Can I expect to Save Between 60-70% of the Monthly Salary in Abu dhabi?

Expert Info

Posted by

on 16 Mar 2012

Hi friends, I am considering a job offer with an oil company in Abu Dhabi. The monthly gross salary is 26,840AED (inclusive of utilities and all), my family composition is 6 (2 adults and 4 kids) and an education allowance of 35,000AED per kid (from age 5 to 18yrs). Medical insurance and accomodation will be provided by the company. Considering my very conservative lifestyle, can I expect to save between 60-70% of the monthly salary? Again, is age 5 the minimum school age?... Prince.

Anonymous (not verified) on 20 Mar 2012 - 11:03

Hi Prince

The cost of living in Abu Dhabi is quite high so it might not be possible to save as much as you are hoping for on your salary with such a large family. Accommodation, an automobile and schooling will be your biggest expenses, so the fact that your accommodation will be provided by your company and that you will have an education allowance for each child will go a long way to helping in your savings goal. Bear in mind though that fees for a good international school (expat kids are not allowed to attend public schools) can set you back around 40,000 AED per year per child. Tuition increases as your child ages, and you could expect to pay over 70,000 AED for your 18-year old.

To read a bit more about what things cost in Abu Dhabi, have a look at our Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi page and to read more about schools in Abu Dhabi check out our Education and Schools in Abu Dhabi page.

Good luck with your move to Abu Dhabi!

Catherine

Anonymous (not verified) on 22 Mar 2012 - 23:16

Thanks a lot Catherine!... Pls what's the minimum schooling age by law? and again, how will my annual leave days be computed?...in calendar days (inclusive of weekends & public holidays) or working days (excluding weekends and holidays)? Prince.

Anonymous (not verified) on 23 Mar 2012 - 06:43

Hi Prince, the minimum starting age for grade one in Abu Dhabi is six. In terms of your leave, every contract varies so it's best to speak directly to the company offering you employment to clarify exactly how your leave days will be calculated. For some tips on negotiating your contract, have a look at our article on expat contract negotiation.

Anonymous (not verified) on 17 May 2012 - 07:36

Hi Prince, I'd suggest contacting schools in Abu Dhabi directly to ask about this. Some schools may have differing views on this so it's best to speak directly to the school to learn about what the options are for your son and what the school's policy about this is.

Anonymous (not verified) on 17 May 2012 - 01:07

Thanks once more. But what happens to children who have advanced to higher grades in their home country but whose ages fall below the legal age in abu dhabi? Eg, my son by september this year will be in grade 3 and will just be turning 7 in august. The starting age in my country varies depending on the school and on the child's capacity. Will he be demoted to grade 1 if we relocat?e

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