Who can afford living in Dubai?
pilotrob....
Passport photos.... priceless!!
If you find the right place though, you can get a bunch done for about $10-15.... only just run out earlier this year after more than 3 years. So it doesn't have to be expensive...
Also if your boss likes to dine out/brunch a lot it may be worth looking into the platinum card (dependents can get it as well) offers many discounts for hotels/spas/etc also you can get discounted tickets to Wild Wadi, Ski Dubai etc (If you can get EPC for spouse then might not be worth getting Platinum card but I wasn't sure they could have EPC or if it's just for you guys)
Platinum also get some kind of discount at Borders so good if you have kids who like to read...
Passport photos.... priceless!!
If you find the right place though, you can get a bunch done for about $10-15.... only just run out earlier this year after more than 3 years. So it doesn't have to be expensive...
Also if your boss likes to dine out/brunch a lot it may be worth looking into the platinum card (dependents can get it as well) offers many discounts for hotels/spas/etc also you can get discounted tickets to Wild Wadi, Ski Dubai etc (If you can get EPC for spouse then might not be worth getting Platinum card but I wasn't sure they could have EPC or if it's just for you guys)
Platinum also get some kind of discount at Borders so good if you have kids who like to read...
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EPC card is for any professional pilot flying in the UAE with a license.
If you take the platinum, you just help EK to kill the EPC.
Activities:
- Language tuition: 100 - 200 aed / hour
- Sport and Music Activities: around 1500 aed / term
- Parcs: 5 - 10 aed / pers
Shopping: Ikea, Decathlon, cheapest place in Dubai, still more expensive than Europe,
The other brands are very expensive.
Not to forget the medical insurance expenses, all the drugs not covered...
At the end, who can afford Dubai? the richest one for sure... not a pilot anymore...
If you take the platinum, you just help EK to kill the EPC.
Activities:
- Language tuition: 100 - 200 aed / hour
- Sport and Music Activities: around 1500 aed / term
- Parcs: 5 - 10 aed / pers
Shopping: Ikea, Decathlon, cheapest place in Dubai, still more expensive than Europe,
The other brands are very expensive.
Not to forget the medical insurance expenses, all the drugs not covered...
At the end, who can afford Dubai? the richest one for sure... not a pilot anymore...
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Contacted had hit the nail squarely on the head. The question is not can you afford to live in Dubai, it is how long you need to live there before you can afford to go home.
If you want to retire to the UK (say) you will need a significant nest egg. I think that being in Dubai will let me retire about 5 years earlier than I could if I was working in the UK. That is enough to keep me in the land of sand for a bit longer.
If you want to retire to the UK (say) you will need a significant nest egg. I think that being in Dubai will let me retire about 5 years earlier than I could if I was working in the UK. That is enough to keep me in the land of sand for a bit longer.
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Some of the comments in this thread are just not true , how is it possible to have 2 pilots working for the same company and one saying that he is making three time more than what he had back home in the US and another saying he can'e even live here anymore because it is too expensive for him !!!
Any pilot in EK or FZ earns enough money to enjoy an easy luxurious lifestyle in Dubai BUT of course can't anymore at the same time build up a huge amount of money to retire earlier than back home...
It is now a choice...
Or the decide to enjoy the luxurious life then no money to save anymore or you decide to save money and then you have to think twice about where to live , what to buy , what kind of cars and how many of them etc...
Any pilot in EK or FZ earns enough money to enjoy an easy luxurious lifestyle in Dubai BUT of course can't anymore at the same time build up a huge amount of money to retire earlier than back home...
It is now a choice...
Or the decide to enjoy the luxurious life then no money to save anymore or you decide to save money and then you have to think twice about where to live , what to buy , what kind of cars and how many of them etc...
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Originally Posted by dubaigong
how is it possible to have 2 pilots working for the same company and one saying that he is making three time more than what he had back home in the US and another saying he can'e even live here anymore because it is too expensive for him !!!
Dubai is playground for the wealthy, unfortunately, some pilots think foolishly they are in the same class as the wealthy. If you take a look around, the people you see portraying the life of luxury, are the single people with no real responsibility (i.e. family), other than to themselves . If you are a family man, the majority of your compensation package are going to what give you peace of mind and what matters the most...your family!
For a westerner, life in the middle east is only a short sacrifice for the possibility of returning home with a substantial amount of cash in order to retire early enough to enjoy the rest of your life.
Last edited by av8tordude; 8th Nov 2013 at 15:16.
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av8tordude: a nicely succinct assessment of the situation ! 
Fwiw, my wife & I reside in Dubai, she doesn’t work, and our lads are at school / college overseas.
Putting some numbers to it: as a line-pilot in FZ (albeit as a Captain on the so-called ‘A’ scale), for the previous 12 months (with 850 block hours) I've earned (including allowances for housing and transport):
) and the rest I squander... I really don't know how we manage ?! 
From the outset we recognised that the Middle East is a nought but a temporary opportunity to earn some half-decent coin, without being taxed to death for the privilege and, accordingly and with an eye to the future (a future that's doesn't involve Dubai), we tend to live a quiet life; though, on the flip-side, ones bank balance is looking decidedly healthy, and I'm looking forward to quitting aviation just as soon as one of the two buckets is full.
Fwiw, my wife & I reside in Dubai, she doesn’t work, and our lads are at school / college overseas.
Putting some numbers to it: as a line-pilot in FZ (albeit as a Captain on the so-called ‘A’ scale), for the previous 12 months (with 850 block hours) I've earned (including allowances for housing and transport):
707,520 Dhs / $192,784 USD / £120,490 GBP of tax free income (and that’s not including the amount for ‘End of Service Gratuity’ that will come when I eventually leave).
On a per annum basis, I pay:99,000 Dhs for a large (2,050 sq’ft) unfurnished apartment with 2x beds + maids, etc..
19,800 Dhs for renting a small car, with the insurance, maintenance, licensing, etc, all paid by Dollar Rentacar (I pay for rental & petrol, only)
8,030 Dhs for DEWA
8,114 Dhs for PalmCooling
5,040 Dhs for DU 16 Mb home internet + 1Gb mobile data package
108,000 Dhs towards into my pension plan.
So, with the above (basics) fully covered, I’m left with just 459,536 Dhs / $125,214 USD / £78,259 GBP (per annum) for spending on women & booze (if only the wife would let me! 19,800 Dhs for renting a small car, with the insurance, maintenance, licensing, etc, all paid by Dollar Rentacar (I pay for rental & petrol, only)
8,030 Dhs for DEWA
8,114 Dhs for PalmCooling
5,040 Dhs for DU 16 Mb home internet + 1Gb mobile data package
108,000 Dhs towards into my pension plan.
) and the rest I squander... I really don't know how we manage ?! From the outset we recognised that the Middle East is a nought but a temporary opportunity to earn some half-decent coin, without being taxed to death for the privilege and, accordingly and with an eye to the future (a future that's doesn't involve Dubai), we tend to live a quiet life; though, on the flip-side, ones bank balance is looking decidedly healthy, and I'm looking forward to quitting aviation just as soon as one of the two buckets is full.
Last edited by Old King Coal; 9th Nov 2013 at 02:48. Reason: to state my rank and that confirm that elements of my allowances are included in the figure for total earnings.
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OKC
To be fair you need to put into your equation the cost of your brats: Total living and schooling.
Everyone admits that as a couple only, or even more as a single, it works fine, just look at what your fork out for accommodation and DEWA/cooling.
If the kids are with you in Dubai (and i must add that this is the more desirable version for most of us), you can easily double that figure.
Apples vs Oranges ......
To be fair you need to put into your equation the cost of your brats: Total living and schooling.
Everyone admits that as a couple only, or even more as a single, it works fine, just look at what your fork out for accommodation and DEWA/cooling.
If the kids are with you in Dubai (and i must add that this is the more desirable version for most of us), you can easily double that figure.
Apples vs Oranges ......
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glofish: Fair point, albeit I would counter that the schools & education here are ****! (imho), so I sent them back from whence they came, and wherein the additional costs involved with that are minimal (remembering that the FZ 'A' scaler contract provide an allowance for overseas education costs... though latterly issued FZ contracts do not), along with the intangible benefit that our lads are much happier being 'home' (and, coupling that with the responsibility of living 'home alone', they have thrived... I couldn't be prouder!).
Perhaps the point is this... some folk, as soon as they arrive here in Dubai, get themselves involved in a veritable mountain of debt. Big loan for that new car they could 'never afford' in their home country, or maybe even two cars ('coz the wife wants one as well, doesn't she, and that extra bit on the loan, well hey ho, eh?!)?! Swanky apartment, nicely furnished. Out on the town and living the high-life; and, err, but the groceries ain't cheap, and neither are utilities (well someone's got to subsidise the locals), and in fact bugger all here is cheap (aside from petrol), and the benefits of the EPC are not what they used to be, eh?!... and next thing you know you're into a heap of financial pain and wondering why you're struggling (even with what looks to be a good salary to back it all up).... whilst maybe not applicable to yourself, does it sound familiar?!
Perhaps the point is this... some folk, as soon as they arrive here in Dubai, get themselves involved in a veritable mountain of debt. Big loan for that new car they could 'never afford' in their home country, or maybe even two cars ('coz the wife wants one as well, doesn't she, and that extra bit on the loan, well hey ho, eh?!)?! Swanky apartment, nicely furnished. Out on the town and living the high-life; and, err, but the groceries ain't cheap, and neither are utilities (well someone's got to subsidise the locals), and in fact bugger all here is cheap (aside from petrol), and the benefits of the EPC are not what they used to be, eh?!... and next thing you know you're into a heap of financial pain and wondering why you're struggling (even with what looks to be a good salary to back it all up).... whilst maybe not applicable to yourself, does it sound familiar?!
Last edited by Old King Coal; 8th Nov 2013 at 13:06.
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So this is one of the difference, a reality:
EK, 336000 aed/year ; 68500 euros ; 91500 US$ ; 57200 Pounds....
Nothing to do with "Old King Coal" salary!!!
I have no fashion in my life in Dubai, being extremely careful with my expenses, one restaurant every 2 months (300 aed bill total for 4 people)!
Some can afford it, but an EK pilot...
Well, if you are Single, or let's say a couple, no problem...
Having kids cost so much money here in Dubai, I can afford going back to my home country, having less money, but saving more at the end of the month with less expenditures! (a private school cost 1000 euros, soccer 100/year, ...)
Well, I am now in the process to go back home... If I could worth Dubai, I would stay, but not in the present conditions, working for nothing!
EK, 336000 aed/year ; 68500 euros ; 91500 US$ ; 57200 Pounds....
Nothing to do with "Old King Coal" salary!!!
I have no fashion in my life in Dubai, being extremely careful with my expenses, one restaurant every 2 months (300 aed bill total for 4 people)!
Some can afford it, but an EK pilot...
Well, if you are Single, or let's say a couple, no problem...
Having kids cost so much money here in Dubai, I can afford going back to my home country, having less money, but saving more at the end of the month with less expenditures! (a private school cost 1000 euros, soccer 100/year, ...)
Well, I am now in the process to go back home... If I could worth Dubai, I would stay, but not in the present conditions, working for nothing!
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Come on Camel, if you're going to post at least be realistic! Your 336000AED/year is FO basic salary only. I assume you do some flying per month and if you don't give me a call cos you can have some of mine to boost you your pay packet. That adds another 42000AED/year approx. Then also your housing and DEWA etc is all paid for. OKC is quoting a captain's salary and that includes housing allowance and transport allowance. So you can't really compare the two.
I have 2 kids and we live a great life here in Dubai. We are sensible in what we spend but still afford a couple of great holidays a year and and the kids do plenty of activities as well. It isn't cheap but I still manage to save a good chunk of money each month. Like some previous posters have said if you don't blow your money on stuff and things you probably wouldn't have had or done in your home country then you'll probably do just fine. If you all of a sudden have a Ferrari in you're garage and you're eating at the Ivy every week and you're struggling to make ends meet then maybe you have to look at your lifestyle choices.
I have 2 kids and we live a great life here in Dubai. We are sensible in what we spend but still afford a couple of great holidays a year and and the kids do plenty of activities as well. It isn't cheap but I still manage to save a good chunk of money each month. Like some previous posters have said if you don't blow your money on stuff and things you probably wouldn't have had or done in your home country then you'll probably do just fine. If you all of a sudden have a Ferrari in you're garage and you're eating at the Ivy every week and you're struggling to make ends meet then maybe you have to look at your lifestyle choices.
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I think a combo deal is at work here comparing OKC and Camel numbers.
Firstly, OKC is calculating absolutely everything in his Capt package. Completely all in and keep in mind, he is living very conservatively on that package. Saving over 5k/ month extra on his housing alone. Still very decent for the low cost carrier, however at 850 hours a year, he is paying for it as well...
Camel, I agree with babs, you are not including things such as flying pay, housing ( 13k/month ), kids education, provident fund, free yearly ticket back home etc. I would say you are almost 600k on an F/O package.
I do agree that with kids Dubai is expensive. No doubt. You are likely not saving what you planned, but if you make some good decisions and be somewhat conservative you can still save and not have to live like a hermit. We do need a pay increase for next year however; the costs are rising for everything.
Firstly, OKC is calculating absolutely everything in his Capt package. Completely all in and keep in mind, he is living very conservatively on that package. Saving over 5k/ month extra on his housing alone. Still very decent for the low cost carrier, however at 850 hours a year, he is paying for it as well...
Camel, I agree with babs, you are not including things such as flying pay, housing ( 13k/month ), kids education, provident fund, free yearly ticket back home etc. I would say you are almost 600k on an F/O package.
I do agree that with kids Dubai is expensive. No doubt. You are likely not saving what you planned, but if you make some good decisions and be somewhat conservative you can still save and not have to live like a hermit. We do need a pay increase for next year however; the costs are rising for everything.
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Saltaire: actually the true figure, wrt the save on my housing allowance ('A' scale), is 7,750 Dhs per month; but, that aside, imho we too, over at FZ, are long over due increases in all aspects. E.g. in the last, 4 years 9 months, all we've had is a 1.8% increase in Basic Salary (that was in 2010), and a 10 Dhs per hour increase in block-hour pay (in 2012?, bringing Captains to 160 Dhs & FO's to 110 Dhs per block hour, respectively); and a slight increase in Schooling Allowances; and the Health Insurance package was restored to what we had in the 1st year (after suffering a major reduction in cover in the 3 years following the 1st year), and a slight Bonus payment this year (amounting to 3 weeks worth of Basic Salary). And yes, 850 hours per year (pretty much every year since FZ's inception) has 'had its moments', but with PBS now implemented (and with a single digit seniority number), hopefully things will improve?
Overall, the name of the game in the sandpit, is to amass as much coin as possible in the shortest period of time, and then foxtrot oscar!
Ps (hence the edit) I'm led to believe that FZ are no longer referring to themselves as a 'Low Cost Carrier'.... though for the life of me I'm buggered if I can remember what the new term is that they are preferring to use ('value airline' or some such, uhm?)... but veritably (and with the introduction of a 'J' class) they are seemingly trying to morph themselves out of the LCC moniker; go figure?!
Overall, the name of the game in the sandpit, is to amass as much coin as possible in the shortest period of time, and then foxtrot oscar!
Ps (hence the edit) I'm led to believe that FZ are no longer referring to themselves as a 'Low Cost Carrier'.... though for the life of me I'm buggered if I can remember what the new term is that they are preferring to use ('value airline' or some such, uhm?)... but veritably (and with the introduction of a 'J' class) they are seemingly trying to morph themselves out of the LCC moniker; go figure?!
Last edited by Old King Coal; 9th Nov 2013 at 09:37.
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To make it clear:
My average monthly salary is around 26-28 k aed with all the deductions taken from it and my flying play, so this is what I have transferred to my bank account.
I am not trying to cheat on those figures!
Next, I do not have any house allowance, it means I am in a company accommodation, yes it cost me nothing...
I am just saying I have a "normal" life with no fashion, no restaurant parties, 2 cars because we need those 2, kids, activities for the kids... I am not saving anymore money now, shopping is getting more and more expensive, activities too, school fees have increased by 20%... and I do not want to force my family staying locked at home to try and save 1000 aed per month being in the sandpit.
Decision taken, figures balanced, I can't afford staying in Dubai anymore, there is no point, life in Europe is less expensive at this time, and I will save more money back in my home country.
Guys, enjoy and good luck!
My average monthly salary is around 26-28 k aed with all the deductions taken from it and my flying play, so this is what I have transferred to my bank account.
I am not trying to cheat on those figures!
Next, I do not have any house allowance, it means I am in a company accommodation, yes it cost me nothing...
I am just saying I have a "normal" life with no fashion, no restaurant parties, 2 cars because we need those 2, kids, activities for the kids... I am not saving anymore money now, shopping is getting more and more expensive, activities too, school fees have increased by 20%... and I do not want to force my family staying locked at home to try and save 1000 aed per month being in the sandpit.
Decision taken, figures balanced, I can't afford staying in Dubai anymore, there is no point, life in Europe is less expensive at this time, and I will save more money back in my home country.
Guys, enjoy and good luck!
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Fair enough Camel, and I can see your point. It is what it is and if you can't justify the sacrifice and if an opportunity is avail back home - best of luck.
PS. Make sure on your exit interview, you give them the truth.
Cheers
PS. Make sure on your exit interview, you give them the truth.
Cheers
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flywildcamel,
good post. Lots of guys I fly with say the same thing. If you are single and were smart enough/lucky enough to purchase a few years ago then Dubai might be a good place to make some money. For the rest of us the price of rent, schooling, and virtually everything else is rising at an alarming pace. Certainly more than the 3.5% increase we received last year. I'm afraid once the expo is announced it will be a green light for the landlords/business owners to send the cost of everything except petrol into orbit.
Dubai is set up nicely to keep the money in circulation. They pay you what seems like a great salary but you put it right back into the economy by paying 20AED for a cup of coffee, 60 for a cocktail, 300 for dinner, and 3 million for a shoddy townhouse.
I wonder how Emirates is going to respond? Once the job market recovers in Europe/NA there could be a mass exodus.
good post. Lots of guys I fly with say the same thing. If you are single and were smart enough/lucky enough to purchase a few years ago then Dubai might be a good place to make some money. For the rest of us the price of rent, schooling, and virtually everything else is rising at an alarming pace. Certainly more than the 3.5% increase we received last year. I'm afraid once the expo is announced it will be a green light for the landlords/business owners to send the cost of everything except petrol into orbit.
Dubai is set up nicely to keep the money in circulation. They pay you what seems like a great salary but you put it right back into the economy by paying 20AED for a cup of coffee, 60 for a cocktail, 300 for dinner, and 3 million for a shoddy townhouse.
I wonder how Emirates is going to respond? Once the job market recovers in Europe/NA there could be a mass exodus.
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Dubai is set up nicely to keep the money in circulation. They pay you what seems like a great salary but you put it right back into the economy by paying 20AED for a cup of coffee, 60 for a cocktail, 300 for dinner, and 3 million for a shoddy townhouse.
I deal with it by getting all the cash I can out of here within a few hours of it hitting my bank account.
As for the rest, well BBQ's are cheaper than eating out, making your own coffee is an excuse to get people around before and after the BBQ, and duty free booze is a lot cheaper than cocktails.
I have no intention of buying a property here, I am buying more property back in the UK (even asked on here for a good broker) and in a general sense its just as easy not to buy into the bling bling BS that some people find attractive.
My 50 fils worth...
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how long before two tier petrol pricing
and have to scan Emirates/Residence ID to get lower price.?????.
I was wondering why the ID changed its name from Emirates ID, now I think I know.
As an aside, if you live here in RAK, the coffee is only 15aeds.
BBQ is a way of life.
Quality of life is much better.
Glf
I was wondering why the ID changed its name from Emirates ID, now I think I know.
As an aside, if you live here in RAK, the coffee is only 15aeds.
BBQ is a way of life.
Quality of life is much better.
Glf