Posted By DennisH Lots of threads on here about working and living in the Middle East. I've been out here for ten years (Saudi), and my experiences are generally positive. Reasonable standard of living, decent rewards and if you can put up with the restrictions and time away from friends and family, you can make a decent go of it. The article in the Guardian/Observer today makes interesting reading for anyone thinking about taking the plunge, and while it does highlight the negative aspects, and the stuff that'll make the headlines, I think that it illustrates that you need a particular mindset to work here. http://www.guardian.co.u...oct/05/middleeast.gender

Posted By Jane Lowe This is certainly an interesting article and I would urge anyone thinking of moving to Dubai to read it. Still hasn't changed my mind but good to see a different point of view Jane

Posted By Winsley Dubai and its associated 'society' sounds like a very unpleasant place to live. Quite happy with wet old Blighty, less cash but much more tolerant society. This article should be compulsory reading for anyone wanting to go and live there, before making the decision.

Posted By Jane Lowe Is the list of questions to ask re package still available? It would be good to have a look Thanks

Posted By Andrew J When considering coming over here to work or live these are things I can think of to ask/consider in your package. I have two children so I will include family issues. - Base Salary - Working week (a large percentage of companies work 6 day weeks - Friday being the weekend) - Working hours - 45 hrs a week minimum is standard - Accommodation provision - housing supplied or allowance paid - make sure you can get suitable accommodation for the amount offered in a reasonable location. - It is standard for rent to be paid for the year up front - a lot of companies pay this for you the first year and then deduct that out of you salary - the only issue is that they also make you pay it back very quickly as you also have to save for next year, so that can mean basically no salary for a year if you are paying a high rent! Check what the company policy is and do your sum carefully! - Schooling allowance - and for how many children (it is common for only 2 or 3 children to be paid for)- it usually does not cover the actual costs but helps. - Schooling / Nursery - find out if there places available in suitable schools (this a big problem in Abu Dhabi) - some companies can help through connections! - It is law that family medical insurance is provided - but make sure you are happy with the level of coverage - Travel/Car allowance - allowance for you to purchase/run a vehicle and an annual flight to home country - Relocation costs - hotels for a couple of nights either side, relocation flight, taxis, etc - Shipping costs - will the company pay to move any of your furniture etc, if not is there an allowance to refurnish - Visa / Labour Cards, Medical, etc - will the company pay for all these items for you and your family - Some companies will fly our over to have a look at the place first - if they offer take it and look - use it wisely look at housing, schools, travelling times, the amount of traffic, the weather etc - not just the big shopping malls! If the company does not offer this, seriously consider paying for it yourself. - Sick leave and annual leave is pretty standard - but make sure you are happy with what is in the package. Other things to consider: - Remember your will be sponsored by the company so moving job is very hard and can land you a 6-12 month employment ban - so make sure you know as much about the company and conditions as you can. Remember if it is not written in the contract it does not exist - do not take anybodies word for it. And here even if it is written in the contract does not mean it is set in stone. - If you have a partner - it is illegal for unmarried couples to live together - plenty do, so pretend that they are married - it is not a show stopper but be aware - so landlords will not let you rent, so companies will not sponsor unmarried partners. - If you have the choice make sure you sponsor your partner - not your company - that means you have more control over your lives and if they work - they can change jobs more easily as you have control - not the company. - It is an indoor life for a lot of the year make sure you can handle that and more importantly your family can. - Parking - when looking at housing try to get secured parking - sounds like a silly thing but after a 10-11 hour day 6 days a week - the last thing you need if you live in an apartment is an hour looking for a park within half an hours walk of your home! - Remember that these cities (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Doha) look and feel modern - but a lot of the services are not to the standard you expect. - One thing we have found in Abu Dhabi is the health care has been very good for our children. - Although illegal, some companies will ask to hold your passport and will write that into your employment contract - get them to take it out and tell them you will be holding the passport - they will remove it as soon as they are asked! This does not include the religious, social considerations - I just focused on employment packages and some living conditions. I am sure I forgot something but this is very good start when looking at an offer.

Posted By M.B Well said Richard, I have found you work most places in the world there are unique problems and Dubai certainly has those. The problems encountered are pretty unique and you can't go hiding behind legislation half the time, you have to sort the problem out and promote safety with the tools you have, and I personally find that rewarding. So my advise to those griping about the place, go somewhere else! Lovely and warm though.....