looking for best fit opening & right connections.
Looking forward,