Is $4500/month in Abu Dhabi a good salary for IT professional?

Question

Hi guys,

I'm considering moving to Abu Dhabi to work as an IT professional. The salary I might be getting is around $4500 per month. I'm single so I can share a flat. How much would I spend for living costs per month if I rent a room, drive an used car and go to restaurant couple times per month?

Is that considered good salary for UAE?

Thanks

Edit: The country is United Arab Emirates

Answer 1

Yes, it always depends on your nationality and what kind of lifestyle and accommodation you are accustomed to.  As a westerner I would not go for $4500.  This is especially if they don't provide you with housing.  Housing is very expensive.  I don't think Saqib has ever been there because $400 won't even buy the groceries.  Forget a car---take cabs as they are cheaper.  And fuel is not significantly cheaper than anywhere else.

Answer 2

Wow that is great! Yeah you should be fine with 4500. I hear Dhabi is a nice place. My friend lives there and I love her stories. Good luck!

Answer 3

You didn't elaborate who you are, like nationality and qualifications...

If you're Asian then that would be great for a newcomer.  But if you're Westerner then the offer is a little bit lower compared to U.S. or U.K.  IT professional is very broad designation.  You didn’t say if you’re just Technical Support or a System Administrator because the two greatly differed in salary.

Being a Microsoft and Cisco certified professional plus 5 or more years of experience in gulf will surely land a decent remuneration anywhere in U.A.E.

About the accommodation you must decide if you will rent for studio type or 2 bedrooms – 1 hall type apartment/flat.  The studio type will cost you 3,500 – 6,500+ dirhams / month, while the other type is about 5,000 – 10,000+ / month.  And of course don’t forget to allot parking fees because it isn’t free.

Cars here are very affordable.  If you’re not considering living in U.A.E. for a longer time then used car is a good choice.  Asian’s make cars like the 2006 Hyundai Tucson will now value ranging from 30,000 – 40,000 dirhams.  The original price of this is around 65,000 Dhs. (full option).  Try to visit www.4X4.com for other range of car makes.  If you aren’t able to pay in cash you can avail it via bank financing provided you already have 6 months of salary payments.  Bank loan is easier to get than having passed a driving license!

Just do the conversion into dollars.  Sorry I’m not used to seeing American breads…hehehe

Answer 4

This is best salary offer in Dubai! I don’t think your living expenses will be more then 300 to 400$ for one month but if you share your apartment it will be less. About having a car there that is also so economical since gas rates are cheaper there... by the way what is your Qualification?

I am sure you will have well saving there.  Good Luck!!!