Tech industry in Dubai?

Apr 23 42 Comments

Country: Canada
TC: $400k (per year)
YOE: 13+

I have been thinking about trying working in different countries lately and experience how it is to work/live elsewhere. Recently a recruiter from Dubai reached out with ~45k AED per month salary (no tax in UAE). On paper this seems comparable with after tax pay in Canada. However, I have 3 kids and education seems expensive in Dubai, while good public school education is free in Canada. So not sure if this offer is any good.

Needed some advice from people who work in Dubai/UAE:

- what is a reasonable TC for staff+ jobs in UAE?
- Which companies in UAE have competitive pay?
- I have heard that in UAE consulting or Govt jobs can pay better than tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Careem, Talabat & the likes. Is this info correct?
- feel free to provide any other relevant info

#dubai #uae

Amazon Careem
42

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 TOP 42 Comments
  • Twitch
    jtiA64

    Go to company page Twitch

    jtiA64
    Backwards culture in a city built by slave labor in the desert, hard avoid.
    Apr 23 7
    • Vexos
      ironman3

      Vexos

      ironman3
      Sure, go for the vacation but not the same as living and working IMO. As for our opinion, sure take it with a grain of salt. You asked and we provided based on our real life experiences. I can tell you that you will burn your hand if you put fire on your hand but experience for yourself to confirm.
      Apr 23
    • OP
      Agreed, vacation won't be the same as living/working.
      Apr 23
  • Vexos
    ironman3

    Vexos

    ironman3
    Hey OP. Considering your level and YOE, this is just about average. You should target 60K/month as a minimum. Ask for schooling, gas, medical and housing coverage or allowance. Quite standard for specialized skill jobs. You will make shit tons of money but just be careful to not fall in a "show off" culture. Also, summer outdoor sucks.
    Apr 23 8
    • PayPal
      JfdX87

      Go to company page PayPal

      JfdX87
      It's possible but not the most practical in my opinion. It's still a long commute. Traffic can be bad...just like any other city. Admittedly, the only people I knew who lived in Sharjah but commuted to Dubai were those who happened to grow up in Sharjah and your family home was there and you got a job in Dubai. Most/any professions who came to UAE for finance/tech lived and worked in Dubai. Or Abu Dhabi if their job was there. You'll likely find more like minded people too (e.g. globally exposed).
      Apr 23
    • OP
      All valuable insights. Thanks!
      Apr 23
  • Amazon
    sDIM03

    Go to company page Amazon

    sDIM03
    45k is bang average. You should be getting 50-55k minimum.

    However, with 3 kids and if schools fees are not included then it doesn’t make sense.

    Cost of living is high here, you can obviously live in the more affordable parts of the city, however, doesn’t make sense for you to leave Canada for this.

    This is our current expenditure (family of 4)
    Rent 10k
    Utilities, internet and mobile 3k
    Food 7-10k
    Car - 3k
    Other expenses (clothes, entertainment etc.) 7-10k
    Apr 24 3
  • New
    Humdinger

    New

    Humdinger
    If you are a Canadian you will have to pay taxes in Canada for earning in UAE.
    Apr 23 1
    • OP
      Already looked into it. The statement is not true. Apparently I can be a non-resident citizen for tax purposes. I'll lose benefits but that seems fair enough.
      Apr 23
  • Careem
    wefiojwe

    Go to company page Careem

    wefiojwe
    What's the TC That they're offering?

    Currently working as a SWE for Careem with ~6yoe and making 55,000AED + Uber RSU.

    45K for 13YOE seems a bit too low, especially at Staff level.

    That said, 45k is definitely not a bad salary in Dubai... Most people I know make a lot less and are doing just fine. Schooling is super expensive though.
    Apr 26 5