Hi #1
How are you doing? Have you moved to UAE ? and how has been the experience, please do share your experiences and views
I am returning to India very soon hence inquistive to see your views

R2India

Just wanted to update CD's about the current situation for Architectural jobs in Dubai from a classmate of mine. I wrote to him specially to ask him as to what kind of facilites to expect from an employer in Dubai and if the situation was as bad as many CD's from Dubai had painted it to me. I hope that it will be useful for any CD thinking of relocating from Canada to the UAE.

"Dear TK A,
its true that life in Dubai is becoming difficult for the salaried class.
Though, the benefits you seek is available, the rules are always broken. This is an Arab nation and you have to understand that the rules out here are not made for well being of Expatriates, rather they are 100% for the benefit of Arabs.
I would recommend Kuwait as a better destination in terms of Saving.Although Kuwait is a harsher country (Arabs are harsh). In Dubai, the last thing you can do is Save. The system is designed to drain all you earnings. Kuwait is not as free as Dubai but pay is better. The rents in Dubai reach upto 50% of your salary and above. One is forced to move out to Sharjah or Ajman both 15mins drive from Dubai. But due to heavy traffic the time taken to Sharjah becomes 1 to 2 hrs.
Yearly fully paid airfare is given for family of 4 with a months leave. Health insurances is either covered by the company or paid as salary. Cars is usually purchased by ourself. You may get cars to visit site. Please be aware of temperature difference in Canada & UAE. Summer temp touches 53 degree Celsius and to add to the woes, humidity can climb a whooping 95%. Its like sitting in a cooker with steam all around you.
Are you planning to move in with your family or as a bachelor. I would recommend staying in Dubai as a bachelor. You can share cost of living with friends and save too. Canada is a better place for family. And you can ask for Annual return tickets to Canada. Besides being on Canadian passport is an advantage, you can ask for a salary level of a Canadian (in terms of Canadian currency).
The above picture i painted is very negative. But look at me, i am surviving it...lol. But the positive part is that there is lotta job for Architects and construction industry for the next 10years at least.
so take your pick.

Peace-TK A

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

HI Tk
It might be slightly off topic ... Have you ever tried changing your field which is not paying you from last couple of years ?? I am sure that many of CD's will be extremely helpful in suggesting a different career which will be eliminating your need to move to UAE ...
You would agree that person having a good job in Canada can lead a better life here in canada than UAE ..
If you are not willing to reply on forum pls do PM me if possible ..
Cheers
Ashwani

P.S: Quote that changed my life -- If you do what you were doing you get what were you getting

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Growing Old Is Mandatory ..Growing UP is Optional

TK,

There is nothing like absolutely good or bad about any place. You need to decide what gains are you looking for.
We have recently moved from Sharjah. I saw UAE changing from 2000 to 2006. No direct taxes but spiralling rents, increasing petrol cost, toll taxes etc. and the increasing number of people putting pressure on resources.
If somebody is offering you decent salary to take care of all expenses and if you are able to live in places away from crowd, it's worth considering.

Best luck.

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TK ..
I am quite surprised that you have not replied ..That is very unlikely you ..
I hope all ok ...
Keep doing the good work ..
Ashwani

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Growing Old Is Mandatory ..Growing UP is Optional