Hello wannabes,
Glad you enjoyed the roadshow and I hope they were decent enough to elaborate on the BIG PICTURE
too! Silicon is ok as long as I don't live there with kids as most of the kids are educated in the Jumeirah area located about 20 mins away. What is not so pleasant is the drive to and from equalling 4 trips per day or 20 trips per week for those without a bus service. In any case, whether in a car or bus thats 3 hrs 20 mins a week in a bus or 6 hrs 40 mins for any car drivers amongst you each week. Its no secret BUT the roads in Dubai are amongst the deadliest in the world. Maybe its just me, but I would not subject my family to be used as moving targets for certain types of drivers out there (just ask which nationalities stand out!!). Also, the cost of living is scary and as an FO with a family, you will be living from paycheck to paycheck until you get your command then things ease off a little. Not sure how long the road to the left seat is nowadays but you get an idea from the EK threads. Dubai is a building site and is polluted, crowded and has limited space for the family to enjoy unless you go to clubs used by the EK pilots. Joining as a member is cheap but facilities are limited. Very few public beaches available though some of these clubs provide beach access. I have been in DXB for over 10 years and have seen many changes, unfortunately for the worse as an expat living here but the rulers will call it progress......$$$ (say no more!) I believe the good days are gone and now its all about making money for the owners. Virgin Atlantic EK is not! Been there, done that, got the t-shirt and many grey hairs and stress. I am on my way out. Yes, we have the Wild Wadi, Ski Dubai, Burj Al Arab and building the tallest ? tower for now BUT sadly, and I do say this quite honestly, its just an existence (barely) for the expats here in DXB. Good luck if you decide to go ahead and relocate your family to the pit BUT have a long hard think about it.