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,
Can you please suggest some Studio appts near Dubai Knowledge village (budget is between 20k-30k per annum).
Also i have been offered 14k AED per month,it is good enough to support me and my family along with possibility of saving something?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
dear All,
Please can you give me some guidlines for getting accomudetion, as i got offered from Dubai. the annual bugget is AED 60000 to 70000, near Dubai airport. also suggest me abt salary the company offer me 20000 AED per month.
Hi Everyone!
I am British, holding a recent LLB with special Hons in Business Law degree (obtained from Derby University England). I have around five years worth of paralegal experience with an Immigration Law firm in UK. I have made up my mind about living and working in Dubai or anywhere in UAE. I have been trying to get enough information about working and living in Dubai for some time but can never get a clear picture what amount of money I could be earning there.
Can you kind people please give me some rough idea what sort of salary i should expect at a junior position of Lawyer. My aim is to work in Int.Trade Law or Business Law. Should I expect the minimum of 15,000 AED or more or not even 15k.
I am not going to sleep until someone answer my questions
so please
Dear Sir
My husband got an offer with 10000AED , I’m really concern about the cost of living in Dubai.
We have no kids and I want to know if 10,000 AED good for us to live in Dubai.
Please advise
Regards
Dear Sir,
My husband got an offer with 10,000 AED, I’m really concern about the cost of living in Dubai
we have no kids, is 10,000 good to live in Duabi
Please advice.
Regards
iam acca finalist and have done bachelors in commerce and having two years working exp in reputed organisation iam looking for a job in uae any one can guide how i can apply over there or it will helpfull if i come on visit visa and then apply over there ?
Hi there,
I found your website very useful and informative about cost of living in UAE. Despite that like most people on this forum, I too feel that a direct reply by you to my querry will make decision making easier for me. Hope you respond quickly and effectively as I AM IN SALARY NEGOTIAING PHASE.
Well, I am a mechanical engineer with mrine industry background, having 20 years experience including two years in middle east. A firm in Al Ain is offering me AED 15,000/ per month with three bed room furnished villa. No transport by company.So I will need a car of my own.
I have two children. Want to send one to British school grade six and other is learning painting. So painting learning could be private.
We usually do eating out every weekend and visits friends.In my country, I belong to middle class category.
Do you think this salary or offer is sufficeint for me to live a comfortable life and save enough for future. How would you break cost of living in grocery, utilities , telephone, internet, car installment,school fee etc.
Hi there,
I found your website very useful and informative about cost of living in UAE. Despite that like most people on this forum, I too feel that a direct reply by you to my querry will make decision making easier for me. Hope you respond quickly and effectively as I AM IN SALARY NEGOTIATING PHASE.
Well, I am a mechanical engineer with marine industry background, having 20 years experience including two years in middle east. A firm in Al Ain is offering me AED 15,000/ per month with three bed room furnished villa. No transport by company.So I will need a car of my own.
I have two children. Want to send one to British school grade six and other is learning painting. So painting learning could be private.
We usually do eating out every weekend and visits friends.In my country, I belong to middle class category.
Do you think this salary or offer is sufficeint for me to live a comfortable life and save enough for future. How would you break cost of living in grocery, utilities , telephone, internet, car installment,school fee etc.
Regards
Hi Nash,
i am a freshly qualified Chartered Accountant(CA) from india. i have been offered a basic salary of 6000 AED + Accomodation. Further my office is located at a walking distance. I want to know whether my salary is appropriate to my qualification and me being a fresher. further how much can i save per month.
I am sorry i forgot to mention that I am also getting a Special Allowance of 1000Dhs making my total salary to 7000 DHS.
I got an offer of 9500 AED per month + company transport( pick up and drop facility) . I am single veggie and non-alcoholic. Please tell me the expenses for single in dubai considering transportation is provided by Company and savings.
Hi Nash!
I want to settle in Dubai. I am B.Sc. and working in a non banking finance company as a regional recovery head. In India, I am getting INR 10,00,000.00 p.a. Suggecst me some jobs in finance company.
Regds,
Aloke
I am moving to Dubai in April 2011 to looking a new job.I am looking a accommodation under my budget AED 6000 Per annum on sharing basis.Do you have any suggestions?
It is a wonderful web site for getting information to get job in Dubai.
Respected Sir,
I am Adil Haider Khan pursuing B.Tech in Information Technology form Integral University, Lucknow ( INDIA ). I am a final year student. I have lots of queries regarding my future. I would be greatfull if you give some suggestion on these following question.
1:- How I get job in Gulf (Dubai, Muscat, Saudi ) ?
2:- Which is better job either Networking or Software ? ( Future scope, Salary )
3:- What I should do after B.Tech ?
Please reply soon as possible……. Please…..Please……Please
Hi,
Im an Education Consultant working in the field as student recruitment for GCC students who wants to study in UK, US and other countries. Id like to work in Dubai. Is there any education recruitment agency/company you could refer me.
Moreover, is there any local or International universities who are interested to recruit students from all over those countries and bring them in Dubai?
I’d like to work in the same field for both kind of services.
Thanks.
_j
Dear Nash,
I am a Russian/Nigerian, holding a Russian Passport and have worked in Nigeria for the past 11 yrs growing through the Marketing ranks in the furniture industry. I’m experienced in Market Intelligence, Contracts, Sales, Business Development and Marketing Administration. My last position held was as the Director of Marketing for a Group of Companies. My responsibilities included,
Formulating Strategies to embrace new markets on an International scale.
Determining cost effectiveness and viability of projects.
Managing 5 Marketing Managers who had Sales Executives working under them.
Negotiating viable projects with Corporate,Decision Making Executives; representing the interest of the Group in such negotiations.
Delegating the Supervision of the execution of projects.
Projecting company image by being of decent character and demonstrating a high level of professionalism
Initiating and Facilitating Training of Marketing Staff, increasing their capacity in Ingenuity, Project Management, Product Research and Corporate Vision.
I am currently searching for a more challenging job in Dubai. What will u advise?
Thanks, Maya
Hi
You guys are doing a great job here. I am a fresh ccnp security certified with good knowledge of Linux and a degree in Sociology.
My only experience is in marketing in a bank. what are the job opportunities available for me in Dubai?
Hi,
I m chimu.I have an opportunity to work as a Gis analyst in dubai(Abu dhabi).I have 9+ yrs experience in Gis field.They are offering 8000 AED per month and is it a good salary for this professional?.But i have family and is it possible to lead good life in this salary.Plz help me…my email-id:hgchimu@gmail.com
I m waiting for ur repl..plz help me ASAP..thnk u
Hi,
I m Anitha.I have an opportunity to work as a Gis analyst in dubai(Abu dhabi).I have 9+ yrs experience in Gis field.They are offering 8000 AED per month and is it a good salary for this professional?.But i have family and is it possible to lead good life in this salary.Plz help me…my email-id:hgchimu@gmail.com
I m waiting for ur repl..plz help me ASAP..thnk u
Hi,
I m Anitha.I have an opportunity to work as a Gis analyst in dubai(Abu dhabi).I have 9+ yrs experience in Gis field.They are offering 8000 AED per month and is it a good salary for this professional?.But i have family and is it possible to lead good life in this salary.Plz help me…my email-id:hgchimu@gmail.com
I m waiting for ur repl..plz help me ASAP..thnk u
Hi Nash,
I have got an offer of 9.5k AED /month and the company plans to
increase it to 11.5K AED after 6 months of probation. I will
have to take care of the accommodation.
Do you think this amount is sufficient for two people (me and my wife) to stay
in Dubai? We plan to rent a furnished studio flat? How much will that
cost us? How much money will be needed to setup the household
in Dubai?
I would aslo like to know if there is any salary limit for
sponsoring the visa of your spouse?
Thank You in advance
I am b.com and working in stone export house in India.but i want to do job in dubai for garments importer or stone importer.so please let me know usefull link so that i find my right job.please also tell me what would be mini. salary there for me.
Hi,
My name is Shahid Khan and I am working in Pakistan in Software Industry. I am planning to come to Dubai to find a job.
I want to know that how much salary is must for me if I want to live in Dubai along with my wife. What is the rent of Studio Apartment for family (i.e. for me and my wife). ?
I have asked from my friend and they said that I can get job in dubai or in Abu Dhbai around 12K AED, is it good enough for survive in Dubai?
Hi,
How much should a person earn to live and save in Dubai? i have responsibilities and have to send money to my home.
Please reply.
Regards,
J
Hi, i got the offer in dubai with 11k dhrms per month and they are not providing any accomodation or any other benefits. could you please let me know is it sufficient to stay in dubai.
Thanks
Ranjith
Hey
Great site! I recently returned from Dubai after working there for 2 years. I would just like to give some extra tips for everyone.
1 – Taxi fares are now AED 10 minimum, even if you only go a couple of blocks. in Dubai the taxi drivers doesn`t rely on their gps systems and often get lost. The roads are very confusing as well and changes constantly without notice. So a good option would be to buy your own car(good second-hand cars are plenty) and a gps if you are a neewbi and learn all the back roads which will save you a lot of time and money.
2 – Be careful when asking or accepting accommodation from an employer.Some companies have a fix accommodation contract which doesn`t allow you to move for a certain period once you have signed.Try and find some willing roommates to share an apartment in Deira, Barsha or new buildings in Jumeira 2.
3 – If you already have a driving licence in your own country,check with the RTA if you qualify to change it into a Dubai driving licence. The cost of a Driving licences in Dubai is ridiculous so this is crucial.
Well i hope this helps and good luck to everyone
Hello everyone,
I’m a British Executive Assistant (experience at CEO level) and was thinking of moving to Dubai but I’m not sure where to look for this type of position – any ideas?
Thanks!
Hi,
I am an electrical engineer with PMP (Project Management Professional PMI-USA) having 7 years of experience in electronic system development,integration,commissioning and production. Including 3 year managerial experience and 1 year telecom sector experience. My wife is an ACCA finalist plus BSc in Applied Accountancy- UK, with 1.5 years of banking experience in pakistan.we are pakistani national and want to move to dubai.can you please help me in getting our market worth and expected salary range????
is it possible to find a job once we are on visit visa in dubai??? and later get the work (residency) permit from the employer.
Dear Sir,
Spanish national, multilingual and used to international environments with more than six years experience in export and logistics operation seeking a position in export or logistics. At the moment working as Export manager for a building materials manufacturer and suppliers for the markets of Africa and South America.
Any suggestion or comment about possibilities in UAE, i plan to go on holiday with local friends in august, despite of the heat.
Thank you very much an best regards
Hi nash, I’m a Product Manager for Consumer Banking for a multinational bank with over 8 years experience. I’d like to explore working in Dubai. Is the banking industry recruitment picking up already? I basically just sent my CV to a couple of headhunters in Dubai already. Any other tips to ensure I get an offer?
Thanks.
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WE SPECIALIZE IN OIL EXPLORATION AND MINING.
WE HAVE LOCATIONS IN
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Sir,
Im an 11 years experienced employee of a MNC( Nutritional Company) here in the Philippines. My field of specialization is in Sales, This year I’m planning to resign from my present job, and wish my luck in Dubai. Is there a lot of opening for a Sales Position in Dubai? Consumer Company or a Pharmaceutical Industry?
the job opportunity above with caltex is a spam……beaware its all fraud…
Hi Nash,
Im a graphic designer here in the Philippines, I have over four years of experience and I was able to get a job there in Dubai also as a graphic designer. The company is offering me AED 7,000 monthly as my salary, inclusive of all the housing, food, and transportation expenses. My question is, is that amount enough for me to be able to live comfortably and be able to save too.
Hi Nash,
I will be shifting to dubai by oct’11 with my family(wide & 1 kid). I am currently drawing 70,000 INR (5800 AED) per month in India.In this salary i save about about 20,000 INR after paying rent of 15k and home loan of INR 30k. Pls let me know is 1,30,000 INR that is 11,100 AED per month a good salary for me? I will need a 1 bhk fully furnished apartment for my family plus school fees for my kid. Apart from this, i want to save atleast 40,000INR per month. Is that possible with my income is dubai?
I have a question, is it easy to find an furnished 1BR apartment in Dubai for about 3,500 – 4,000 AED per month and how I can find it. How much is the electricity and water?
Dear,
I ve been offered a position of marketing executive with the salary package of 7000/month. I am a fresher with masters in marketing from Uk, originally from Pakistan, about to join my job in a month.
I am a single male, I want to get a ensuite room in a flat or a studio, what ever i can find. Company office is in Al quoz. I want to know what place would be best for me to stay, and how much will i spend on food and transport, every month. I can make breakfast but ill eat out for the rest
Regards and thanx in advance,
MuhammadR
Hi, Nash,
This is Senjuti from India. I have a B.A degree, I have 14yrs experience in admin and back office jobs. Presently working in MNC (vehicle company).
I am looking for a job in Dubai. Please provide me some companies names, job portals and advice me the visa procedure formaliities.It would be helpful if I can get a detailed visa guideline.
Reply me plz.
Dear asir,
I ahv 7 Years experience in System administrator Job. hw much salary i expect?
Regards
KANNAN S
Assalam Alekum Every One,
I am Khurram & having 10 years experience in BTL(Brand Promotions). Plz help me if I can get Btl agencies email addresses for submiting cv. Another thing is how much salary u will advise considering accompanied by wife & 19 months old daughter.
Thanks & waiting for ur reply.
Dear Nash,
My husband has an offer to move to Dubai, we live in Mexico City. We didn´t have our recognition trip so we are really worried about the costs of living at Dubai. Of course if he moves, I will have to quit my job and probably look for one over there. They are offering him 10,000 AED on a monthly basis + home allowance of 75,000 per yr. We were looking up for appartments and we found some at Discovery Gardens, do you think that will be a nice area to live? And Do you think that with this amount of money we could be able to pay utilities, food, leisure, phone etc?
And I would also appreciate your help is you could recomend me where should I look for a job I am a Mechanical Engineeri with 7 yrs of experience on production, and quality departments.
We could also appreciate if you recomend is a web page to look for used cars and a mobile company.
Thank you so much!
T&D
hi,
im 26 and im architect i have like 4 years work experience and graduated in bachelor degree.
I want to know is there any suitable job with good salary overthere?
is there any visa problem for staying in dubai?
am I able to continue of education in masters degree during working there?
HI Nash,
Can you please reply for me for my query.Iam having 4 years of experience as business analyst in banking domain.I got an offer with citibank client through an organisation in india.They offered mea salary pacakage of 8000AED.What i want to know is is this enough for me to survive in dubai iam also single.ALso the company wont provide me either accomodation or food or transport.WIthout all these they are offered me AED 8000 is it ok for me to survive in dubai by saving atleast 4500 AED per month.Now iam getting AED 4000 in dubai currency india.IS it a good option to accept the offer.Please help me iam in very big confusion.Iam working in india with Polaris software mumbai.I do not understand whether to leave this compnay and accept offer.
hi
hi ave over 20 years experience as SPA manager, beauty shop manager, beauty therapist, cosmetic trainer in Italy and Egypt
Italian:Motherlanguage English:Fluent Arabic:Basic
I ll move with my husband and 2 chd.
How much should be the salary as a manager in the beauty industry in Dubai
My husband is a Padi Scuba Instructor with over 15 years experience 3 fluent languages (Arabic, English, Italian). Can you tell me how much should be his salary.
Last question: is it easy to find place in the schools there for our kids (primary2 and Kg1) and how much will cost?
Thk so much
Hello,
I am Bosnian national ,with 5+ years of experience in Materials-Warehouse/Supply managment..
I have been working in ME (Iraq) with largest American contractor…For last 3+ years i held Sr Specialist position in Materials..I have a lot of experince with all procurement/suplly systems SAP , Maximo …etc..What can be expected, as for the salaries in Dubai for Material Cordinator or Warehouse Manager/Supervisor …
Also i have some experience with Expediting and Logistics
..And how easy or hard is to find a job in Dubai for someone with skils above.. Thanks for your time and help..
Hi,
i am searching for job in dubai, i have 2 years work experience as HR-Executive and 1 year experience in Manual testing, i have finished my B.Tech… right now i am resident at dubai. could you suggest me the job openings in the fields of HR and IT…
Dear Nash
Am looking out for a career in banking or finance in Dubai,could you help me with any opening especially in the sr grade as i have 11 yrs of banking experience
Thanks
Manoj
I am have a chance work in Dubai currently I’m working in India with a MNC.
Before opting for this offer I have few questions in my mind :
For me living in India alsolutely freedom for anything I’m also happy with hot summer and chilling winter, I heard in dubai it is very hard to suffer in day times as sun raise at its peak temperature goes upto 50 degree celcius.
Every outsider need to follow rules and restriction of Dubai Govt. what are they particularly ?
Understand living cost is high what about availability of everydays food items, I’m pure vegetarian what will happen if I totaly depend on outside food ?
I’m also a young would like to make friend as staying alone would be totally boring, I heard we should make distance from women is this true ?
Hi Nash,
You are truly amazing I am very glad to see your feedback and support. I am planning to relocate Dubai along with my spouse and with 2 years old boy. Essentially I m a MCSE & ITIL V3 certified engineer. I have Over 10 + years of experience in IT Currently I m working as Senior System Engineer with good hands-on experience and Knowledge in multiple technologies like Windows Citrix, VMware (As per your post I have uploaded my resume in job portal) ….currently I m being paid 9, 00,000 Indian rupees per Annual, please be advised 13000AED PM – 14000AED is it sufficient salary for 3 members????????
I have an offer form dewa with 18108 AED per month in dubai+ medical insurrance and airfare for 5 persons per year. I am an engineer with 14 years experience in fiber optic cables and I will bring my wife and two childs with me.
this is a good chance or not. I have a stable job in egypt in a big authority with suitable salary.
It is a gr8 oppurtunity.. go 4 it !