Flight deck positions at FlyDubai Master Thread - Merged
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guy and galls,
I am trying really hard to make up my mind. But need some help from people with kids in Dubai.
If I join you earn about 35000 a month. Thats maybe a lot in dollars but does it cover the cost of basic living, ie.12 eggs a week 12pints of milk, commuting car, family car...and so forth..
Now I have got 3 kids, but don't like to spend more than 150000 on rent.
When the houses are advertised as +maids room can I count this as an extra usable bedroom?
Does the school allowance cover a descent British school?
I just need someone who can put this in plain english if it is worth the move...
I am at the mo half the salary in the UK...
I am trying really hard to make up my mind. But need some help from people with kids in Dubai.
If I join you earn about 35000 a month. Thats maybe a lot in dollars but does it cover the cost of basic living, ie.12 eggs a week 12pints of milk, commuting car, family car...and so forth..
Now I have got 3 kids, but don't like to spend more than 150000 on rent.
When the houses are advertised as +maids room can I count this as an extra usable bedroom?
Does the school allowance cover a descent British school?
I just need someone who can put this in plain english if it is worth the move...
I am at the mo half the salary in the UK...
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gearupflapsupshutup,
The extra maids room can be used as a bedroom, certainly in Arabian Ranches Al Reem (the 'cheap' houses), the maids room is about the same size as either of the kids rooms upstairs. I would at least take a look at the less fashionable areas like Mirdiff, Jumeirah Village Triangle, etc for cheaper options too. The agencies are now putting up properties here for 170,000/yr when previously they were around 140,000/yr. A 30,000/yr increase. That is a big whack, plus the 5% agent fee plus the 5% deposit.
If any of your kids are in secondary school, the education allowance does not cover the cost of schooling here. You'll be looking at around 5000 AED+ per year/per secondary school kid increasing with age. That is for a very good and long standing not for profit school, I'd guess GEMs et al are going to be more. School fees going up 5-10% too.
Long and short. Moving and living in Dubai is expensive. You earn more than you would in the UK (or wherever), but it just plain costs more too. From the expected cars, furniture, rent to the unexpected cost of some basic items, fees, tolls, fines and moving expenses due landlord issues...it just plain costs. Don't expect to save much in the first couple of years.
The company has said they are looking into rent and school fee increases, hopefully there will be some good news on that soon.
The extra maids room can be used as a bedroom, certainly in Arabian Ranches Al Reem (the 'cheap' houses), the maids room is about the same size as either of the kids rooms upstairs. I would at least take a look at the less fashionable areas like Mirdiff, Jumeirah Village Triangle, etc for cheaper options too. The agencies are now putting up properties here for 170,000/yr when previously they were around 140,000/yr. A 30,000/yr increase. That is a big whack, plus the 5% agent fee plus the 5% deposit.
If any of your kids are in secondary school, the education allowance does not cover the cost of schooling here. You'll be looking at around 5000 AED+ per year/per secondary school kid increasing with age. That is for a very good and long standing not for profit school, I'd guess GEMs et al are going to be more. School fees going up 5-10% too.
Long and short. Moving and living in Dubai is expensive. You earn more than you would in the UK (or wherever), but it just plain costs more too. From the expected cars, furniture, rent to the unexpected cost of some basic items, fees, tolls, fines and moving expenses due landlord issues...it just plain costs. Don't expect to save much in the first couple of years.
The company has said they are looking into rent and school fee increases, hopefully there will be some good news on that soon.
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UAE Cost Of Living
My kids are about old enough to be looking after the parents now, but I am hearing that the education allowance pays for around ten or eleven months of the years education depending on school.
Housing, rents are on the up. Owners are being contacted by agents now offering increased rent deals. A three bed plus maid in the Al Reems is now up to AED 180,000 for lakeside, 170,000 for parkside and 160,000 for a back to back. Electricity and water adding up to an average of 1,500 per month. You are responsible for repairs, so maintainable contract between 4,000 and 6,000 per annum.
Cars, take ex- vat euro price for new purchase for new items. Finance at around 2.5. %. Deposit 20%. Some lower deposit deals around for less in demand models.
I monitor cost of living fairly closely, my database showing 21% rid over last 33 months. For foodstuffs, over all, about euro price plus 28%.
Drink, EPC discount price for budget wine per bottle AED 35. 3 litre box AED 80, 24 tins of beer, AED 150 & a brand name bottle AED 120.
Petrol AED 172 per litre. Car insurance AED 4,000 per Annum, registration and odd fine budget AEd 3,600 per Annum.
Staff travel with EK can be trick on popular routes, watch out for high cargo figures on what look like lightly loaded destinations. EK cargo takes precedence over FZ staff.
Living, horses for courses. I am very much into diving, desert driving, camping, hiking, climbing, etc. so get on well here. Fortunately my family have similar interests and also thrive.
Can get a little warm in the summer, so watch out if you are a cold blood.
UAE and Oman are very liberal Islamic states. Qatar, Saudi and Kuwait somewhat less so. Bahrain is in the middle these days.
So, living can be good if you the environment suites you. Costly, in the early stages with a minimal relocation allowance definitely yes! I transferred 60,000 Euros across to ease the transition.
Hope this helps.
Housing, rents are on the up. Owners are being contacted by agents now offering increased rent deals. A three bed plus maid in the Al Reems is now up to AED 180,000 for lakeside, 170,000 for parkside and 160,000 for a back to back. Electricity and water adding up to an average of 1,500 per month. You are responsible for repairs, so maintainable contract between 4,000 and 6,000 per annum.
Cars, take ex- vat euro price for new purchase for new items. Finance at around 2.5. %. Deposit 20%. Some lower deposit deals around for less in demand models.
I monitor cost of living fairly closely, my database showing 21% rid over last 33 months. For foodstuffs, over all, about euro price plus 28%.
Drink, EPC discount price for budget wine per bottle AED 35. 3 litre box AED 80, 24 tins of beer, AED 150 & a brand name bottle AED 120.
Petrol AED 172 per litre. Car insurance AED 4,000 per Annum, registration and odd fine budget AEd 3,600 per Annum.
Staff travel with EK can be trick on popular routes, watch out for high cargo figures on what look like lightly loaded destinations. EK cargo takes precedence over FZ staff.
Living, horses for courses. I am very much into diving, desert driving, camping, hiking, climbing, etc. so get on well here. Fortunately my family have similar interests and also thrive.
Can get a little warm in the summer, so watch out if you are a cold blood.
UAE and Oman are very liberal Islamic states. Qatar, Saudi and Kuwait somewhat less so. Bahrain is in the middle these days.
So, living can be good if you the environment suites you. Costly, in the early stages with a minimal relocation allowance definitely yes! I transferred 60,000 Euros across to ease the transition.
Hope this helps.
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CTC
Hey guys, applied at flydubai yesterday and with in 24 hours I received an email to schedule for my assessment. I will be attending the assessment here in Miami. Anyone else for states attending it? My qualifications are, I am regional pilot at 2500 total time with no Ng experience.
Last edited by Non rev; 19th Mar 2013 at 14:45.
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FZ
Hi guys ! I just got an e-mail to book my date for CTC.I just need your opinion after reading all of this and talking with some people who attended assessment already.Is it really worth it going to the assessment when we all know that out of 8 people no matter what their qualites are only 2 or 3 will be called for the sim...and 2 or just 1 will go to the final stage ? 
It was the same with Wizz Air 21 people 12 went for the sim session 4 got offers....
On the other hand it would be stupid not to give it a try ....except candidate needs to arrange travel and accomodation...i wouldn't mind that if i was employed in Europe but traveling from Asia ...hmmmm ! 
Thanks guys and best of luck to all of you
It was the same with Wizz Air 21 people 12 went for the sim session 4 got offers.... On the other hand it would be stupid not to give it a try ....except candidate needs to arrange travel and accomodation...i wouldn't mind that if i was employed in Europe but traveling from Asia ...hmmmm ! Thanks guys and best of luck to all of you
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FlyDubai must love this!
People salivating paying to travel half way around the world for a chance for a first interview
Mark my words, once they get you, next is a reductions in salary, rosters and quality of life.
There was a time when contract work was a financial rewarding option.
Just say no! only we can stop the insane denigration to our profession.
People salivating paying to travel half way around the world for a chance for a first interview
Mark my words, once they get you, next is a reductions in salary, rosters and quality of life.
There was a time when contract work was a financial rewarding option.
Just say no! only we can stop the insane denigration to our profession.
Last edited by jimmyg; 21st Mar 2013 at 03:35.
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food for thought
Just wonder does any one applying to flydubai actually ever read anything the guys who work here write ?
F/os can make around 39000 AED's per month (was in yesterdays Arabian Business press )
It sounds great converted into your own currency, however, unless you are a single guy living in a small apartment here you will struggle to save anything.
Married & 2 children ? A different story....
1 The housing allowance no longer covers a decent family house in a decent area. ( by decent I mean not a construction site )
2 The education allowance does not fully cover education. finding places in schools is a challenge, Flydubai have priority at GEMS group schools, however the fees start about 15- 20k (per child) MORE than the allowance provided.
3 Petrol and cars are relatively cheap, however with children you will need two cars
4 Food 10 - 30 % more expensive depending on where you come from.
Lots of hidden costs setting up here. A new arrival pays for UAE ID cards ( you and dependants) , Deposits for Phone, Water, Electricity, Cars, Driving licences, Housing deposits. I arrived here with just over 16,000 euros to help cover set up costs.
With the rising cost of living here (rents up over 25% during last 12 months) you really have to think how you want to live here and for how long.
Bear in mind also there is no pension system in UAE, you will have to make your provisions elsewhere, with no contributions from the company.
If you are thinking of coming to UAE longer term consider EK or EY the packages are more realistic and aimed at retaining pilots longer term. EK FO 44 k per month. EK 35k but Housing and bills covered by EK.
Flydubai has become a stepping stone for many, but beware if you come here moving to EK/EY will not be possible for minimum of 3 years. ( local agreement)
Life can be good in Dubai, but there are many things to be aware of before making such a commitment. Good luck.
F/os can make around 39000 AED's per month (was in yesterdays Arabian Business press )
It sounds great converted into your own currency, however, unless you are a single guy living in a small apartment here you will struggle to save anything.
Married & 2 children ? A different story....
1 The housing allowance no longer covers a decent family house in a decent area. ( by decent I mean not a construction site )
2 The education allowance does not fully cover education. finding places in schools is a challenge, Flydubai have priority at GEMS group schools, however the fees start about 15- 20k (per child) MORE than the allowance provided.
3 Petrol and cars are relatively cheap, however with children you will need two cars
4 Food 10 - 30 % more expensive depending on where you come from.
Lots of hidden costs setting up here. A new arrival pays for UAE ID cards ( you and dependants) , Deposits for Phone, Water, Electricity, Cars, Driving licences, Housing deposits. I arrived here with just over 16,000 euros to help cover set up costs.
With the rising cost of living here (rents up over 25% during last 12 months) you really have to think how you want to live here and for how long.
Bear in mind also there is no pension system in UAE, you will have to make your provisions elsewhere, with no contributions from the company.
If you are thinking of coming to UAE longer term consider EK or EY the packages are more realistic and aimed at retaining pilots longer term. EK FO 44 k per month. EK 35k but Housing and bills covered by EK.
Flydubai has become a stepping stone for many, but beware if you come here moving to EK/EY will not be possible for minimum of 3 years. ( local agreement)
Life can be good in Dubai, but there are many things to be aware of before making such a commitment. Good luck.
Last edited by Guided accordingly; 21st Mar 2013 at 05:01.
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Just to give a realistic income for an EK F/O. Four plus years with kids at school I've never cleared more than 28k on a normal month. Not complaining, just giving it as it is. Long term EK would still be the obvious choice. Everything is on the up in Dubai. As always it's as good or bad as you want it to be!
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Just wonder does any one applying to flydubai actually ever read anything the guys who work here write ?
F/os can make around 39000 AED's per month (was in yesterdays Arabian Business press )
It sounds great converted into your own currency, however, unless you are a single guy living in a small apartment here you will struggle to save anything.
Married & 2 children ? A different story....
1 The housing allowance no longer covers a decent family house in a decent area. ( by decent I mean not a construction site )
2 The education allowance does not fully cover education. finding places in schools is a challenge, Flydubai have priority at GEMS group schools, however the fees start about 15- 20k (per child) MORE than the allowance provided.
3 Petrol and cars are relatively cheap, however with children you will need two cars
4 Food 10 - 30 % more expensive depending on where you come from.
Lots of hidden costs setting up here. A new arrival pays for UAE ID cards ( you and dependants) , Deposits for Phone, Water, Electricity, Cars, Driving licences, Housing deposits. I arrived here with just over 16,000 euros to help cover set up costs.
With the rising cost of living here (rents up over 25% during last 12 months) you really have to think how you want to live here and for how long.
Bear in mind also there is no pension system in UAE, you will have to make your provisions elsewhere, with no contributions from the company.
If you are thinking of coming to UAE longer term consider EK or EY the packages are more realistic and aimed at retaining pilots longer term. EK FO 44 k per month. EK 35k but Housing and bills covered by EK.
Flydubai has become a stepping stone for many, but beware if you come here moving to EK/EY will not be possible for minimum of 3 years. ( local agreement)
Life can be good in Dubai, but there are many things to be aware of before making such a commitment. Good luck.
F/os can make around 39000 AED's per month (was in yesterdays Arabian Business press )
It sounds great converted into your own currency, however, unless you are a single guy living in a small apartment here you will struggle to save anything.
Married & 2 children ? A different story....
1 The housing allowance no longer covers a decent family house in a decent area. ( by decent I mean not a construction site )
2 The education allowance does not fully cover education. finding places in schools is a challenge, Flydubai have priority at GEMS group schools, however the fees start about 15- 20k (per child) MORE than the allowance provided.
3 Petrol and cars are relatively cheap, however with children you will need two cars
4 Food 10 - 30 % more expensive depending on where you come from.
Lots of hidden costs setting up here. A new arrival pays for UAE ID cards ( you and dependants) , Deposits for Phone, Water, Electricity, Cars, Driving licences, Housing deposits. I arrived here with just over 16,000 euros to help cover set up costs.
With the rising cost of living here (rents up over 25% during last 12 months) you really have to think how you want to live here and for how long.
Bear in mind also there is no pension system in UAE, you will have to make your provisions elsewhere, with no contributions from the company.
If you are thinking of coming to UAE longer term consider EK or EY the packages are more realistic and aimed at retaining pilots longer term. EK FO 44 k per month. EK 35k but Housing and bills covered by EK.
Flydubai has become a stepping stone for many, but beware if you come here moving to EK/EY will not be possible for minimum of 3 years. ( local agreement)
Life can be good in Dubai, but there are many things to be aware of before making such a commitment. Good luck.
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Bluesaddict - What Guided Accordingly wrote is pretty much on the ball. Rents here are rocketing and so far the company has made no commitment to keeping up with the increasing cost of living. There is no structure in place for pay increases so you can't even forecast future earnings.
From a purely financial standpoint, would I come here today with what is on offer elsewhere? No. Whilst the headline salary looks enticing, if you end up shelling out most of it just to exist here then I can't really see the point. Will you save money bringing your family here? As a DEC, perhaps if you are very careful but as an FO, not a chance. Whilst EK isn't a bed of roses either, the overall package is certainly well ahead of fd. If you want to come to the sandpit I'd look at EK/EY first.
From a purely financial standpoint, would I come here today with what is on offer elsewhere? No. Whilst the headline salary looks enticing, if you end up shelling out most of it just to exist here then I can't really see the point. Will you save money bringing your family here? As a DEC, perhaps if you are very careful but as an FO, not a chance. Whilst EK isn't a bed of roses either, the overall package is certainly well ahead of fd. If you want to come to the sandpit I'd look at EK/EY first.
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Update
Thanks for the correction Cowtown.
I know the EY figure is correct, but the EK one was 3rd / 4th hand.
So, we've established that an EK f/o takes home 28k per month.
The BIG difference between EK and FZ/EY is that EK housing and utility bills are covered by the company, so in effect you are protected from the volatile rental market (not to mention landlords and agents) and the worry that you might have to move at the end of the tenancy contract, etc.
To rent a typical EK family house at DSO at current prices will be around 180 - 200K per year, plus about 27K Util (dewa) bills. So it figures the EK housing package is worth around 207 to 227 per year. (at current, rising prices)
FZ F/o earns 39K total.
Part of the 39K is the Rent allowance of 12k per month, 144 k Per year.
Now figure this is supposed to cover rent. Add to this 5 % (of your rent) in municipality tax, Dewa (elec and water) bills for a small medium family villa budget at least 20K per year.
The average small family house on arabian ranches is now 160K for rent alone. The asking for the smallest ( A1) villa on villa project is 170K Same story at DSO. JVT is cheaper but under construction, when complete (12/18 months) the prices will be hiked same as the rest
With prices rising and no real guidance or structure to future pay or allowances at Flydubai, its a tough call to make.
Its better than being out of work, but an FO with a family is unlikely to save any money here.
I know the EY figure is correct, but the EK one was 3rd / 4th hand.
So, we've established that an EK f/o takes home 28k per month.
The BIG difference between EK and FZ/EY is that EK housing and utility bills are covered by the company, so in effect you are protected from the volatile rental market (not to mention landlords and agents) and the worry that you might have to move at the end of the tenancy contract, etc.
To rent a typical EK family house at DSO at current prices will be around 180 - 200K per year, plus about 27K Util (dewa) bills. So it figures the EK housing package is worth around 207 to 227 per year. (at current, rising prices)
FZ F/o earns 39K total.
Part of the 39K is the Rent allowance of 12k per month, 144 k Per year.
Now figure this is supposed to cover rent. Add to this 5 % (of your rent) in municipality tax, Dewa (elec and water) bills for a small medium family villa budget at least 20K per year.
The average small family house on arabian ranches is now 160K for rent alone. The asking for the smallest ( A1) villa on villa project is 170K Same story at DSO. JVT is cheaper but under construction, when complete (12/18 months) the prices will be hiked same as the rest
With prices rising and no real guidance or structure to future pay or allowances at Flydubai, its a tough call to make.
Its better than being out of work, but an FO with a family is unlikely to save any money here.
Last edited by Guided accordingly; 21st Mar 2013 at 16:00. Reason: typo
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Blues addict.
Not saying its all bad. It depends on what you're expecting.
In money terms, I think most will agree an FO with a family will not have much money ( if any) left at the end of the month.
As mentioned above, the crux of the problem is that rents (and other costs ) here have rocketed in the last 12 months, but the pay has not. There is no incremental pay scale here, no yearly pay rise, so who knows where we'll be in 3 years.
In true Dubai style Rents are projected to rise even further, so its difficult to know what you're committing to.
I hear that the company has been ''looking'' at the housing allowance issue for a few months, but no one is really expecting any imminent change. (maybe if we cancel flights due lack of crew!)
Consider delaying your start date.... theres probably a property crash due in about 18 months
Not saying its all bad. It depends on what you're expecting.
In money terms, I think most will agree an FO with a family will not have much money ( if any) left at the end of the month.
As mentioned above, the crux of the problem is that rents (and other costs ) here have rocketed in the last 12 months, but the pay has not. There is no incremental pay scale here, no yearly pay rise, so who knows where we'll be in 3 years.
In true Dubai style Rents are projected to rise even further, so its difficult to know what you're committing to.
I hear that the company has been ''looking'' at the housing allowance issue for a few months, but no one is really expecting any imminent change. (maybe if we cancel flights due lack of crew!)
Consider delaying your start date.... theres probably a property crash due in about 18 months
Last edited by Guided accordingly; 22nd Mar 2013 at 04:19.
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As is rightly mentioned, we are fairly well protected while we are in EK accommodation. What we see at the end of the month is our pocket money. If you are inclined to take on additional roles, SFI etc, then you can add another 5k+ to the equation. Saying that EK recently demonstrated their ability to change things at a drop of a hat by telling 7 SFI's they were no longer needed. Good luck to all with your choices....
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another reason may be that they prefer less qualified pilots as they are easier to keep longer that the more qualified ones.
Don't forget that once you are here and you realize that EK is there with better conditions , you may leave to join them and for that the minimum experience requirement is higher than for FZ...
We have already lost quite a good number of pilots with a lot of experience going to EK or other long haul carrier....
Don't forget that once you are here and you realize that EK is there with better conditions , you may leave to join them and for that the minimum experience requirement is higher than for FZ...
We have already lost quite a good number of pilots with a lot of experience going to EK or other long haul carrier....
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another reason may be that they prefer less qualified pilots as they are easier to keep longer that the more qualified ones.
Don't forget that once you are here and you realize that EK is there with better conditions , you may leave to join them and for that the minimum experience requirement is higher than for FZ...
We have already lost quite a good number of pilots with a lot of experience going to EK or other long haul carrier....
Don't forget that once you are here and you realize that EK is there with better conditions , you may leave to join them and for that the minimum experience requirement is higher than for FZ...
We have already lost quite a good number of pilots with a lot of experience going to EK or other long haul carrier....