Gerome,

Not sure if you still visit the boards, but I may be able to help you with some of your questions on what it costs here in the UAE and on Visa’s etc.

Firstly, you will not be able to sponsor your g/f and child to enter the UAE. You will be sponsored by your Company, you will only be able to sponsor your g/f and child if you are married, alternatively, if your g/f gets a job, her company will sponsor her.

When you arive in the UAE, being british, you automatically get a 60 day visit visa. Once this has expired you have to leave the UAE and then come back to get another 60 day Visit Visa stamp and so forth.

Living together out of wedlock is a NO NO, although a lot of people do it!

OK, Dubai is NOT cheap. Cost of living is constantly on the rise.

I will try and give you some indication on the general cost of living, but you have left it open as what the cost of living is, is really dependant on how you live and wghat quality of life you want to lead: (all figures are in UK Pounds)

a two bed apartment (1200-1500sq ft) will set you back 16,500/year (incl. gym, pool and covered parking in the main)
gas/water/electric/sewerage: 90/month
Internet (1mb connection): 30/month
Tel (depends on no. of overseas calls: say 30/month
Cigarrettes: 0.85/pack of 20
Petrol: 0.90 per gallon (4.55l)
Groceries: on average for a family of 3 - 150/week
Cars: again, subjective, but you can pick up a decent 4x4 for approx. 350/month on finance
A pint of beer: 3.50/pint average

You salary/package will be tax free, however, we do pay some taxes here, its just that they are not shown.

Pubs and clubs can only be found in Hotels, so the cost of beer and dining out is more expensive.

There is NOT a great deal to do here in Dubai. It looks very "glitzy" on the surface, but underneath it is very hypocritical, prostitution is rife, so is drinking (and we are in a muslim country!) hence why I said hypocritical. One rule may apply to you, not to others.

Traffic is HORRENDOUS, and I mean it.

We have lots of shopping malls (good for the women) and lots of sand. So if you don’t like the above two things, then forget it! hahahahaha

Let me know if you need any further assistance.

PS: How old is your child. School fees here for UK style Private education will run you approx 5000-5500 per year!

forget it,

you say you will take your girlfriend and child.
dubai is moslum country and will not give resident permit to girlfriend
you will need a marriage certificate

cheers bill

Dear Gerome,
the pointwise reply per month are:

1) For a Single couple with 2 children Housing cost will not be less $ 1200 .

2)Yes Food expenses will be $450 - $500 per month.

3)Utilities - Initial Expenses will be $ 600 if u consider buying fridge , washing machine other house hold utilities and after the initial expenses it will come down to $ 250.

4) Leisure - $ 450 Is okay.

Other things are marginal. Just understant in Dubai accomadation is the most costly thing , others things when u compare to other countries are cheaper.

if u have further any qurries do ask again

regards

Haresh