Is an American moving to Dubai a good idea?

Question

With all the attention on Dubai city, I'm trying to figure out what this is all about? Is it a free country? How difficult is it for Americans to move there? What is the cost of living like compared to what people make? How is the market for technology workers (like software and systems) in Dubai? How is the pay for technology workers in Dubai? Can you run a small business in Dubai? Thanks :)

Answer 1

I think user "h" gave a pretty good idea of what it's like in Dubai.

In general, answering your questions in sequence:

It's not as free as the United States, of course, but that just means that you shouldn't expect to say or write certain things about the system or government or religion in public. You also have to be wary that the UAE has a culture that must be respected that's islamic in nature.

The cost of living has gone up in recent years but should be comparable to the U.S. I know that gas is much cheaper than $4 a gallon.

Americans who can find jobs in Dubai are generally very well paid, but the technology workers here usually come from India, so the common tech jobs are done by them for about a third the cost.

YOu must understand that different nationalities get paid differently in Dubai.

You can run a small business but I think this would be much more difficult than doing it in the States. The legal structure and general business environment and culture is not as entrepreneur-friendly in the U.S. or the U.K.

I'm just saying that you shouldn't expect the system to work for you as it would in those countries, where there's all kinds of infrastructure and less-red tape to make things work easier for entrepreneurs.

Plus, coming from the U.S. you will be amazed at the poor customer service culture in Dubai. Government and private business institutions are getting better at customer service, just don't expect the excellent respect and help customers get in the U.S.

Dubai is a land of opportunity, yes. However, if you are conservative in nature you might find that running a business and / or working somewhere that's familiar and generally where you know what to expect at all times (consistent) like the U.S. would be better for you.

Answer 2

It is NOT a FREE country!

Answer 3

Well the best way for you to start up your own business is Dubai will be if you start it in FREE ZONE AREA, which are in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and RAK. In here you wont be needing a local sponsor since you ll be dealing with the government directly. If you go for a local sponsor you ll ve to move along with his moods and certainly nobody would like that.

As far as jobs are concerned there are a h**l of opportunities in  Dubai. Living expenses are very high in Dubai, but rest of the northern emirates are still affordable, thats if you can bare with the traffic. Go Early Reach Early!

Answer 4

Let me answer your question from the the end. To run a business in the UAE you need a local sponsor, means, it will not be your business only because your sponsor will get his share out of it.

The market for technology worker booms in the UAE - but - there are thousands of mostly Indians who are very well educated in this field and who are satisfied with a third of the salary you as an American would expect. For an American working in this field it's only interesting if for any reason (mostly security background checks) this particular job can not go to an Indian. If this is the case (like being hired by DynCorp, Raytheon etc) you as an American will be able to negotiate a nice taxfree salary package mostly incl. basic salary, housing (paid rent), furnisher allowance, transportation etc. Benefits will depend on your position.

It's not difficult at all for Americans to move to the UAE. The most difficult part of moving (after landing a job) is finding an appartment.

I do not know what you call a free country. Dubai is a cosmopolitan Emirate where all Nationalities live peacefully together. All Religions are allowed and have their own churches, temples etc. Of course the UAE is a Muslim country and it expected to respect the Religion, Culture and Customs of the UAE. Beside this, the UAE allows Westerners to buy alcohol and pork items. There are some restrictions, which are very easy to follow: dress decent (just normal), don't get drunk in the public, zero tolerance on alcohol while driving. Zero tolerance on drugs. Just things which mature people shouldn't do anyway.

Living costs compared to what you make depends on how much you make:)) (your negioted salary package) Rents are skyrocking. All Americans I know are doing better here than back in the US. Otherwise they would not stay here.

I do not know one Westener who is struggling in the UAE or has problems to meet ends. There are just some who make "to much" (over USD 80K) and have, depending which state they are from pay tax in the USA. Mostly this tax is then covered by the company upon request.

Please visit the link giving below which provides you with recruitment agencies and tips how to apply. Look for a suitable job offer and then go from there.

http://www.startpagedubai.com/jobs.htm

If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to email me.

Take care.

Answer 5

im american; and i recently;

about 2 weeks ago visited dubai for one month;

let me tell you I DIDNT WANT TO LEAVE!

as soon as i finish my studies here; me and my

husband are moving from north carolina to dubai.

we love it there; there are PLENTY of tourist sites;

and endless job possiblities! dubai is the CAPITAL of

HIGH end technology; but i will say it is quite expensive; but

hey what country isnt these days! and yes you can start a small buisness in dubai; one of my husbands friends have

a small buisness there and let me say; they are doing TERRIFIC since they've opened; i HIGHLY recommended moving there; and it is deff a free country; its not like your locked up and women all cover up; its like usa; but better :)