Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Dubai Expat Help Forum

Is there a large gap between compenation levels in Dubai and the West (I know "the west" is not a homogeneous entity).
I can understand why people from the Indian subcontinent and other developing countries would seek opportunities in Dubai - higher pay levels. But I wonder why people from the west flock to Dubai. From what I read on the forum, one has to put up with a lot of stuff one would not in London or SF (the social constraints, and the power the government has over one's life in Dubai and the Gulf). It certainly can not be as much fun as some of the other places - NY, SF, London, Paris, Barcelona, even Tokyo.

Why are so many westerners in Dubai? Is it just to fulfill a desire for adventure?

What's not to like? It's tax free, which I think is the biggest puller for people, so those in the West earn more. There's bars, nightclubs, lots to do, just like any other cosmopolitan city.

I spoke with some one who spent 27 years in Dubai. She works at my company in SF now. She told me about the tax free benefits etc. She was a senior person in her company in Dubai. The company provided her accommodation, a car, yearly air fare, and some other benefits. She speaks very highly of the place. However, she told me that her take home was less than what she makes here after taxes. Of course, she has to pay for housing and car here. So, yes, she probably came out ahead in Dubai, but I am not sure by a large enough sum to justify uprooting yourself and moving there for 27 years.

I am just tryinig to get some perspective.

For many people money is the main objective, but, you also have to take into consideration the lifestyle. We are very spoilt in Dubai, crime is low, apart from the obvious high expenses like housing, it's heap to eat out, everyday living is pretty low expense, apart from rents. Plus weather, sunshine virtually 365 days a year.