Housing allowance in Dubai
 

Hi all!

Looking at going to Dubai to work for a fairly looong time and would like to know what a fair housing allowance would be for a single guy.

Please give me enough to get at two bedroom apt in a nice area ;) Thanks ya'll!!! :D

Will :)

Hi Will, from the Emirates website:

"As a general indication, a two bedroom apartment can cost between Dhs 25,000 - 45,000 and a three bedroom villa, Dhs 75,000 - 120,000, but all dependent on area. Some may include air-conditioning and other costs, but it is best to check first."

The UAE "Gulf News" has some property classifieds at

villa - http://www.gulfnews.com/Classifieds/...at=VillasTolet

apartments/flats - http://www.gulfnews.com/Classifieds/...Cat=FlatsTolet


but I am no longer current on areas, you will need to find a "local" for recommendations of good/bad areas!

Thanks for the info newswatcher. I take it that is the yearly cost then? Are those furnished or not? I forgot to mention that I am looking for furnished apts...

Any one else...

Thanks,

Will :)

Yes all annual costs.

Re furnishings, I think it varies, which is why you need to check carefully. Most of the ones I was shown were unfurnished. If you are shown round by an agent, make sure that you note what he says. He may deny it later!

My company offered me either the cash to bring my furniture out, or an allowance to get furniture locally. In my case this was more than enough to get the villa comfortably furnished. At the end of my contract, I was able to bring much of it back(another allowance), including electrical appliances, which were compatible with UK voltage etc. I am still using the fridge after 17 years!

Again, thank you nw :) I don't have all the details yet but hopefully this company will do the same...

So what are some good areas (apts) to live in? Where do most expats live?

Is it better to live close to down town or further out?

Will :)

Guess everyone out there has gone off early for the weekend.

As I said, many new desirable areas have emerged since I was there, so someone will need to comment on these.

There are various drivers for choice, At that time, the idea was to be near JESS, the English Junior School, and Jumeirah was well thought of. Just to show you how things have changed, when I was there in the 80s, there were still parts where the route from the main road to the villas was unmade, e.g.sand! You needed to note this when looking. The infrastructure is vastly improved now!

Some villas/apartments are in blocks around a communal pool or pools, these are quite good for families, but not necessarily for singles!

Most of our "singles" took up in the "Golden Sands" or "Silver Sands" apartments, or the Trade Centre apartments. These were both furnished and offered short lets, otherwise you are stuck with an annual minimum term. I see that the Golden Sands is still going - http://www.goldensandsdubai.com/ but seems to be concentrating on the leisure market.

Hope you find what you want. I am hoping to go out again this summer, when you can get a week in a 5*, including flights, for £399. Who cares if it is 45C!

Will Rogers

Thought I might lend a hand.

If you are looking for a two bedroom apartment in a good area in Dubai you will have to expect 50 to 60000 dhm per year, unfortunately now days 25 to 40000 will set you up in areas like Bur Dubai or Karama or even further afield with regard to Sharjar (Sharjar myself would not even waste my time with) especially with the drive between the two cities not to mention the rest.
S.Zayed road if you are after apartment living seems to be the best area (that is btween Emirates Towers and defence roundabout) single apartment ranges from 36000 up, double lowest at 52000 upwards. If you decide to look at villas close to town the range is from 75000 to 120000 that would be right along Jumeria may find cheaper on the outskirts of Satwa but be carefull around there. Further afield Villas drop down to around 55 to 60000 dhms in places like Mirdif but the draw back there is distance from town and facilities provided out there. Also be ware if you are in a villa running costs with aircon in summer can mount up to around 500 to 1000 dhms a month, if you are in a appartment these cost are covered. A new apartment building on S Zayed road called the UP Tower is quite a good deal it is around 42000 for single bedroom apartment situated on 37th floor and above, includes all white wear and all bills including full power and water and also free internet vai ISDN, something to consider. With regard to payment of rent they will try to push you for one or two checks but they all accept the rent broken down into four, never believe or trust anyone when it comes to business in the middle east and always ask collegues around you what they think especially if you are dealing with a local company. It is business after all!!!!!!!!!

All the best with the move

Tunnelvision

tunnelvision,

Thanks for the great info. That "Up Tower" deal doesn't sound bad at all! Is that furnished? Where is it located and do you know how to get a hold of them (website, phone, e-mail?)?

I will be talking with the company with regards to all this but I kinda wanted to have my own idea as well before entering "negotiations" ;)

Again, thanks for the info!! Keep it coming ya'll!!!

Will :)

Friend of a Friend lives in the UP Tower.....or the 'Unisex Tower' as known locally......apparently stunning apartments, mirrored bathrooms, jacuzzi, full technology fittings etc. Sounds very nice indeed.



And, apparently home to hundreds of EK hosties!!

Sounds interesting...very interesting indeed ;)

I have tried to find this place on the web... Any ideas???


Thanks again and keep the info coming...please!

Will :)

Anyone out there who lives in above mentioned "UP Tower" or somewhere else that they can recommend? Any other cost- or area-information? Any contact information for the "UP Tower"?

I know you're out there ;) Please keep the info coming...

Thanks,

Will :)

Will, here is the sensible thing to do.

If the company whom you are going to work for does not make housing arrangements, then just pack your suitcase and make your way to Dubai at the time you are expected. You do not have to make any lease/rent arrangements while still being abroad.
If you have an EEC or USA pasport you dont need a visa, they stamp your passport on arrival.

Once off the flight, clear customs and luggage and in the arrival hall there is a huge counter for all sorts of services, hotels, appartments, car rentals etc. Go to a counter which has "Golden Sands" appartments. They are the biggest furniture appartments outlet in town. There is ample choice, ranging from living nextdoor to a noisy Russian/Indian/Pakistani family to more upscale busineslike environments. Prices are very reasonable.
Choose one and lease it for one month. Do not commit to anything else without having been in Dubai for at least one month. Look around and take your time cause a permanent lease will commit you for at least one year, payable each six months in advance.

So settle in, buy a newspaper and call the 10 or 15 real estate agents which are run by UK expats. Tell them what you want and they will drive you around town and show you 4-5 appartments each day till you made up your mind. Again, dont rush it, get to the layout of the city and find your spot. No need to rent a car first month, Dubai is not a big city and taxis are cheap and in abundance. No need to worry about food, there are plenty good food outlets, cheap as well and lots of take home and home delivery. The golden Sands are in Bur Dubai, which is across the creek but a lot of things to go to are within walking distance, altough in summer only at night. Crossing the creek by "boat" will set you back 1 Dirham (30 cents)

Expat type entertainment is plenty in Dubai, you will be suprised.

So, in summary, arrive, dont rush anything, take your time and make up your mind. Nothing to your liking after one month, take another month, sometimes it pays to wait.

With best regards
A.V.

The only location problem in Dxb is if you need to commute to the airport everyday, traffic across the bridges in rush hour can be a hassle.

Mirdiff villas are same side as airport (some in the flightpath) but only 10km from the office.

The flash flats are down Sheik Zayed Rd, a bit likeliving on the M25.

Jumeriah is expat ville...loads of villas but more expensive than Mirdiff and you have the bridge factor.

Our crews only come to the office when flying, so most live out Jumeriah side as they are close to beach and expat facilities. Staff who commute daily tend to stay airport side of the creek.

Aerovision
Re:ranging from living nextdoor to a noisy Russian/Indian/Pakistani family.
What a digracefull racist comment.
Dubai must be a perfect place for a W4nk3r like you
http://www.click-smilie.de/sammlung/sauer/sauer002.gif

You won't be able to rent anything in your name until you have a residence visa. (or buy a car, get a telephone connection, get a permanent driving licence......etc)

Depending on your company's clout this can take anything from a couple of weeks upwards.

Arovision,

I totaly agree with "TIGEREYE" !

You are such a disgrase!

Consider yourself upscale? sadly mistaken!!! (sorry!)

Although I am not Russian,Indian or Pakistani as mentioned above,your comment realy pissed me off.

Stop beeing a racist and help "will" with accomodation.

Because of guys like you,no wonder there is no world peace today!!

SHOCKING !!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, but I don't like half a dozen small children playing in the corridor next to my door until the small hours of the morning, and making a great deal of noise, when I have an early start the next morning. Is that racist?

Well FF
The nice PUCCA native family in the land of Strawberries and Cream with whom I spent last christmas had four children while my family has half the number!
So does it make you feel sad!

Cheers!

FFFlyer
 

Are you implying that only Russian/Indian/Pakistani familys have half a dozen small children running around? THAT makes you a racist.
I don't like stuttering TTTw4ts like you!

FFFlayer,

The point discussed here is not children, but nationalities, and "AEROVISION" comment was a adirect hit against Indians,Pakistanis and Russians!

I know a friend of mine living in a compound in DXB,where 99 per cent of the occupants are europeans with their very young kids. those kids make such a noise and their toys are all over the drive way,blocking the traffic.

does that mean europeans are "not" up scale?