I have been looking into leaving the regional world for foreign 121 or charter because I am sick of the pay and having to work for companies that don’t value their employees or customers. The job I am really interested in is in Dubia and pays around $100,000. I am up for an adventure, but before I make a quick decision I wanted to get some insight from those who have done it.

What should I expect to pay for housing and food? I would prefer living in the city too. Are there any other cost of living items I should expect? Also, my GF would come with me. She is just finishing up training to become a dispatcher, so a move would put her career on hold. I guess she could get a dispatching job out there, but I don’t know how easy those are to find for a US citizen.

Any thoughts on the subject would be helpful, but please don’t tell me that the ME is a backward society and I will have no freedom there.

 

Where's Dubia?

 

Dubia, a Latin word meaning doubtful

I confess, I spelled something wrong on the internet.

 

Just giving you a hard time .
I've been to Dubai a couple times, and always suggest to folks who are eager to make the jump, if you've never been to Dubai, spend a few days with your girlfriend, to see if you get the warm and fuzzies. About the GF, I don't want to spread untrue rumors, so maybe someone else can clarify, but living with the opposite sex while unwed might cause you serious problems. There are a few guys that post on here that are very knowledgeable of all things middle east.

 

Quite aside from any legality issues of living together in that part of the world (a very real concern) is the question of merely getting your GF into the country. I take it you haven't done much international traveling--one cannot simply "move" to another country. You as the prospective employee would have that covered by the company and would get a visa; the same would be extended to family members (spouse and/or children). Your GF would be on her own....

 

Well, the only reason we are not married is because I have been trying to save up some money for that. I guess we better get ready to go to a court house soon then.

 

My thoughts on Dubai. I have spent ..hum.. probably 200 days there in the past 3 years. Very expensive. Would it be doable on 100K... certainly. Does the company you are looking at have a housing allowance on top of the salary or is that it? It could be a real problem living together unmarried. Depending on what her other skills are she might or might not be able to find work in Dubai. Fairly mild winters ..nice spring and late fall.. summer and late fall are hot and humid!! Lots to do for people willing to do some traveling, it will certainly take some getting use to but the reality is the VAST majority of people living in Dubai ARE expats. English spoken just about everywhere. IF at all possible I would take a trip there to see if you really like the area and see first hand the cost of living... apartments, food, transportation etc. Good Luck.

 

Check out PPRuNe Forums - Professional Pilots Rumour Network ... Many more international guys there to chat with about Dubai flying.

I feel the biggest downfall to flying over there is the lack of unions. They can (and will) fly the *#>! out of you... And there's really nothing you can do about it. Also, probably tons of India flying ... Between bad radios, lack of common first language and terrain ... It's not easy flying

It's pricey for some things (booze and eating out) but dirt cheap for other things (grocery shopping/eating in). I'd say the money evens out.

Dubai is the most "western" ... So at least you have that. But it's still a middle eastern country where religion runs the government and the courts, so just be aware.

 

It would be more helpful if you said which company in Dubai. Is there a housing allowance or accommodation provided? What other possible benefits? Medical, school allowance, travel, etc? That all comes into play when helping to make the decision.

Housing in Dubai has been rising rapidly again in the last few years. For a couple getting a nice 1 or 2 bedroom apartment in a good area I think you'd be looking at $3000/month plus utilities. If you want a small townhouse in the Springs or Arabian Ranches then probably budget closer to $4000+/month.

There really is no major problem living together unmarried as long as you keep a low profile about it. Technically it is illegal, but it is very common. As mentioned, the Visa for your partner is the more difficult thing to arrange if unmarried.

With the pick up in hiring at the U.S. majors I really do not see why one would want to go to the Middle East any longer. Most of the junior F.O.s are looking to get back to the USA and even many of the captains.



Typhoonpilot

 

Groceries are dirt cheap in Dubai??