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Hi all:
I am an Architect from the US. I'm negotiating with a US Firm to work at their Office in Dubai as a senior Design Architect .
I have no Idea what to ask for.
I would appretiate any insight on the cost of living there, Housing, private American schools, living costs in general.
Thanks

Hi,

compared to the city you are from?
Just a few ideas, i´m from germany so i can only say it from my own point of view.

- 2 Bedroom Villa: 23.000 USD / Year (you pay it in 2 cheques normally)
- Going shopping for the general stuff:
Expensive if goods are imported. You can buy from U.S. ready sliced salat for 6,50 USD / pack, or you can buy it for 2 USD - or local or at least Middle East stuf for 1 USD.
-Eating out will be the same as everywhere pretty much. also here it just depends on your personal standards. Finally a middle class meal with a glass of wine is about 50 USD.

What else are you interessted ?
Saymen

u try negotiating with u r employer coz most of the times they provide u a free accomodation.

American School fees from memory are the highest-check their website. Housing-you'll be looking at AED120 000 up and then you have to look at two cars as public transport is not an option and in the heat with kids, catching a taxi can be hard. There is a thread back further on cost of living-check it out. Also dbxsoul has written some good stuff-search under his name.

try this site http://dwc.hct.ac.ae/expatinfo/

see the housing section