Possible move to Dubai

[jrabbit1976]

Hello!  I haven't posted in a long time, I come over from the Nest board.  I am an American who moved to the NL, then back to the US, now in Switzerland for 2 years with our 5 year old son.  We love living in CH, but there is a slight chance early next year we may make the move to Dubai and being the research freak that I am want to start gathering some facts.  

Any expats in UAE now?  How do you like it?  Any expat forums you could suggest related to UAE specific?

Thanks in advance!! HAPPY FRIDAY! 

[Brit]

I'm in Dubai. There is an Expat Woman message board for Dubai, but I didn't really feel like I connected with it very well. I'm happy to answer any questions that I can.

[jennybee1018]

Morning!! I'm in Doha, but travel to Dubai quite frequently (as it's only a 45 minute flight)! I like Dubai a lot, and have a few friends who live there now. 

You'll find that it's super western and pretty common to the US in some ways (not in all ways though) :-P 

I can help with any general GCC questions! 

[jrabbit1976]

Thank you!

What are some good websites to use for apartment rentals and are there some areas that are better than others?

Thanks again!

[Brit]

Do you know what part of the city you (or your H) would be working in? I think desirable areas can depend a lot on where you are working. Budget will also be a factor. The more generous your budget the better neighborhood you can choose, same as anywhere else, I guess. There are many of very affordable options in Dubai, but there are also houses that rent for hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. I work Southwest of downtown (in the direction of Abu Dhabi) so that influenced me to live more in that direction. Downtown looks fun, but I don't want to deal with that commute - I would rather take a taxi there on the weekend if we want to go out.

Do you have kids? Are you both working?

ETA: You have a five year old. You will have the fun process to select a school that you like, that happens to have open spaces, near a house that fits your requirements... :-) It has worked out ok for everyone I know, but I think it has been at least a but dramatic for all. Par for the course.

[jrabbit1976]

Hi Brit, thanks for the info.

Hubby's office will be around Jebel Ali - Dubai..

I plan on working too, it will be around his office.

Yes, a 5 yo to move..love the school searching :/