Expert Info
on 8 May 2012
I got a job offer, I'm sure this question get's asked a lot. I've tried to do as much research as possible but it's just a scary decision to make. I don't want to get over there and regret it or wish I would have asked for more. I'm a single male with no kids. Housing- 1 bed room paid by company 18000-Base salary 2509-Transportation 301-Utilities 306-Plane Ticket 35 days off a year 9148-Moving/Shipping So the total package is 21116 monthly. Should I ask for more...?
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We've had a few questions recently about this exact thing, so you can follow some of the comment threads here and here.
It may also be worth checking out our Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi page, which gives a break down of what you can expect to pay in the emirate, and also, before making any decisions be sure to read our Expat Contract Negotiation page if you're still in a position to negotiate your contract.
Good luck with your decision!
Where are you moving from?
The biggest headaches in Abu Dhabi are schools and accommodation, so it's good that the first isn't a worry and the second's taken care of. (That said, 18,000 AED a month for a single bedroom seems like a rip off to me, even for notoriously expensive Abu Dhabi!)
Whether the package is fair really depends on what the job is. Whether it's an acceptable wage for you will depend on your lifestyle. Are you looking to save money while in the UAE?
My advice is: take a few moments to write a list of what you usually spend money on in an average week in your home country, then check out the Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi page for the amount in AED that these items cost, and add up what you would spend in a week in the UAE. Then compare that to the 625 AED you'll have to spend in a week on this package.
Good luck! Hope it all works out for you! :)
The cost of a 2 bedroom apartment in Abu Dhabi usually is about AED 120,000 - 180,000, depending where in the emirate you choose to live. You can use the Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi page for a more comprehensive information.
The current exchange rate is AED 1 = USD 0.27. However, exchange rates change all the time, so it is best to keep an eye on the rates online.
Good luck.
Shantalie