So...you wanna come work for the GCAA at the SZC?...think again!
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It sounds pretty bad to have to advance one year rent etc etc..
Do you think there are plans to hire more controllers, I mean, to increase the current staff instead of just replacing the guys that are leaving?
Do you think there are plans to hire more controllers, I mean, to increase the current staff instead of just replacing the guys that are leaving?
Speaking from a UAE point of view in general, it's not great. Depends mostly on your personal situation though of course. If you are single or just a couple, are prepared to live in a smallish apartment and have some cash available to set yourself up (100000-150000dhs at least for rent, car, deposits etc), and are prepared to work your arse off propping up a failing system then sure, go for it. If you have a family, forget it.
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UAE Hiring
Seems there is little positive news from your end of the empire...question or am i asking the blxxding obvious....what got you over there in the first place......and how long before you realised that the sand is not always greener on that side of the fence
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It is not a matter of realizing that the sand may or may not be "greener". In fact it is a case of how much one can accept before it just gets too much. Look, the Middle East, in particular UAE, Bahrain, Oman have been attractive to Westerners for decades. And it is important to know that it is not just for the money we come; only in recent times has money actually been an attraction. People have to come to the Middle East for a long time before that and for different reasons.
Staying here is the easiest decision to make if you are open minded and willing to accept the bad with the good. Bad being relative of course. You might experience "bad" weather in Europe or some parts of the US during winter. And because of this, you decide a move to warmer climes might be a worthwhile idea. Likewise with income tax, cultural attitudes, economics, etc. YOU evaluate your current circumstances and try to put them into perspective. YOU then decide. My point is, people move here for lots of different reasons and time here exposes us to "abnormalities" as we see it when we put it in context with our own cultures and norms. It is how much you are willing to spend time with these "abnormalities" and accept them for what they are. It is a biased western view of the world that stops many from staying here longer. (Only one reason of course....there are many others).
However, the current environment at the ACC in Abu Dhabi is froth with insecurity and instability. Most importantly, a lack of strong leadership has contributed to the constant outwards flow of experience. Not just controllers, but experience. This is crippling.
SERCO have now lost the contract to provide a certain amount of controllers, engineers and ATCAs from January. It unfortunately leaves few amused. Small increase for those with experience, but most for those in the door. It will create a divide which always has the potential to impact on operational safety. This, the management do not, I am sure, understand.
The ACC was a great place to work. Traffic was chaotic but fun and team spirit was better. Now, traffic has grown with much the same airspace structure with little change. Controllers are being pushed to the edge of that seat everyday with little assurances if something goes wrong. The culture is that of blame and apportioning it is what they do best. If you choose to come here, you will work with some of the finest and experienced in the industry. Controllers love what they do. But be prepared to be put back in your place just when you think all is good. Life in the Middle East is truly wonderful. So much to soak up, so many friends to meet.....but work hard, play hard. Take the bad with the good and you'll do just fine. But do your sums before coming here.....it is expensive!
Staying here is the easiest decision to make if you are open minded and willing to accept the bad with the good. Bad being relative of course. You might experience "bad" weather in Europe or some parts of the US during winter. And because of this, you decide a move to warmer climes might be a worthwhile idea. Likewise with income tax, cultural attitudes, economics, etc. YOU evaluate your current circumstances and try to put them into perspective. YOU then decide. My point is, people move here for lots of different reasons and time here exposes us to "abnormalities" as we see it when we put it in context with our own cultures and norms. It is how much you are willing to spend time with these "abnormalities" and accept them for what they are. It is a biased western view of the world that stops many from staying here longer. (Only one reason of course....there are many others).
However, the current environment at the ACC in Abu Dhabi is froth with insecurity and instability. Most importantly, a lack of strong leadership has contributed to the constant outwards flow of experience. Not just controllers, but experience. This is crippling.
SERCO have now lost the contract to provide a certain amount of controllers, engineers and ATCAs from January. It unfortunately leaves few amused. Small increase for those with experience, but most for those in the door. It will create a divide which always has the potential to impact on operational safety. This, the management do not, I am sure, understand.
The ACC was a great place to work. Traffic was chaotic but fun and team spirit was better. Now, traffic has grown with much the same airspace structure with little change. Controllers are being pushed to the edge of that seat everyday with little assurances if something goes wrong. The culture is that of blame and apportioning it is what they do best. If you choose to come here, you will work with some of the finest and experienced in the industry. Controllers love what they do. But be prepared to be put back in your place just when you think all is good. Life in the Middle East is truly wonderful. So much to soak up, so many friends to meet.....but work hard, play hard. Take the bad with the good and you'll do just fine. But do your sums before coming here.....it is expensive!
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Another "top brass" resignation this week.....more ATCO's singing their way to the exits.....time to throw in the towel boys and girls. 
Recovery is unlikely. It's not comfortable here anymore. The descent continues. How far does it need to fall before heads will roll?
Recovery is unlikely. It's not comfortable here anymore. The descent continues. How far does it need to fall before heads will roll?
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Hi Desdi or Bust,
it seems you know very well what is going on there.
But what about the working conditions?I mean what about shifts,or holidays,or relief during your work?How is the work organized?
You also talked a lot about safety, what in case an accident occurred?There would be any possibility to be fired for that?(I mean a TCAS or something like that,not a real incident)
I'm seriously thinking about moving there for some years and I'd like to evaluate everything first.
Thank you for your time
it seems you know very well what is going on there.
But what about the working conditions?I mean what about shifts,or holidays,or relief during your work?How is the work organized?
You also talked a lot about safety, what in case an accident occurred?There would be any possibility to be fired for that?(I mean a TCAS or something like that,not a real incident)
I'm seriously thinking about moving there for some years and I'd like to evaluate everything first.
Thank you for your time
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Have things improved since this thread stopped?
No salary on ad this time. Any sign of school fees being paid? (3 kids)
No salary on ad this time. Any sign of school fees being paid? (3 kids)
If you have kids forget it, no schooling paid and no chance it will be paid, school fees are going up again so that's another pay cut. If you have 3 kids you will not survive here even on the new pay rate that the ex-SERCO controllers are on.
People are leaving, we are currently around 25 short and it's not getting any better.
The bonus is that if you come you are almost guaranteed to pass, the standard has dropped so low that every one passes no matter how bad they are.
Think carefully about coming and don't come here and complain after a few months about how bad it is, you have been warned.
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GCAA hiring again , En-route controllers
Hi everyone
should i apply and send resume? 6+ years acc
on first page someone mentioned atcos make 50 K +- local currency , even if you save half thats not that horrible number
what you guys think?
need to change something in my life , this would suit me just fine i think
should i apply and send resume? 6+ years acc
on first page someone mentioned atcos make 50 K +- local currency , even if you save half thats not that horrible number
what you guys think?
need to change something in my life , this would suit me just fine i think
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even if you save half thats not that horrible number
what you guys think?
what you guys think?
Family = Not possible. Costs are so high here, don't be fooled by the apparent high salary. We are the hardest working, (traffic numbers) and worst paid controllers in the UAE, excluding some of the Abu Dhabi "controllers".
Stay at home, you will regret coming. Conditions are getting worse by the day.
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Any changes
Hello,
Is there any improvement on the working conditions ? Salaries ? If someone want to quit, when can he or she give his or her resignation ? And how could they not accept ?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Is there any improvement on the working conditions ? Salaries ? If someone want to quit, when can he or she give his or her resignation ? And how could they not accept ?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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Plenty of companies or landlords will accept more than 2 checks, but the fewer checks the lower the price.
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It is possible to drive back and forth but not recommended. Depends a lot on where you live in Dubai. Somewhere on the south side with good access to SZH will help.
Foggy mornings make it a very dangerous drive.
I did the Deira side of the Creek in Dubai (the wrong side) to Masdar City (very close to SZC) for 6 months. OK going in the morning. Approx 1 hour. Nightmare coming back in the evening - solid traffic from Jebel Ali inbound.
There may also be restrictions on where you live if you are drawing an accommodation allowance from the Abu Dhabi Govt.
Foggy mornings make it a very dangerous drive.
I did the Deira side of the Creek in Dubai (the wrong side) to Masdar City (very close to SZC) for 6 months. OK going in the morning. Approx 1 hour. Nightmare coming back in the evening - solid traffic from Jebel Ali inbound.
There may also be restrictions on where you live if you are drawing an accommodation allowance from the Abu Dhabi Govt.
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It is possible to drive back and forth but not recommended. Depends a lot on where you live in Dubai. Somewhere on the south side with good access to SZH will help.
Foggy mornings make it a very dangerous drive.
I did the Deira side of the Creek in Dubai to Masdar City for 6 months. OK going in the morning. Approx 1 hour. Nightmare coming back in the evening - solid traffic from Jebel Ali inbound.
There may also be restrictions on where you live if you are drawing an accommodation allowance from the Abu Dhabi Govt.
Foggy mornings make it a very dangerous drive.
I did the Deira side of the Creek in Dubai to Masdar City for 6 months. OK going in the morning. Approx 1 hour. Nightmare coming back in the evening - solid traffic from Jebel Ali inbound.
There may also be restrictions on where you live if you are drawing an accommodation allowance from the Abu Dhabi Govt.