To Filipinos: Working Overseas in Dubai

Hi! I've been to Dubai and stayed there for almost 3 years working in Media City as administration officer. Yes, you are right that time ( 2007) Dubai offers high salaries to workers especially to Filipinos since they knew we are hardworking and loyal to a company. Benefits and bonuses are also offered that time. However, even if you got high salary and a lot of employment opportunities, the villas or flats in Dubai are also skyrocketing when it comes to prices. That's why most people would get an apartment and share the expenses with their friends, relatives or family members in order for them to save money. But those were the times when Dubai is really a boom place until it was hit by recession on 2009 that most of our fellowmen were laid off. Now, there are lot of opportunities in Dubai but don't expect high salary as what the employers offered to people couple of years ago. And most of the bonuses and increment to most of the companies are not implied nowadays. I hope my input will be very helpful to your concern and don't misinterpret what I have stated in my response. For me, its better you know both the good and not so good things in order for a person to decide. :) Good luck and wish your sister find a great deal there.

I heard only good things. Yes the salaries are high, apartments are expensive but if you compare it in our countries salary and cost of living, it's way too far. There are some companies who would give free accommodation including transportation. Electronics there are cheap and the only thing i heard that's a little expensive is the house rental, but if you share it with someone then there's no problem. Besides the salary is more than enough to compensate for the expenses. Most of my townspeople are working there and only after several months they were already able to buy a house here.

I know nothing about working there... but I know someone who does! Drop in on Samar - she has a website for her freelance writing at http://thewritingbase.com and a personal site at samarowais.com- she lives in Dubai and is absolutely lovely. I'm almost 100% sure she'd be happy to answer your questions. If you tell her Spike sent you, she'll probably sigh heavily (with a smile).