No one seems to cover actual living costs, so, here goes:
- 2 Bed apartment on Reem Island - Approx. AED 8,800-00 per month
- Utilities (A/C, water and electricity) - Approx. AED 1,000-00 per month (in the summer)
- Internet - AED400-00 per month
- Mobile phone - AED200-00 per month
- Groceries - AED4,500 approx. per month (4 person family)
- Booze - AED500 per month
- Eating out - AED1,200-00 per month (4 persons each time)
- Schools - AED7,500-00 per month (for 2 kids over grade 6. This can vary wildly. Based on the Canadian International School, and you will have a woke'ster in your family...)
- Cars - You can lease one for approx. AED1,600 per month (inclusive of insurance and maintenance). Bigger car = Bigger money honey
- Fuel - currently AED3-67 per liter
A couple of things to bare in mind:
1) Rent usually has to be paid in 1, 2 or 4 cheques (correct, they still use cheques here!!!!!)
2) Schools fees are paid per term
3) I haven't included sundry expenses
4) I have not included medical insurance, as the company covers it.