Expert Info
on 8 May 2014
Hi there... I have been offered a job in Abu Dhabi for a salary of AED 5000. I understand that it is a fairly low salary as I've been doing quite a bit of research. I am single - the contract is for a year and the only benefit being offered is Healthcare insurance. However, my reasoning is that its a foot in the door and I can always look around for something better once I'm there? Is that a logical way of thinking? Would I be able to live on that salary? I have a degree in Commerce - would it be relatively easier to be able to find a suitable job in my field for next year? Thanks a mil!!!
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you're right in saying this salary is fairly low. Whether you'll be able to survive in Abu Dhabi on this all depends on your specific lifestyle and needs, but I'd say things are going to be extremely tight. Accommodation is going to be your biggest expense - and if you're still in a position to negotiate with your employer you should try get them to provide for some kind of accommodation allowance. The cost of living in Abu Dhabi is high - for a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for your basic expenses, have a look at our Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi page.
Changing jobs once you're there is not as easy as you may think as your hiring company will be acting as your sponsor on your visa, so if you resign you will need to reapply for a visa through your new company, and your existing company may need to provide a no objection notice in order for you to do so. Learn more about the visa proces on our Visas for Abu Dhabi page.
All the best with your decision! Hope it all works out for you.
You're definitely right in thinking you don't want to be stuck unhappy in a foreign country, and if you're not earning appropriately, life in Abu Dhabi can be particularly frustrating. There is so much to see and do there, and you'll definitely need the inflated expat salary to enjoy most of it. Move for the right job and the right salary.
Good luck with your search!