Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Dubai Expat Help Forum

Hey guys,

Sorry to ask another salary question... i have had a good look through most of the forums on this subject and still couldnt find what i need.

I am moving to Dubai to work in Advertising. I have two years agency experince and a little in starting a business as well.

I have two companies that have asked me to let them know first what sort of package im after. I have absolutely no idea what to ask for...

What would a reasonable salary package be? In australia i would be asking for around AUS $40 000 (110 000 dirhams per year) but then i dont know how the accomodation bargaining come to play?

please help...

I suggest the following:
Compare the prices here and there, then calculate how much you have for living (including living, car, etc.) now (or would have if you had a comparable job) and then calculate how much you would need here to keep your standard, accordingly. Add 10 to 15 percent.
Then let them know that you have no idea about the local job market but that this is your limit - including housing but plus health and car. Then see how they react. It depends on the company how they handle the housing/car package and salary. And in this way they can handle it as they usually do and you get what you want. In the end it is the complete package that counts, not the amount payed as income/housing allowance.
Of course they will deal a bit, but therefore your have added your 10-15 per cent and the car. In case you are absolutely out of limits you can always excuse yourself as being unaware of prices/jobmaket here.

By looking around be aware that living is extremly expensive here and include this in your calculations. You'll find plenty of examples in the internet.
Cheers, gokm

Ask whether you will be getting a local package or a proper 'expat' deal. If you're going on a local hire basis just throw the whole comparison with Australian payrates out the window cause that stuff don't fly here.

Work out what you need to maintain the quality of living you are used to over there and ask for that. If its too high then at least you've tried, but don't sell yourself short.

Thanks guys,

I figure asking for about 90 000 dirhams a year plus 30 000 accomodation, 20 000 travel, health cover and one trip home shouldnt be too far off the mark then?

Would this cover a 22 year old guy living a pretty standard lifestyle. My partner works for emirates so we will have a sort of combined income. I hope to get a one bedroom studio or share with a few people.

I figure i should ask a bit higher that way they can only say no and offer less?

What do you think.

P.S you are a great help here. appreciate it!

I would probably double the accomodation, cause its exxy here and my friends said their partners are not allowed to stay with them at the crew facilities. Unless she doesn't stay at the provided accomodation and you two pull your funds together and get a place together. Should still be able to afford a 2 bedroom place near emirates towers area - at least she can still make the crew pick up coaches then.

Off topic, did she get recruited recently? I met most of the recent crop they hired and wouldn't be surprised if she was one of them.

She was hired close to six months ago now.

I just emailed the package i am after. 100 000 salary, 50 000 rent and 20 000 car. plus health and a trip home. lets see what they say back...

thanks again.

So she was in the October boot camp here?

She should be in a nice place already then, yeah?

Sounds reasonable.

No wukkas mate.