Hi L'n'L,
I'm working in Dubai at the moment and this is how I see it:
1. As usual in this business your colleauges are great but management sucks! Equipment is ok but improvements are on the way (inshallah). We get on with the local ATCO's just fine, they have a somewhat different work ethos to us but that's all part and parcel of experiencing a different culture;
2. I'll say it again, management sucks but that's true of everywhere (who ever thought that atco's would be good at man managing?). Trying to do way too much with too little for too long but par for the course in atc really;
3. Especially with the exchange rates at the mo, the money is crap but you still manage to have a great life out here with it. Think new cars, diving trips, dining out all the time, good holidays etc and you'll be getting close;
4. The singles accomodation allowance 55,000 AED a year which isn't flash but will cover 95% of the cost of a decent 2 bedroom apartment in town. If you go further out (half an hour away at most) you can find good housing for cheaper.
5. Good social scene???
Think fantastic, more clubs, bars, restaurants and women than you can shake a stick at!! Huge western ex-pat population, notorious quote:"What's the best thing about Dubai? 1500 Emirates girls. What's the worst thing about Dubai? ONLY 1500 Emirates girls!" Loads to do to keep you busy in the desert, in the mountains and on the water. Think permanent med holiday;
6. No not really, UAE is a major stopping off point for western forces in the region and as long as you respect the local culture you have no problems at all;
7. Not a career path as such but if you want it we're expanding fast and openings in training and management are coming up all the time.
There's lots of things to moan about but then we're ATCO's and that's what we do
but the lifestyle is great and I'm sure the exchange rate will recover eventually!! Been here about 4 years, used to work in Al Ain too so if you've any more questions then drop me a line.
Rgds FT
Ps. If you do come for a recce thendefinitely drop me a line and I'll show you how we rough it out here
