Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Dubai Expat Help Forum

Good evening people!

I'm new to the forum and currently live in London. I wish to live in Dubai. However, not just yet as I have only recently turned 19.

The reason I have joined this forum is to find out how this will work as I am not totally sure. I need information like work and accomadation, etc. the essentials, without having to be too clear I am sure you will know what I will require!?

I have recently just been offered a job at HSBC as a counsellor and hope in time i can get out there through them...I start this job in 4 weeks and in 3 weeks I will be in Dubai for a week.

Still I am not sure if that will work, although it should in time.

For the British expats out in Dubai now or to be how did you go about it or how are you going about it all?

Many Thanks guys/gals!!

Hi there,

Dubai is an interesting place but there's a few things you need to look out for.

Firstly, don't expect to get paid very much unless you have a specific skill or qualification. Usually by this I am referring to a university degree and/or experience in a field such as engineering, business, accounting, teaching, marketing etc. Otherwise do not expect to paid very much at all.

I haven't seen a definitive study on salaries in Dubai, but from my own experience in searching for positions, the salaries can vary substantially in the same job depending on who you work for.

As for call centre work, this would pay very low, and I wouldn't expect much more than 4000 AED per month, and then you will find organisations reluctant to sponsor you (which you need to work here). Most organisations in the call centre game look for people who already have a visa through family, a visit visa will not suffice.

I thought I'd better get some of the bad news out of the way first.

Then accomodation is a nightmare too. If you want to rent somewhere on your own through an agent, you will be required to pay 12 months rent up front. This can vary between 48,0000 AED to well... to beyond 200,000 AED. The best bet when you get here is to share with someone and pay monthly rent. Then you are looking at around a minimum of 3500 AED to share with expats - less to share in Bur Dubai with an Indian family (if they will have you).

19 is a very young age to be looking to Dubai, especially without skills and experience. Possibly through HSBC you can make the right moves to get posted out here, but you will need to work for it. Also you need to focus and build your skills in an area - unskilled labour does not command a very high salary here.

Sorry for sounding repetitive, but best to get that point home.

Now, having pointed out that salaries can be eye-opening and rent a nightmare, beyond that Dubai has a lot to offer. It certainly has a bubbling party life and there are many great places to go and have a great time.

Shopping is everywhere, with some of the best malls in the world, and there are also markets and souqs in Karama and Bur Dubai where you can find some interesting merchandise.

Whilst I am not a British Expat, (I'm Australian, so close enough), my path to Dubai was an interesting one. I came out here a month ago with my partner who has work, which allowed me the short term luxury of being very methodical about finding a job here. It took me a month but I found a good job. Looking for work is interesting. It is better if you can be employed from the UK and get transferred here as opposed to finding work on the ground, but it is easier I feel to find work once here than applying from abroad.

Once you get over the job and rent hurdles, it's mostly really good.

Hi,

Thanks for all that.

I have just attained a double A-Level in business which allows me to take a management training course with HSBC. This is the equivilant to a degree and takes 6months. The certificate is issued by the Financial Services. That will then allow me to progress on to (IM) International Management. That certificate will be valuable to me, here and I would imagine there. That is why I need to give it time before I can make the descision of when to go.

This is one of the things I aim for in life to live and work in Dubai and so I one day want it tobecome a reality. I worry sometimes that's the problem. ''Oh will it happen!?'' etc, things like that! LOL

Cheers

Richie wrote:Hi,

Thanks for all that.

I have just attained a double A-Level in business which allows me to take a management training course with HSBC. This is the equivilant to a degree and takes 6months. The certificate is issued by the Financial Services. That will then allow me to progress on to (IM) International Management. That certificate will be valuable to me, here and I would imagine there. That is why I need to give it time before I can make the descision of when to go.

This is one of the things I aim for in life to live and work in Dubai and so I one day want it tobecome a reality. I worry sometimes that's the problem. ''Oh will it happen!?'' etc, things like that! LOL

Cheers

What you are stating as being equiilant to a Degree, would never be recognised as a Degree in Dubai.

Also you should be aware that the Banking Sector in Dubai is mainly open for the Dubai Nationals.

However wish you the best of luck

The management course will be the equivilant to a degree...worldwide which does cover Dubai! You lot are making it sound bad....most likely a lot worse than it actually is!

^ian^ wrote:Hi there,

Dubai is an interesting place but there's a few things you need to look out for.

Firstly, don't expect to get paid very much unless you have a specific skill or qualification. Usually by this I am referring to a university degree and/or experience in a field such as engineering, business, accounting, teaching, marketing etc. Otherwise do not expect to paid very much at all.

I haven't seen a definitive study on salaries in Dubai, but from my own experience in searching for positions, the salaries can vary substantially in the same job depending on who you work for.

As for call centre work, this would pay very low, and I wouldn't expect much more than 4000 AED per month, and then you will find organisations reluctant to sponsor you (which you need to work here). Most organisations in the call centre game look for people who already have a visa through family, a visit visa will not suffice.

I thought I'd better get some of the bad news out of the way first.

Then accomodation is a nightmare too. If you want to rent somewhere on your own through an agent, you will be required to pay 12 months rent up front. This can vary between 48,0000 AED to well... to beyond 200,000 AED. The best bet when you get here is to share with someone and pay monthly rent. Then you are looking at around a minimum of 3500 AED to share with expats - less to share in Bur Dubai with an Indian family (if they will have you).

19 is a very young age to be looking to Dubai, especially without skills and experience. Possibly through HSBC you can make the right moves to get posted out here, but you will need to work for it. Also you need to focus and build your skills in an area - unskilled labour does not command a very high salary here.

Sorry for sounding repetitive, but best to get that point home.

Now, having pointed out that salaries can be eye-opening and rent a nightmare, beyond that Dubai has a lot to offer. It certainly has a bubbling party life and there are many great places to go and have a great time.

Shopping is everywhere, with some of the best malls in the world, and there are also markets and souqs in Karama and Bur Dubai where you can find some interesting merchandise.

Whilst I am not a British Expat, (I'm Australian, so close enough), my path to Dubai was an interesting one. I came out here a month ago with my partner who has work, which allowed me the short term luxury of being very methodical about finding a job here. It took me a month but I found a good job. Looking for work is interesting. It is better if you can be employed from the UK and get transferred here as opposed to finding work on the ground, but it is easier I feel to find work once here than applying from abroad.

Once you get over the job and rent hurdles, it's mostly really good.

You say that 19 is a young age...it sounds like I shouldn't be looking at Dubai at this age. Like it is impossible almost! It is least encouraging....not that I need encouraging!

Richie wrote:The management course will be the equivilant to a degree...worldwide which does cover Dubai! You lot are making it sound bad....most likely a lot worse than it actually is!

Hrmmm... I hate to sound skeptical but I really doubt that. Not trying to take the wind out of your sails but educational qualifications are treated VERY seriously here. You will need to get your qualifications attested, and even some degrees from institutions are simply not recognised here.

Something equivalent to a degree is NOT a degree, and most management positions not only require a degree but a post-grad Masters as well. They may overlook this in leiu of experience in the GCC, but you don't have that either.

19 is pretty young, you wont even be able to go out to clubs or drink in hotels, as the drinking age here IIRC is 21. If you really want to make coming to Dubai a mission I would suggest:

* Get a proper degree from a recognised institution - you have plenty of time and HSBC should be able to assist you with this. Honestly, you will never regret it even if you don't come to Dubai in the end. A degree is something that you have for life.

* Focus on an industry and build on your skills and expertise in this area. Finance is a good industry, and backed with an accountancy degree you could do well in Dubai. Specialisation is extremely important in Dubai.

And that should be good for a start.

^ian^ wrote:

Richie wrote:The management course will be the equivilant to a degree...worldwide which does cover Dubai! You lot are making it sound bad....most likely a lot worse than it actually is!

Hrmmm... I hate to sound skeptical but I really doubt that. Not trying to take the wind out of your sails but educational qualifications are treated VERY seriously here. You will need to get your qualifications attested, and even some degrees from institutions are simply not recognised here.

Something equivalent to a degree is NOT a degree, and most management positions not only require a degree but a post-grad Masters as well. They may overlook this in leiu of experience in the GCC, but you don't have that either.

19 is pretty young, you wont even be able to go out to clubs or drink in hotels, as the drinking age here IIRC is 21. If you really want to make coming to Dubai a mission I would suggest:

* Get a proper degree from a recognised institution - you have plenty of time and HSBC should be able to assist you with this. Honestly, you will never regret it even if you don't come to Dubai in the end. A degree is something that you have for life.

* Focus on an industry and build on your skills and expertise in this area. Finance is a good industry, and backed with an accountancy degree you could do well in Dubai. Specialisation is extremely important in Dubai.

And that should be good for a start.

i stand on your side. but he might be able to go to bars or clubs for a drink. coz they don't always check out ID here.
Just be sure and ready for your exploration if you decide to come over. good luck.. buddy!

DaveDXB wrote:Life in Dubai? What life????????

Theres only a bunch of camels and fat women around....

Edited: I must remember to be nice.

Give it up:

1) You are to young to be taken seriously by the market here
2) You have no experience to get any below average job even
3) You do not have a degree from an accredited university and what you are doing in that program doesn't count for squat in Dubai

Stay where you are and when you are close to 25-27 and with a degree from a university, make the jump to DXB

DaveDXB wrote:Life in Dubai? What life????????

Theres only a bunch of camels and fat women around....

im not sure what u r referring too....

Im ouutta here in a year....

This place is good for living out the last few years of ur life.

Yep. So true only camels and fat woman or fat woman like me who look like camels!!

DaveDXB wrote:

Liban wrote:Give it up:

1) You are to young to be taken seriously by the market here
2) You have no experience to get any below average job even
3) You do not have a degree from an accredited university and what you are doing in that program doesn't count for squat in Dubai

Stay where you are and when you are close to 25-27 and with a degree from a university, make the jump to DXB

Now u piszed me off!

ive been living here since the age of 0ne....
as for the degree, well....u can say im earning a decent living, but that doesnt change the fact of the camels , fat ugly ladies, and thousands of refugees roaming around this city....

Dubai is good for a visite, of course, u can live here comfortably....if u dont mind the camels....

You seem to have missed the point, the person who started the thread was asking about possibilities of working in Dubai and made this statement in his second posting;

"I have just attained a double A-Level in business which allows me to take a management training course with HSBC. This is the equivilant to a degree and takes 6months. The certificate is issued by the Financial Services. That will then allow me to progress on to (IM) International Management. That certificate will be valuable to me, here and I would imagine there. That is why I need to give it time before I can make the descision of when to go"

Liban's statement regarding Age, qualifications and experience is absolutely correct, unless of course he want's to come work as a bouncer.

DaveDXB wrote:mmmmmm I was referring all this from a teenagers point of view (no offense)


Asa young energetic man with enthusiasm etc...we need to explore the world...and expeirence all whats out there....

so Dubai has limited experiences u can say....u can cover all dubai experiences in a week! lol

Its of to the USA babe!

Talikng about fat ladies...im currently in the offic enow looks at one of my collegue employees whos a young lady....and im just starting to notice her asz getting a bit bigger (chubbier)

Yes, the DDD-Dubai Dunkin Donut effect!! That's what happens when you don't clean your own house, do your own gardening, pump your own petrol nor push your cart full of groceries to the 4WD. I've actually heard guys describe this place as a smorgasboard of beautiful young ladies. you mustn't be getting out too much.

Gabs

Have we had a visit to Mr Sarky this week??

DaveDXB wrote:Its of to the USA babe!

And in that one single move, the average IQ of both the UAE and the USA rise!

^ian^ wrote:

DaveDXB wrote:Its of to the USA babe!

And in that one single move, the average IQ of both the UAE and the USA rise!

So true!!

Well,
From my limited experience, i do agree with Liban, and was very blunt about it.

Anyway, if you still want to come, i think you must expect a salary from 4-7K Dhm all inclusive.

Try to figure out how to live with them here.

Good luck

GAB wrote: I've actually heard guys describe this place as a smorgasboard of beautiful young ladies. you mustn't be getting out too much.

I'm one of those guys GAB

Actually it is amazing that you can see all these beauties from different and mixed races in one place.
I can say easily that there are beauties of good percentage in this country.

enjoy it

DaveDXB wrote:I agree there are beauties...but the guys outnumber the girls.

i have 23 years under my belt living here in Dubai....my word stands.

I havent heard it, nor seen it, ive lived it!

first 10 years dont count...ages 1 to 10 yrs (mind dont worl)

damn...i shudnt have said that...coming to thinking of it...

i have maturely lived here for perhaps 5 years i guess....

but still! ive come to far to back down.

Dubai = lots of nasty camels that spit and ugly girls.

Ah, disillusioned youth! Sounding a little superficial luvee!!

GAB wrote:Ah, disillusioned youth! Sounding a little superficial luvee!!

Perhaps. Perhaps its not the girls who are the 'camels'.

^ian^ wrote:

Richie wrote:The management course will be the equivilant to a degree...worldwide which does cover Dubai! You lot are making it sound bad....most likely a lot worse than it actually is!

Hrmmm... I hate to sound skeptical but I really doubt that. Not trying to take the wind out of your sails but educational qualifications are treated VERY seriously here. You will need to get your qualifications attested, and even some degrees from institutions are simply not recognised here.

Something equivalent to a degree is NOT a degree, and most management positions not only require a degree but a post-grad Masters as well. They may overlook this in leiu of experience in the GCC, but you don't have that either.

19 is pretty young, you wont even be able to go out to clubs or drink in hotels, as the drinking age here IIRC is 21. If you really want to make coming to Dubai a mission I would suggest:

* Get a proper degree from a recognised institution - you have plenty of time and HSBC should be able to assist you with this. Honestly, you will never regret it even if you don't come to Dubai in the end. A degree is something that you have for life.

* Focus on an industry and build on your skills and expertise in this area. Finance is a good industry, and backed with an accountancy degree you could do well in Dubai. Specialisation is extremely important in Dubai.

And that should be good for a start.

Ok well from what I have heard it is a degree and will be recognised out there. Even, so I'm sure it wont be totally that hard to get out there.

Don't offend me in thinking I wish to drink. I do not drink and can't stand alcohol the poison that it is!!! May I ask are you Arabian?, it would be reasonable to suggest an Arab would expect a westerner to drink!!?

Liban wrote:Give it up:

1) You are to young to be taken seriously by the market here
2) You have no experience to get any below average job even
3) You do not have a degree from an accredited university and what you are doing in that program doesn't count for squat in Dubai

Stay where you are and when you are close to 25-27 and with a degree from a university, make the jump to DXB

Your posts always stand out. You have that attitude about you. It is far from pleasant.

Maybe I could talk to my dad and get out here like that he is an enginer and has a degree to go with it....that may help but I don't want to come out yet as I said over the next 5plus years!!

Richie wrote:
Ok well from what I have heard it is a degree and will be recognised out there. Even, so I'm sure it wont be totally that hard to get out there.

Don't offend me in thinking I wish to drink. I do not drink and can't stand alcohol the poison that it is!!! May I ask are you Arabian?, it would be reasonable to suggest an Arab would expect a westerner to drink!!?

Well, we gave you our advice. As far as Dubai employers are concerned, what you are doing now has ZERO value added and as such coming here in the hopes to find even a below average job is more painful than shooting yourself in the foot.

Also your racism towards Arabs in the second generalizing paragraph is quite appaling for someone almost begging to come to an Arab city.

Richie wrote:Ok well from what I have heard it is a degree and will be recognised out there. Even, so I'm sure it wont be totally that hard to get out there.

Well, that might be true. I've also heard the streets are paved with gold. (That is if the street is paved at all).

Richie wrote:Don't offend me in thinking I wish to drink. I do not drink and can't stand alcohol the poison that it is!!! May I ask are you Arabian?, it would be reasonable to suggest an Arab would expect a westerner to drink!!?

Let me get one thing straight - why do you wish to come to Dubai?

You may ask if I am Arabian, and I will tell you that you should read back earlier in the thread. Oh, don't worry about the drinking, I hear they shoot you on sight if you even think about having a drink. (If Liban had his way they would).

There's a lot of things you might 'hear' about Dubai. I was in the same position once, and I'm still finding my feet here, after setting my sights on the UAE several months ago. Use this forum to your advantage and trust the advice that people give you.

Richie wrote:

Liban wrote:Give it up:

1) You are to young to be taken seriously by the market here
2) You have no experience to get any below average job even
3) You do not have a degree from an accredited university and what you are doing in that program doesn't count for squat in Dubai

Stay where you are and when you are close to 25-27 and with a degree from a university, make the jump to DXB

Your posts always stand out. You have that attitude about you. It is far from pleasant.

Maybe I could talk to my dad and get out here like that he is an enginer and has a degree to go with it....that may help but I don't want to come out yet as I said over the next 5plus years!!

Interesting how a post I make with a friendly smiley face at the end is construed as something "with an attitude".

I don't see how your dad can help you get a decently paying job if he is in England. Even if your dad is here with all kinds of connections, there are limits to "wasta" (connections) and your situation exceeds these limits.

^ian^ wrote:There's a lot of things you might 'hear' about Dubai. I was in the same position once, and I'm still finding my feet here, after setting my sights on the UAE several months ago. Use this forum to your advantage and trust the advice that people give you.

I agree Ian.

People speak out of their asses in Dubai I find. Everybody makes it look better than it really is from salaries to way of life. Dubai is not lala land and is not meant to be.

Life can be hard here without a good job that can only be obtained with proper experience and the education to back it up. You my friend have neither.

Follow Ian's and everyone elses advice or simply ignore if and suffer the consequences should you still come down here.

^ian^ wrote:Oh, don't worry about the drinking, I hear they shoot you on sight if you even think about having a drink. (If Liban had his way they would).

Thats funny....

As far as I know, most DF members that I have met do drink and they are all alive... If Liban has his way...

^ian^ wrote:

Richie wrote:Ok well from what I have heard it is a degree and will be recognised out there. Even, so I'm sure it wont be totally that hard to get out there.

Well, that might be true. I've also heard the streets are paved with gold. (That is if the street is paved at all).

Richie wrote:Don't offend me in thinking I wish to drink. I do not drink and can't stand alcohol the poison that it is!!! May I ask are you Arabian?, it would be reasonable to suggest an Arab would expect a westerner to drink!!?

Let me get one thing straight - why do you wish to come to Dubai?

You may ask if I am Arabian, and I will tell you that you should read back earlier in the thread. Oh, don't worry about the drinking, I hear they shoot you on sight if you even think about having a drink. (If Liban had his way they would).

There's a lot of things you might 'hear' about Dubai. I was in the same position once, and I'm still finding my feet here, after setting my sights on the UAE several months ago. Use this forum to your advantage and trust the advice that people give you.

The reason is becuase I want the change, the culture and way of life interests me. The general way of life. Oh living in a city where you can enjoy peace from the violence/crap like out here. No drunks about all the time hehe!! I do know how old you have to be to drink. Why is it legal in a muslim sate anyway? I know someone who lives on the Arabian ranches who moved out some years ago with his wife and kids and is very happy. I haven't spoken to his mother yet. She lives here, but I have arranged to talk to her about what he did

Liban wrote:

^ian^ wrote:There's a lot of things you might 'hear' about Dubai. I was in the same position once, and I'm still finding my feet here, after setting my sights on the UAE several months ago. Use this forum to your advantage and trust the advice that people give you.

I agree Ian.

People speak out of their asses in Dubai I find. Everybody makes it look better than it really is from salaries to way of life. Dubai is not lala land and is not meant to be.

Life can be hard here without a good job that can only be obtained with proper experience and the education to back it up. You my friend have neither.

Follow Ian's and everyone elses advice or simply ignore if and suffer the consequences should you still come down here.

Well wouldn't you say it is like central London....to get a well paid job you need good experience or a degree, etc. The life isn't as rosey as made out, but people still do it.

Richie wrote:Well wouldn't you say it is like central London....to get a well paid job you need good experience or a degree, etc. The life isn't as rosey as made out, but people still do it.

The difference here is to get a well paid job you really do need good experience AND a degree, they're not mutually exclusive, you will need both - MBA preferred.

Many people venture to Dubai in search of work from all over the planet. Many fail to secure to the job they are looking for and for a few Dubai was the biggest mistake they ever made in their life.

I was very lucky to find the job I did at the time I did, and I certainly applied for a lot - and I have the experience and I have the education. A point I am trying to get home to you.

I met a guy on Sunday whilst watching the mighty Wallabies thrash the hopeless English, and he was sworn to leave and never return to what he described as a "hell hole". He was English, and I imagine he is returning to Central London.

We are not telling you not to do it, we are telling you what you need in order to do it and make a good go of it. We are not doing it to annoy you or get under your skin or have a laugh at your expense, we are letting you know what you will be in for. My conscience won't let me tell you its an easy thing to do, because it is bloody not.

Have a look at the people seeking positions, look at their experience, their qualifications and ask yourself if you're ready to compete against thousands, tens of thousands of people seeking work at any one time in Dubai.