Fees seem endless
This topic should be examined in relative terms because the calculation of average salary of the vast segment of career profiles, including those of the low-paid labourers and unskilled workers, right up to the CEOs would not represent a realistic figure.
The disparity is so huge, it would be better to classify wage earners in groups before accounting for average salary. However, I would like to compare it with a time period going back to 20 years against the current situation. Twenty years ago, most peoples’ earnings would have covered the cost of living in the UAE in addition to being able to put away some of it for savings . But, the recent years have seen the UAE growing at a fast rate, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which inevitably led to expenses going through the ceiling. Those expenses include unprecedented hikes in property rents, Salik road tolls, school fees, vehicle registrations, visa fees, water and electricity cost - the count seems endless.
From Mr Esmail Sageer
UAE
Unfulfilled dreams
It absolutely is not enough. The cost of living will mean just surviving. It seems like most of the population is struggling every month to earn just enough to survive for that particular month. That’s why most people are tied to their jobs to make a living. They aren’t able to fulfil their wishes or dreams. I don’t think it is where many of them want to be in life. Living means a life of abundance.
From Mr Taimur
UAE
Find something else
I don’t think anyone is forced to stay here. Those who are not happy may leave the country and move to some other country. There are opportunities across the globe; it’s all about how we manage our lifestyle. Whatever people say, we are getting a minimum of 16 times more than our own currency. This is a blessed land. There are opportunities here, we must keep trying and wait patiently. It’s not good to blame a country or organisation from where we get our living. If you are not happy with your present job, search for something better.
From Mr Ahmad Shirazi Kalarikkal
UAE
Hard for newcomers
Things are getting tougher here, especially for juniors and newcomers who are getting Dh2000 and the rent is Dh2500. They work 16 hours a day without extra payment as employers are forcing them to work more or else be fired. Working day and night, these people cannot change companies for two years because of contracts and bans, which needs Dh12,000 to lift it.
From Mr Masaud Akhter
Dubai
A matter of lifestyle
It’s enough to cover the cost of living, but one needs to live in an affordable area for rent and it won’t be enough to enjoy a certain lifestyle of dining out in nice restaurants or going out every Thursday.
Having said that, you can still enjoy eating out in small local restaurants where the food is even tastier.
From Mr Kiran Shaheen
UAE
Making cuts to balance
The cost of living is getting much higher than the income, regardless of nationality. Whoever I talk to, says that the prices have gone very high and nobody sees any salary increases. If you add to other living costs like having and educating children, it gets really hard.
We’ll all start spending less, making cuts here and there to keep the balance. I know, many of my friends have been doing it. Don’t be fooled by the crowds in the malls. Many expatriates will reduce their shopping. Let’s see, where it all goes.
From Ms Izabella Salloum
Dubai
Not enough
Not at all. Our company gives around Dh8,000 per person for salaries to some, while they pay us less than Dh2,000. If the company deducted the expenses of accommodations, transport and laundry, I don’t think it would cost them more than Dh1,000.
Even with these expenses, there are so many others to be mentioned.
From Mr Rehmat Laal V.
Dubai
Rents are too much
The expense to salary ratio is not enough. Increase in housing rents is too much and that’s where our salary went. I hope the authorities will help us with this and will hear the hardworking people of the UAE.
From Ms Loida Enobay
Dubai
Many factors
Earlier people used to save something and now they have to find alternate sources to make an extra income to survive here. Everything is expensive and in Dubai now, everything is expensive compared to other GCC countries. I personally feel that nobody is checking the pulse of the market and there is no control on it, as the supermarkets are charging their own way because prices are different in all the supermarkets for the same items.
Rent is another factor. There is a huge increase in the rent and we are not able to understand as to why they have increased this much rent. In any country there is a limit for the rent increase, which is based on the market situation.
From Mr Jose Kunjappan Thaluvachira
Dubai
Little left over
Living here does give us better paying jobs than from back home, but when it comes to long term savings, it gets complicated because we have no pension. Salaries are hand to mouth for most.
From Ms Rita Pandit
Dubai
More control needed
Living cost is way too high in the UAE, especially where housing rents are concerned. The average salary is just not enough to cover costs. There are more villas than affordable housing for the average person. People have to move houses almost every year just to accommodate their budget. I hope a better form of control over rent comes into action in the UAE soon.
From Ms Charmaine Clayton
UAE
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