It's a brave chap that gives up company accommodation at the moment imho.

new rental calculator is out as of JAN 14 on the news….

Yeah I'm screwed. Saving a buck now, losing much more when it comes to contract renewal…

I guess for some supporting the career of your other half only happens when it comes with trips to the mall for expensive shoes..:ugh:

As for living out of Dxb, one would hope they don't decide to enforce the "live where you have your visa" thing...

Stranger things have happened at sea givemewings, but I'd say it's very unlikely as the local property market doesn't need any artificial help, unlike down the road.....

EK: Opting out
 

A question for incumbents for the benefit of new joiners taking the company accommodation:

Thoughts on taking the furnished package or unfurnished? Is it correct that the furnishings provided are of quite good quality and value? If you went unfurnished and took the 45K furnishing allowance to select your own decor, could you expect to be able to get a suite of equivalent value?

Thanks in advance.

I took the company provided furniture just over a year ago and it's fine.

skytops

If you're already the owner of decent furniture in your home country and it's likely to fit the dimensions of your new pad, whether it be 2/3 bed apartment or villa, take the allowance and use the money to ship your own stuff. Likewise, using the allowance to fit out a small 2 bed apartment would also work...just.

A 3 bed apt or 3/4 villa with 45k will not come close, unless you want it looking like a cheap mini IKEA showroom. Going for the company provided furniture would work better for the first 3-5 years (you may not decide to stay longer anyway). Quality is passable for short term but it will mean groundhog day as you visit all your other EK friends.

Putting the 45k into perspective, I've just forked out over 70,000 for a dinning table, 10 chairs and a side unit. I'm hoping that's going to last slightly longer than 4 years!

70,000 for a dining table and chairs???! Did you fly the Versace team over for a bespoke dining room? I guess whatever it takes to keep the wife happy. I wish I had enough discretionary income to blow 70k on a table:)

Just my opinion but I would choose Ikea over the company provided furniture. To me it all looks a bit dated. But when you interview you can decide for yourself. You will see a set when they give you a tour of the 2/3 bedroom apartment option. If you want an easy transition and minimal hassle then go with the company furniture.

dubizzle.ae and some new stuff will be more to your liking. Lots of people leaving Dubai so you can find nice, more fitting, furniture.

Either you've been robbed or - I hate to say it - been a sucker!!!!!!!!!

Big table made of teak, inlaid with diamonds?

EK: Opting out
 

Thanks for the replies, very useful to hear opinions.

I chose the 45K, a colleague chose the fully furnished, on reflection i am pleased with my choice, the money doesn't go that far but at least you can buy what you like rather than basic stuff.

To give you an example how far my cash went, i bought a good bed, fridge freezer, washer dryer, dishwasher, cooker, crockery and blinds for the villa, just a couple of dirhams left.

If you go for the fully furnished option, it far simplifies moving in but you don't get a choice, the quality looks ok but not what i would choose.

WK

Really? Not sure what your idea of quality is but it's obviously different to mine. Marina, Homecentre, IKEA and the like will offer something but it's hardly top drawer.

It amuses me when people will quite happily spend 150-200k on a car they rarely use and only spend 4k on a bed and mattress they spend a third of their time in. Buying good quality, classic style furniture will never date and will last you a life time.....unlike the car.

BananaAir…

Pretty much just had my milk come thru my nose I laughed so hard…

Note to Self: Don't be drinking anything reading BA's posts!

Kap

BA

Did you have to buy her a rake to lash to the bicycle or do those cost extra??

170

US$19,000 for a table and chairs, or £11,500?!?!

Do you get to keep the delivery truck?

PC

Correct on both! Which is why the delivery truck was not one of those white open top versions with furniture sticking out the top and slatted rails down the side. I think some people have spent too long being exposed to cheap indonesian sourced, Indian made furniture here in Dubai. Go to Europe and the US, visit a reputable department store and see what $20k buys you. Hardly a figure to warrant so much shock and awe

Anyway, the table needs to be long and strong to support the naked Japanese lady that I intend eating my sushi off each night. Freshly prepared by a professional Michelin star chef and Washed down with vintage champagne, all of the above was included free for a whole year with the purchase. I'm now looking for 9 volunteers to join me each night..... as long as you leave the strategically placed crispy seaweed for me! :E