Abu Dhabi Job Offer - Question on Accommodation and Salary.

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Posted by

on 25 Dec 2011

Hi All, I am newbie to the forum...native of India..will appreciate if any of you guys help me out with the below query. few days back got an offer from one of the firms in Abu Dhabi. Wanted to know a few answers with respect to salary and Abu Dhabi work culture. Below is the breakup of the salary Basic: 10000 AED p.m. Gratuity: 15% of basic p.m Accommodation: 100000 AED per annum Car loan: 100000 AED (to be repaid in EMI over 4 years without interest) Furniture allowance: 25000 AED (one time) Annual leave: 25 working days air ticket: economy class water & electricity: to be paid by company school & registration: maximum 12000 AED/child/year (max 2 child) school & university allowance: maximum 12000 AED/child/year (max 2 child) Guys..I am single right now...but may be i'll be married in 2 years time for which the letter mentions an additional allowance of 1200 AED p.m and 10000 AED increase in the accommodation. Query: 1.) is the accommodation allowance provided enough to be in find a studio / 1 bhk in and around the Corniche...or should i negotiate? (please provide some approx. figure) I am ready to travel a bit (10km each side)...what should be the approx rent per month for a place that is 10 km from the Corniche? 2.) How long the process takes usually (all visa processing, medical n stuff) assuming that i accept the offer tomorrow? 3.) The profile is for analyst role (finance) - is this salary good enough for someone with 6 years of experience 4.) How does the grading system works here...i have been offered P1 grade 5.) What about the work permit rules in Abu Dhabi? the letter says 2 year contract which will be renewed every time...can i consider this as a permanent job. Guys, I need to give confirmation in another 3-4 days. I will be very appreciative of you all if you could share your experience while answering my queries above at the earliest. Thanks in Advance!!

Anonymous (not verified) on 26 Dec 2011 - 05:50

Just say Yes and get ready to come this siide

Anonymous (not verified) on 28 Dec 2011 - 06:18

Without knowing the current state of your job in India, I would say that the package is pretty good, and that you should take it if you're looking to relocate somewhere else for a bit of time. Regarding accommodation, you would need the equivalent of around 2000 USD per month to find suitable accommodation in the Corniche area (which the allotment in your package would cover). For a vehicle, if you lease a moderately-priced car, expect to pay 2500 AED per month. Petrol is incredibly cheap as well. Regarding vacation time, I'm pretty sure that according to UAE labour law you should be entitled, to 30 days, so check on this. You should enquire about healthcare, your employer should provide some kind of private coverage package - they are required by law to finance expat health insurance.

Regarding work permit laws, realise that when you sign the contract and your company becomes your employer sponsor, it's super difficult to change jobs in the region.

Anywho, I highly recommend you check out the Expat Arrivals Cost of Living section, and the related articles - they're super helpful.

Anonymous (not verified) on 1 Jan 2012 - 21:52

Thanks Anonymous and Stephanie for your responses. If I compare my compensation in India vs what I am being offered..if i accept the offer, i can say that I'll be earning 3.5-4 times my current salary. My concern was mainly towards accommodation and commute to work. Thanks Stephanie for your encouraging words regarding the allowance being good enough. I am not good at driving (have already starting training for a 4-wheeler) so may be I will try to commute by public transport (for which i googled a bit and found that the bus services is good but is too slow and relatively inexpensive, costing 1 AED per trip). And yes, they are providing me with medical & dental cover..but on a reimbursement basis (not sure if this the trend in Abu Dhabi companies). Not sure if anyone could help me on this...the job description for the role of analyst (Private equities) said any fresh commerce graduate or 1-2 years of experience.. I was wondering since I was having 6 years of experience..whether the salary offered is comparable to experience I possess. Of course, after you take the forex conversion factor and you see a big amount in home currency and it seems a really good offer. but when you compare in Abu Dhabi terms, not sure whether the salary commensurate with 6 years of experience. Any one having a similar role into finance in AD may be in a position to help me out with this query. Thanks again!

Anonymous (not verified) on 3 Jan 2012 - 06:00

No problem Saeed, happy to help. Public transportation is available on a VERY limited basis in Abu Dhabi, so see if you can brush up on your driving before you arrive. Keep in mind that the roads in the UAE are a force to be reckoned with; they're not in bad shape, but the drivers are notorious for manouvering like bats out of Hell. Keep your wits about you at all time, and practice some serious defensive driving.

Anonymous (not verified) on 6 Jan 2012 - 16:32

Mr. Saeed I have lived in AHU. As mentioned above the package is handsome.My opinion is to say yes.perhaps you are without an international experience.Although you can change the employer once you finish your contract period by attaining an NOC from the previous employer. for the said accomodation allowance it is easy to find one studio flat.Other perks are satisfactory

Anonymous (not verified) on 10 Jan 2012 - 19:24

Thanks Mr. Anonymous for sharing your thoughts... Yes, you are right..i don't have any international experience, so i am looking forward to it...my background screening check is on..i have read on other forums, google, and in the above post too by stephanie which mentions about the public transport in Abu Dhabi not being very bankable. I am not good at driving, though I have already enrolled for training a 4-wheeler. I have read on the OJRA website regarding the buses..how good / bad are they according to you? they have got 30-40 minute frequency is what i have read. Hopefully i get a room nearby by office around Corniche, Al Hosn :)

Anonymous (not verified) on 28 Mar 2012 - 18:09

Hello Everyone, I have a query regarding salary as well. I have been offered a contractual job in UAE bank in IT dept with a gross salary of 24K AED per month. I am married with 7 yrs experience in IT and expecting a baby recently. Please guide me if 24K AED will be good enough to save money or i will end up spending everything. I am a moderate spender with no smoking/drinking habbit. My current package in India is 17Lacs INR per annum. Thank you all in advance!!

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