Across the UAE prices took a sudden rise over the new year.
Many retailers increased prices of stock over the new year to deal with their increased costs. Most of it is subtle, a few dirhams here and there but in percentages the range is 30-80% over a large number of everyday items. Obviously this will be reflected in the final bill for multiple items.
Many services also increased costs for 2008. E.g. Maid services went up by Dhs 5 with many companies. This represents about a 20% increase.
Does anyone have any idea as to whether we will get a preview of salary increases in Jan or Feb as we did last year or was that a one off?