Is this a decent job offer in Abu Dhabi?

Hi Nemo

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.

Thanks Catherine... I really appreciate your advice...I had no idea that changing jobs isn't that easy! And also, the last thing I would want is to be miserable in a foreign country. I am from SA as well and I've always wanted to work in the UAE but I guess I will need to reconsider the offer :(

You're welcome! Don't lose hope, keep looking around. If you have the right qualifications and experience there are still plenty of opportunities in Abu Dhabi, as well as in Dubai. While expat salaries are not as high as they once where, and the cost of living is high, there is definitely good money to be made in the UAE.

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! 

what is it like for American women there while their husbands are working? Are they free to do as they wish alone in the streets or I have heard that you need a male escort with you at all times. Thanks for your assistance.