Country Profile

Do You Want To Work In Dubai?

Oct 29, 2012

Due to its rapid economic boost, Dubai, one of the emirates of United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for many foreign workers including overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs). The growth of tourism and hotel and restaurant industry of the emirate is one of the reasons why many OFWs want to work in Dubai.

A member of OFWGuide Forum joshua_sx1 says that one is lucky enough if he or she is able to land a job in five-star hotel because the management takes care of both its patrons and its employees. Aside from giving importance to the hotel’s quality standards, the benefits and salary of the employees are also a priority. This is because they usually believe that if the workers are happy, then they can also happily serve the hotel guests.

In the said forum, many OFWs who succeed in Dubai shared their stories. Those who are not so lucky in finding a job there also shared their woes. Still, in spite of the negative feedbacks from other OFWs who have been to Dubai, many continue to aspire to go there to work.

Click here to view jobs in United Arab Emirates

Before you decide to go to Dubai, you need to know the cost of living here so you would have an idea if you can really earn and save. The things you need to consider are the following: accommodation, food, transportation allowance from work to home and vice-versa, savings, health care needs, clothing, and leisure.

Check out the table below to have an idea about the cost of living in Dubai.

Basic Needs	Average Price	Tips
Housing	For bed-spacer: AED400- AED600 (Php 4,400- Php6,6600) per month For a studio-type apartment: AED900-AED9,900 (Php11,000- Php16,500) per month	To minimize your housing expenses, live with groups. There are Filipinos in Dubai who look for bed spacers Rent in cheap apartments in Dubai that offer less expensive rooms. Choose a place located near your workplace.
Food	More or less AED500 (Php5000) per month	There are restaurants that offer cheap-price food. If you live in groups, it is advisable to store food (grocery) at least once a week.
Transportation	Bus Transportation: AED1.80– AED2.30 (Php 19.80 – Php25.3) per ride. Taxi Flag Down Rate: AED10.00 (Php 110) Train: AED1.80 – AED5.80 (Php19.80 – Php 63.8) per ride Abra (Water Taxi) – AED2.00 (Php 21.00) per ride	• Choose a place located near your workplace to minimize the transportation expenses. • Take a bus ride when going to work.
Hospitalization	Health Insurance: AED850 (Php 9,350) per annum. Check-Up and Fees: AED100-AED200 (Php1,100 – Php2,100) per consultation for those with no insurance.	• Look for an employer who offers health insurance. • In case the employer did not issue a health insurance, apply for one. • Take vitamins and maintain proper diet to avoid getting sick.
Gasoline	AED600 (Php6,100) per month	• Purchase a car only if you’re granted a stable job and permanent residential visa.
Clothing	AED50-AED100 (Php550 – Php1,100) per piece.	• Avoid buying branded clothes if necessary. • Buy according to what you need. • Bring jacket, shoes and clothes for winter season before going to Dubai.
Internet	FREE in some housing/apartment AED5 (Php51.00) per hour in internet shops.	• Look for an apartment that offers FREE wifi
Water and Electricity	Free in some flat/Apartment AED150 - AED250 (Php1,500- Php2,500) per month – (Applicable to those who live in room sharing)	• Look for an apartment that offers free electiricity/water fee. • Don’t buy and use too many and unnecessary gadgets. • Schedule your use of laptops and charging of cellphones.

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