Originally Posted by SKMarz (Post 388607)

OK, I have a few more questions. Is the leave taken over two periods or all at once? I understand they only pay for one trip. Is it paid leave? How far in advance do you usually find out? Do you have to be there a full year before you are entitled to any leave? Generally two or more periods. One primary leave period of 21 days maximum and other smaller ones generally 7 days or more.

I feel foolish for asking this one, while my husband and I are by no means big drinkers, we have been known to have wine with dinner. I understand that you actually need to obtain a liquor license to purchase alcohol. Is this difficult to obtain?You need to purchase a liquor license to have alcohol in your home and to drink it anywhere in Dubai. You can buy it in Duty Free (cheaper) or at the overpriced shops in town.

I have read many different accounts and I understand that it may be fleet specific, but how many days off are people averaging a month?There is no average it just depends on how a person bids and in what bid group they are in. The maximum days off is now targeted at 14 and can be as low as 8.

Do most people have two cars, or just one? Depends how long they have been in Dubai. One gets you through the first few years and then a second one can come in handy depending on your circumstances. I understand insurance can be expensive, can someone give me a general idea of what it runs? Cheap compared to the USA. Just come with a 4 year no claims letter from your present insurer and you'll pay 4% of the value of the car. That reduces by 15% per year as the car gets older. Do most people lease or buy?Buy, leasing is not something that is typically done here. Does anyone bring theirs over or is it too cost prohibitive?Yes, but it better in very good condition or you may have some issues getting it through inspection. Just flew with a guy who's car has been denied entry.

Does anyone who has life insurance policies in the US happen to know whether they are still valid abroad? Good question, sure hope so.

I understand the education allowance was recently raised, has that helped off-set the out of pocket costs, especially in the primary years? My husband's parents came straight off the boat from England, so I am by no means opposed to sending our kids to the British schools, any thoughts on the quality and cost of those schools? The new rates are not out yet, they should be within a month or so. Plan on $6000/year/child out of pocket for an American School from grades 1-5. Grade 6 and above has better coverage so it's around $1000/year/child. That does not include extra-curricula activity. You'll have to have your children in Kindergarden/Foundation by age 3 if you want them to get into a British School. Many of the Brits/Aussies actually start them at age 2 in Nursery to ensure a place in Foundation. British schools can be cheaper, but it depends which one. You can research that all on-line by doing Google searches for all the schools in Dubai. Look at Dubai American Academy, American School of Dubai, Universal American School, Jumeirah College, Jumeirah Primary School, Horizon, Dubai College, etc.

How far are most people being housed from the airport? 20 to 30 minute drive

I'm sure I'll think of more questions, I'm writing things down for my husband to ask, but it is one thing to ask the company and another to ask those who are actually employees or residents of the area.