Singapore to Abu Dhabi...

[mabele]

I would sincerely appreciate any advice from those of you who have experienced life in both Singapore and Abu Dhabi. Or from those whom may have formulated a decision on the matter.

I know how subjective these big moves are, there are a myriad of factors that affect each person individually, such as family, current pay and position, where your home base is etc.

I have a family, three kids, I'm a captain and I'm working for a good carrier here in Singapore. Life is good everyone is happy.

I'm just tiring of the short haul job. And with any progression through to SQ firmly closed for the next five years or more, I'm looking at options.

Basically if you have made the move, are you happy? Looking back do you regret leaving? I don't want to keep moving around, I still have a good 20 years left in my career, is the Middle East a place you can see yourself for the long term?

Your wisdom is most appreciated. Thanks.

[BLOGGSON]

If you can afford to stay in SIN, and your family are happy there, STAY!

[mabele]

It seems like the cost of living proportional to pilot incomes, in both countries, is becoming a challenge.

[Iver]

No doubt the Gulf will provide 3 big carriers for you to consider - all growing and all providing long haul opportunities. Based on what I have learnt, I think the one you are looking at is a strong candidate.


Can't comment on living expenses but I am sure others on this board can. Just bring a lot of extra suntan lotion!


Some intel regarding the airline in question: evidently hiring for the big Boeing aircraft recently and a particular applicant who was ultimately hired was told that the 787 is wide open for FOs (training to start this summer I believe) because few internal pilots have bid it so far... At least this is what he was told. 70-80 787-900/1000s are on order. Not certain about the Airbus side of the fence.


Good luck.

[mabele]

Thanks Iver.

[Stone_cold]

Mabele

I doubt that Iver has ever set foot in Singapore or the Middle East .

You should research his numerous posts offering his authoritative advice on several regions / airlines on which he has no first hand knowledge before thanking him .

[BANANASBANANAS]

Hi Mabele,

I lived in SIN for 7 years and made the move to the sandpit just over a year ago.

Singapore is a far better place to live if you have enough $ in your pocket. It has, however, just been voted the most expensive place in the world to live. AUH and DXB cannot be far behind though.

You will need to examine your own professional targets before deciding if the personal and family related costs of moving to the desert are justified. And that is a different calculation for everyone. What I would say though is don't come to the desert for the $ because you will be disappointed. If you want job security, shiny new aircraft and interesting destinations then it may be worthwhile. I strongly suggest you first bring your family over in the hot summer months for a look around so that you and they can decide if they will be happy here. Because if they wont be happy, neither will you.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[aussiefarmer]

My advice, don't do it, you are going to regret it.

"life is good everyone is happy"

You said it all. You most probably will not write that after a couple of years in the Gulf.

As others said, if you can still afford SIN, stay where you are.

Potential reasons to come to the ME:

Money - not anymore. Salaries are advancing 4 to 5 times behind inflation.

Work - Same as a low-cost 90 hours average. And add the East-West jet lag factor to that (so it feels even worse). I would say 750 hrs in a gulf carrier is equivalent to 950 in a short-haul low-cost op.

Lifestyle - Even Dubai (I'm not gonna talk about AUH) is in no way comparable to SIN

Work stability - Yes, valid point. However you can be "resigned" at any time for any reason. Which means that your "open-ended" contract means nothing.

In Singapore you are still an expat pilot. In the ME you will feel and become a high paid slave.

You might think I'm just exaggerating and moaning. But hey, that's my 2c. I wish I could be in Singapore on the left seat now.

PS. Oh, one more thing. I haven't met anyone who is in the ME for the long term yet / retirement. Everyone is counting the days to leave. You will only stay here for the long term if you can't afford anything leaving.

[Left Coaster]

What BBB said…we did the same thing (Singapore to the UAE) For sure Dubai is not Abu Dhabi, the differences in the two Emirates are significant. AUH is on the conservative side and not as flashy as Dubai. The remarks about salary and expenses are true, the schooling issue is important for many joiners, places are hard to find, it's getting better but it's not great. Villas and apartments are available but the rental caps have just been removed and the rents are skyrocketing in the nicer areas. The same can be said for Dubai, but the cap is more or less monitored. If your "crew" is happy where you are, why risk making them unhappy so you can fly long haul? It's not all it's cracked up to be…stupidly long hours in an airplane for too many days a month, rotten rest regs and a company that will push you to the limits of legality with no concern for your well being…and paying you all the same as a short haul pilot. It's just a job and if you're happy where you are why monkey with it? We are happy btw, as none of the issues mentioned above apply to us…but we know many here who started out smiling…and they are now working out how to get home ASAP. They are tired, ill, burnt out and done with the place.

[fatbus]

Don't fall victim to big airplane envy. If I was happy I would stay.

[etops777]

Hi Mabele

I made the jump from The Middle East to the same company you are in.

This is the best moved I've ever did. Another colleague pf mine went to
SQC.

Let's hook up and i can share with you the good and bad

[Iver]

Hey Stone Cold,

Go F yourself. You know nothing about me, my background or my network of fellow pilots flying worldwide. I often share information from friends in various regions and I have traveled extensively - but I can't share my knowledge or opinions. I am offering intel and you offer nothing. If your opinion differs, well then share it instead of wasting our time with your pathetic slams. You must feel important sounding tough on your keyboard.

[Stone_cold]

Struck a nerve Iver ?

You offer a lot of advice based on no first hand knowledge as you have never worked in any of the locales ( your admission )you proffer advice on . As long as you continue to do so , although admittedly you have qualified your advice a bit more recently , then I will advise others to take your valuable advice with more than a pinch of salt . I don't offer as much free advice as you do although I have worked in some of the regions because most intel is already written here somewhere . And visiting certainly doesn't make you an authority on the subject . So continue to monitor all the 787 / 350 orders you can get info on .

As I said before , get a job somewhere , then you can advise people of the living / working conditions .

[Iver]

Stone Cold,

As I mentioned in my original post, the intel I provided regarding the 787 bid came directly from someone just offered a job at the airline in question. He told me himself. I was offering some fresh intel because the original poster mentioned he wanted to fly longhaul. I did not advocate moving to AUH - I only responded to his interest in longhaul flying and how the airline's growing fleet of 787s might provide an opportunity.

At the end of the day, I don't care what you think. I was trying to be helpful and I, like many of my colleagues, have a personal interest in the Gulf (rightly or wronly) and the expanding flying opportunities there. I didn't get into my flying job and work so hard at considerable personal sacrifice for the money because there is no money to be made in this industry. Jaded pilots like you love to stifle what's left of a person's enthusiasm. If I offer an opinion that is wrong, provide your counter opinion without getting personal. Cyber bullying does strike a nerve and it is unacceptable.

[richard III]

Mabele, I made the move, ex SQ to AUH, 3 kids and quite happy so far, if you want details PM me, not interested into getting in a pissing contest over which place is better.
cheers